AUTHOR COMMUNITIES-Do They Really Promote YOUR Book?

         Once again, venturing out into the community to put a spin on the marketing of my grandfather’s books, I’ve discovered a local author support group they call the Idaho Author Community.

It amazes me how apparently mystical guidance has led me from publishing several of his manuscripts to marketing and promotion in the public sector when the initial purpose of the first publication was merely to distribute the work to his heirs. That proverbial snowball has led to even more open portals which were there all along and available by simple participation. I think at one point the gentle nudge on my back was felt–propelling me through the first door, into the second, and now the third–an author community–which may be the most enlightening of all.

Comprised of all ages, both sexes (not unsurprisingly, women pen prose just as well as men), and across all genres, this support group is a happy, homogenous surprise to a life long realist–this [←..→] shy of being a pessimist. Does participation in an author community spark competition conflict? Or does the participation force an increase in those most needed exposures where a normally reticent introvert would never tread?

While membership in the author group is admittedly still in the honeymoon stage, there have already been two community book signings (remember those book signings I was loathe to continue?). Certainly the collective book signings did not generate a flush of personal success, but the point is to continue the connection to the public in many more venues than I would have thought of on my own and/or open the avenue to finally explore.

The IAC meeting Monday night produced an additional number of suggestions for continued promotion and marketing, such as:

1.       Support and promote each others books via Facebook and other social media connections.

2.       Support and promote each others books at venues where the author cannot be present, but a support member will exhibit their books and prompt sales.

3.       Supply lists of free classified sites with the extra suggestion to repost daily.

4.       Supply your book to the local newspaper book reviewer and request a review.

5.       Supply the local library with a copy of your book(s).

6.       Do an internet search for groups pertinent to your book’s subject and make a connection.

7.       An author community will foster additional ideas.

These points may be part of many other marketing ideas you’ve read or thought of previously, but failed to implement. This is not an exclusive society; you can continue to do your private engagements.

Sometimes it’s difficult to force yourself out; you want to stay in your comfort zone. You can continue to work the safe havens, but even with the private book signings–now you can take a new perspective with you. Continue to look for a new direction to take those publications–and with fresh inspiration from infectious group enthusiasm–that as well.

Author: Rosepoint Publishing

I am the granddaughter of Patrick John "Stanley McShane" Rose whose books including "Cocos Island Treasure" I've recently published. My time is now spent in reading, reviewing, and writing bookish articles. I'm looking forward to sharing this social media odyssey with you! View all posts by Rosepoint Publishing