How to Make a Writer Happy - Tips for Readers

There are so many things readers can do to help writers spread the word about their books., and most of them are free. If you like a book or a series, help create a buzz on social media and other places for an author. It’s the the easiest way to make a writer’s day.

Post a Review - Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and other book sites help expand a writer’s reach. You don’t have to do a book report. A one-line “I liked it statement” is enough. All of the online sites have algorithms, and the number of reviews do matter to the amount of exposure a book gets.

Buy the Book/Share the Book - Buy a copy of the book for yourself or a friend. And if people ask you want for your birthday, books are always great gifts.

Recommend it to Your Library- Most libraries have a process where residents can request books for the library to purchase. If you like a series, make sure your librarian knows.

Share it on Social Media - Take a picture of the book when it arrives or one of you reading it. These make great social media posts. And don’t forget to tag the author. Instagram has some great hashtags (e.g. #bookstacks, #bookstagram, #prettybookplaces). I love seeing folks reading my books in different places. I also like it when readers spot my book “in the wild” at a library or store and send me a picture.

Recommend it to Your Book Club - Recommend reads to your book club or group. Many authors love to attend in-person or virtually to chat. You may want to reach out to see if the author could attend to talk about his/her book.

Add it to Your Shelf on Goodreads - If you use Goodreads to track your books or yearly challenge, add a book to your “want to read” shelf.

Follow the Author- Follow the author on book and social media sites. This will help you stay current with new publications and updates.

Subscribe to the Author’s Newsletter - This is a good way to ensure that they author has you on his/her fan list. It’s also a great way to get regular updates and information on special events and giveaways.

Attend Book Events - Support your local book stores, libraries, and authors when there are readings, book launches, and signings.

Authors love their readers. And a quick review or shout out will definitely make them smile.

Online Interview Tips for Authors

You want to look and sound your best on an interview. No matter if it’s for print, an audio podcast, or a video, here are some tips that can help you look like a pro.

Backgrounds

I can’t tell you how many Zoom meetings, workshops, or interviews I’ve viewed where the subject was sitting in his/her bedroom with a clear shot of the bathroom in the background.

• Set up your camera and look at your background. If another room (especially the bathroom) is behind you or you think you may be interrupted by others walking by, close the door.

• Look at what’s behind you. Make sure it conveys the image you want to project. If it’s a bookshelf, people like me will spend some of the time trying to see what books are behind you. Make sure your shelves or the room behind you is neat and professional looking.

• Many podcasts (which are typically audio only) also post a video of the recorded session. Make sure you ask before you think it’s audio only.

• If you use a green screen, make sure it stretches across the entire area behind you. There’s nothing more distracting than for viewers to see parts of your desk or room peeking around the green screen.

• If you choose to use the blurred or preset backgrounds, make sure you don’t fidget. When you move or there’s movement behind you, the background adjusts as if it’s part of you. It’s funny to watch people (and body parts) appear and disappear. Also, doors that open behind you look like a portal into another dimension when your stock background starts to move. This may not be the look that you’re going for.

Lighting

Lighting (as much as you can get in your interview spot) is important. If you do a lot of online presentations, you may want to invest in a good light. The prices vary, but you can get a good one that’s reasonably priced.

• Natural light is the best, but it’s not always available.

• If you wear glasses, be careful with ring lights. We can see doughnuts in your lenses.

• Test your lighting. You want to be well lit, but not washed out.

Sound

The interviewer or panel need to be able to hear you. A practice session or a mic check is always good practice.

• Test your camera/microphone and know when you are (and aren’t) on mute.

• Invest in a microphone or headset that minimizes background noise. I can bet money that my neighbor is going to decide to blow leaves or cut grass the minute I log on to do a presentation.

• Find a quiet place in your home that’s away from distractions. It’s good if you have a door to close.

• If you’re outside, remember your microphone will pick up traffic noises and wind.

• At my house, the dogs are pretty well behaved, but if someone rings the doorbell, all bets are off. I’ve put notes on the doorbell when important recording sessions were in progress.

• If you’re having internet or sound issues, find out if you can call in to the session. (Old school landlines are the best if you still have one.) Make sure you have the call-in information before you get started.

• If you’re having connectivity issues, make sure no one else in your house is streaming (movies, TV, music, or video conferencing) or gaming. Turn off video to improve the connection.

Your Look

Zoom has made it necessary to look ready for anything at a moment’s notice.

• Wear solid colors.

• Choose dark colors. They show up better. Busy patterns look squiggly, especially if your audience is using low resolution for viewing.

• Take time to do your makeup and hair. Make up does help with your look on video.

• Make sure that you’re looking into the camera. It looks odd when you’re looking off screen, down, or side-eyed.

• If you’re going to read something, make sure that you’re still facing the camera.

• Smile. You want them to see the real you.

• Take a deep breath and calm the jitters. You’ll do great! You know your material.

Always be prepared. Have any props or books within reach (so you don’t have to get up). And do a practice run if possible to make sure all links and equipment are working. And it’s always a good idea to have an emergency contact for the host in case you can’t get the link to work.

Best wishes for your next interview and book promotion!

The Social Part of Social Media - Tips for Authors

Authors and workshop presenters will advise their audiences to be authentic or genuine on social media. It sounds simple, but I’m not sure everyone understands what that really means. Here are some ideas to help.

Buy My Book - Your 5,000 followers are not going to translate into 5,000 book sales. These sites are great ways (free or low cost through ads) to promote your books, celebrate with others, and interact with readers. They help you expand your audience. Limit the number of “Buy my Book” posts. If someone finds you and sees a string of hard sells, they lose interest.

Be a Good Citizen - Being real or authentic means to be a good citizen of the site. You like, comment, and share on others’ posts regularly. Join groups and contribute.

Celebrate Others - Make sure that you celebrate with others (whether it’s birthdays, shout outs, announcements, etc.). And don’t make their announcement about you. (We’ve all seen that one author who posts a comment to someone’s announcement. “Hey, if you like this type of book, check out mine. That’s a leech.)

No Hit and Runs - Don’t post something and never return to comment on the responses. You need to interact with the folks who comment. The more interaction your posts have, the more the platform will show it. Popular, active content rises in the algorithms.

It’s All in the Numbers - Each platform has its own way of displaying posts. There are algorithms for how often and what is shown to your followers. These change often, and you never quite know how they work. Posts with videos or graphics tend to get more attention.

Invite Participation - When you create a post, look for ways to ask a question or invite comments. Occasionally, I’ll post what I’m reading and ask what everyone else is reading. This sparks good discussions, and I find more books to add to my TBR list. You can always find a related meme or picture for the question you pose.

Share - Your readers want to know about you. Decide what you are comfortable sharing about yourself. If you have a hobby or pets, they are always good content and photo topics.

The social part is key to building and expanding your platforms on social media sites.

Things You'll Need to Prep for Your Book Launch

As you begin to query or promote your book, there are things you’re going to want to have on hand. It is better if you can create and polish them ahead of time instead of having to draft them on the fly.

Elevator Speech - This is a short description (2-3 sentences) of your book. M. M. of Finck of Query Quill says that it should be about 25-30 words, and it should create interest in your work. This description is at the summary level and should create an emotional connection or inspire curiosity.

Back Cover Copy - I usually draft this to go along with my proposal. Your publisher usually creates this, but sometimes, you may be asked for a draft. This type of promo for your book is longer than your elevator speech. It’s written to draw readers in, and it doesn’t give away the ending. M. M. Finck said to look at other books in your genre to get ideas for content and style.

Synopsis - Agents or publishers will often ask for a synopsis. This document isn’t for your reader. It’s usually about one to two pages single-spaced. It contains the title, author, genre, and word count and summarizes the action with the major characters and contains spoilers.

While I’m planning and writing, I create a document with a short summary of each chapter. It helps me see where the clues, action, romance, and comedy are. I later use this to create a synopsis.

Biography - You need to have several versions (e.g. short, medium, and long) of your biography. I put these on my website and in my press kit. Reporters, librarians, bloggers, and others use these when they feature your work or invite you to speak.

List of Book Links and Social Media Links - You will be asked frequently by bloggers, reviewers, and those managing book promotions for your links. I create a Word document for each book and store them all in one file. It’s easier to have them in one location.

List of Characters/Settings - Some people call this your book bible. I always create a document with the names and characteristics of each named character and location. If I’m writing a series, I create a Word table with a column for each book. I note key items like hair color, eye color, type of car, pet, etc. I want to be consistent across all the books. It also helps me not to reuse a name or pick a name that sounds like one I’ve already used.

Press Release - Your publisher or publicist will usually create create this. This is the formal announcement about your book, award, or special event for the media. If you Google “press release” there are lots of examples and templates to give you an idea if you’re creating your own.

Pictures - I keep a folder on my computer of my headshots in different sizes. I have another electronic folder of all my book covers in different sizes. This makes it easier when doing book promotions. All of them are in one place.

It helps to have all of your documents ready and in one place where you can quickly access them for queries, marketing, and promotions.

Spring Cleaning: Your Social Media Sites

Spring is coming to Central Virginia, and I can’t wait! We’ve been working on indoor projects, and the weather has been cold and messy this winter. I’m definitely ready for some outside time after the spring cleaning. Make sure you add the clean up for your websites social media sites as one of your tasks this season.

The Follow - Unfollowers: There are so many folks who follow you and then unfollow you after you follow them.

• About once a quarter, I use the free version of Analyzer Plus (phone app) to remove unfollowers on Instagram.

• I also use the free version of Twitonomy to clean up Twitter.

Audit Your Website: Go through and look at all the pages on your site.

• Update or delete anything that’s outdated.

• Check all of your links and forms to ensure they’re still working.

• Is it time to update the photos?

Review Your Bios: Look at all the bios on your social media sites.

• Make sure they’re current.

• Make sure you check on the ones that you don’t visit very often.

• Make sure any links still work.

New Headshot: Does your headshot still look like you?

• We change (especially after a year of quarantining).

• You want people to be able to recognize you online (and one day, in-person).

All Your Books: Are all of your publications on your sites?

• Are your most recent publications listed?

• Check all of your links to make sure they still work.

Where Are You?: Check it out.

• Google your name or penname and see where you are on the big, wide web.

• You may find some places you forgot about. Make sure your bio and information are current.

Happy Spring!

Taking Care of Your Social Media Sites

Your social media sites, including your website and blog, require regular attention. The “social” part is important. Your sites shouldn’t be used solely to post “buy my book” promotions or when you have a new book to advertise. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

• Readers/followers want to interact with you. Respond to comments in a timely manner. Don’t just post and run.

• Post questions and continue the conversation when you get responses.

• Make sure that you’re on your sites regularly sharing, commenting, and liking others’ content.

• You need to have fresh content on your website, blog, and social sites. Figure out what works for you (e.g. once a day, once a week, etc.) and try to post consistently. People don’t come back to visit sites where the last post was April 2017.

• I schedule some of my social media posts, so I have a variety of content, even when I’m not on social media. I found that I get a lot of traffic on Twitter after midnight from folks in other countries. I schedule posts during these timeslots (even though I’m sleeping), and I respond to them when I start my day at 5 AM.

• Followers are looking for interesting information and entertainment. Make sure your posts gather attention. Photos/graphics and video are good ways to draw people to your post.

• Do a quick audit of your sites. Look at your recent posts. Are they eye-catching? Do they spur the reader to comment? Is the content interesting? Check out my post on Social Media Content Ideas if you’re looking for things to post.

• All the social media sites have algorithms for determining what does/doesn’t show on newsfeeds. Organic interest in a post (e.g. likes, comments, shares) does have an effect your reach. Comments and shares are better than likes.

• Make sure that you like and follow others. On Twitter, I’m often tagged in #WW (Writer Wednesday) or #FF (Follow Friday) posts. Take a minute to follow new folks. It will help your audience grow, and you’ll meet all kinds of interesting people.

• It’s usually not a good idea to respond in attack mode to negative posts. But these sites are yours, and they represent your brand. From time to time, you may need to delete comments or block the trolls.

• You don’t have to follow everyone who follows you. There are a lot of bots and trolls out there. Be careful of scams. If something sounds fishy or too good to be true, it probably is.

Mining Story and Promotional Ideas - Tips for Authors

I have been a list maker forever and working in IT for years has just exacerbated that with hundreds of Post-its, work break down structures, and notes written on any nearby scrap of paper.

Last year for my writing projects, I consolidated the hundreds of notes into two spreadsheets that I can sort in a variety of ways.

Ideas - The first is my idea spreadsheet. I come across names, title ideas, weird or funny stories, and tons of true crime and news articles all the time. Having one place to keep this information is helpful when I’m plotting or looking for something to add to a story. If I use an idea, I delete it from my spreadsheet. (Now there are no longer lists of ways to kill people on my desk or white board, but I have found crumpled notes in the bottom of my purse of interesting poisons or other ways to off people.)

Book Marketing Ideas - Book promotion ideas are everywhere. I go to lots of workshops and presentations, and other authors are so gracious about sharing their ideas. I constantly take notes. You never know when something is going to be useful. My big, giant, promotional spreadsheet has a tab for each topic (e.g. promotional services, book bloggers, book stores, libraries, reviewers, bookstagrammers, etc.) I enter the information and a note of where I found it or who recommended it. Then as I plan for my next book, I have a place to start. I update it as I go if things change.

There is also a “my contacts” tab for organizations, alumni groups, homeowners associations, book clubs, etc. that I’m a member of. Many have newsletters or social media sites for news and announcements.

Recently, I added a “hook” tab. I brainstorm things that are in each book and what non-mystery sites would be helpful or possible options for book marketing. For the Jules Keene Glamping series, I have a list of things like Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, Glamping, Vintage Trailers, Tiny Houses, and Jack Russell Terriers. I list groups and contacts that could be possible book promo opportunities.

Places to Look

• Write down what other authors recommend (e.g. services, publicists, program ideas).

• Keep a list of all contacts you made such as librarians, bookstore owners, bloggers, etc.

• Subscribe to other authors’ newsletters and see how they present and promote their work. What events or promotional things are they doing?

• When you attend conferences, workshops, panels, or social media parties, make a list of the services and who provides them. If it’s a reoccurring event, you may want to participate in the future. If it’s a service that does promotion or social media parties, you may want to use them later.

• Create a list of bloggers and podcasters who interview authors. When you’re contacting these folks, you may want to do it 3-4 months ahead of your launch because their calendars fill up quickly.

• Make a list of tools that authors and publicists are using for graphics, book trailers, photo editing, etc.

• When you have casual chats with other book people, jot down ideas. People are great about sharing new products or services.

• Use your reading, tv-watching, or social media time wisely. This is where you’ll encounter lots of ideas. Write them down, so you don’t forget.

You may not need a nugget of information at the moment, but it’s a good idea to record it for when you do.

Social Media Content Ideas for Authors

Sometimes, it can be overwhelming for authors to maintain all of their social media sites regularly. It’s not enough to post once in a while. Authors need to be engaged, and it can be hard to come up with content ideas other than news about your books. Here are some ideas.

Hobbies - Post pictures of your hobbies, crafts, cooking, or interesting projects you’re involved in.

Pets - Your furry, finned, or feathered sidekicks are always a hit and get a lot of attention.

Your Thing - Find something that interests you, and post about it regularly. I have several friends who take a walk each day with their dogs. They post each morning about their adventures. A lot of my author friends post what they are reading and ask for readers to chime in. I have one friend who starts a daily chat about exercise. I have another friend who goes antiquing a lot, and she posts pictures of her latest finds.

Your Adventures - Take pictures when you go places and do things. Share interesting exhibits, classes, and places. I know this is harder as the pandemic continues, but take pictures of Zoom calls. You can use your Print Screen button on your keyboard to capture a screen shot.

Shout outs - Recognize and celebrate with others. (Make sure to tag the person or organization.) If you attend events, workshops, or meetings, take pictures and share.

Look for Your Hook - Make a list of all the things that appear in your book. For my Delanie series, its Southern Sleuth, Female Private Eye, 80s Rock Singer, Richmond, VA, Computer Hacker, Sleazy Strip Club Owner, English Bulldog, Sears Catalogue Houses, etc.) Then look for posts to share. Look for groups with similar interests. I was asked to do a blog post and some interviews about the Sears Catalogue house in my stories with some folks I met on Facebook. Also post pictures or links to interesting research that you do.

There’s A Day for Everything - Google “Funny Holidays” or “Daily Holidays.” There are tons of lists and calendars out there. Make a list of things that interest you or relate to your books. At the beginning of the month, I schedule posts for my holidays. For the Mutt Mysteries series, I made a list of dog and pet days. This also gave the group some ideas for themes for Facebook parties.

Pinterest Boards - I make a Pinterest board for each book and topic that I’m researching. This helps me see what the characters and setting look like. A publisher asked me one time what the main characters looked like, so I pointed him and his cover designer to my Pinterest board.

Funny Memes - Funny memes garner attention, and these can be used to generate questions or discussion on social media.

What else would you add to my list?