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"We just want to write! Why do we have to do this other thing called marketing . . ." —MEIER
Engaging in social media on any scale is a challenge for most writers. We just want to write! Why do we have to do this other thing called marketing and promotion? The truth is, writers who aren’t already well-known (and by well-known I mean James Patterson) have to embrace technology if they want to sell books. In today’s publishing environment, no one else is going to do it for you.
Last month we explored some ways fiction writers can use social media to build interest in their work. Today we’ll talk about specific techniques that nonfiction writers can use.
Start with a blog. There are many more blog options for nonfiction writers than novelists. Nonfiction writers can begin blogging before their books are complete. In fact, I would say they should start blogging before they’ve even sent out a book proposal. Increasingly, we are seeing more books that actually started out as blogs. An early example is Julie Powell’s Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, which became a bestseller and major movie. Cheryl Strayed’s (Wild) new book, Tiny Beautiful Things, Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, is based on her dating advice blog. Almost any nonfiction topic is ripe for a blog.
"Over time, people who find your blog helpful will look for and buy your book(s)." —MEIER
Let’s say you’re writing a book on training dogs. A blog could provide tips and information from the book. You can excerpt portions of the book, or engage other dog trainers to be guest writers. You can interview top trainers like Cesar Millan and put the conversation on your blog. (Check out Cesar’s blog, by the way.) Over time, people who find your blog helpful will look for and buy your book(s).
"Pinterest is also gaining a lot of attention, and some authors are using it." —MEIER
Once you’ve got your blog started, you can use social media networks to promote the blog and engage readers. Facebook and Twitter are particularly effective, but you have to spend time on them every day. If you don’t have time, hire someone (find tech-savvy interns on Craigslist or use your local community college or university’s intern database). Pinterest is also gaining a lot of attention, and some authors are using it very effectively. You could set up several Pinterest boards related to dogs: obedience training; toys, dog beds and other products; dog food; veterinary questions, etc. (I confess I’m still trying to understand Pinterest; it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me yet. That’s a topic for a future column.)
As with fiction writers, nonfiction authors also should be engaging in book blog tours and virtual book tours.
Next month we’ll explore some ways to increase traffic to your blog. Till then.
Email me at marcia@marciameier.com, and visit my website at marciameier.com
About Marcia Meier
Marcia Meier is an author, award-winning journalist, writing coach and developmental book editor. Her book, Navigating the Rough Waters of Today’s Publishing World: Critical Advice for Writers from Industry Insiders (Quill Driver Books, 2010), was named one of “10 Great Books on Writing from 2010” by The Writer magazine. Learn more about Marcia on her web site.
