What? Are we going to talk about community mumbo-jumbo again? No, this one is a much bigger step. Get yourself viewed nationwide. How pray tell would you do that? By going to national events and guest blogging.
All of these things you’ve been doing so far have been a workout getting you ready to meet with some big dogs. Places like Thrillerfest, ComicCon, Romance Writers of America, BoucherCon and the like. Make connections with those who influence you, whether by email or other social media outlet, build a relationship, and then let them know you are coming and would like to meet them in person. I can’t tell you how many great contacts I’ve made off of going to these conferences. This is their time to schmooze, to stop thinking about their workload and enjoy themselves in a room filled with their peers who all are or have gone through the same things they are now. Many take comfort in knowing they aren’t the only one who has faced a challenge, and many times they are willing to help you conquer it. Don’t forget, be sure to join the group (ie, become a registered member of Thrillerwriters.org) as that is a great way to establish contacts as well, and the only way you can get into their events.
I hear it in the background, “But Stan, I don’t have the time… I don’t have the money.” Yes, you are right it can take 4 days from your schedule and upwards of $1000 between transportation, tickets, hotel room, and food. Once again, I cannot stress enough that these things will rock your world and give you openings you may not have had before. We would not have had people like Douglas Preston, Steve Berry, or Jon Land gracing our covers otherwise, amongst others. Start saving now! Tax returns may be coming for most of you, find out when and how much the conference is that you want to go to, put a chunk of change - whatever it is - aside, and save for the rest. Even if you go once and find out it’s not for you, you can at least know that you tried, were persistent so to speak, and next year you may not go back if you found it to be lacking in some way. On the other hand, you may get R.L. Stein to fall in love with your book, and not only will he blurb it, but he wants to put a sample of it on his social media pages (hey, crazier things have happened, I’m just saying). You never know the outcome until you try.
Find local book buying events where people are looking for books to put on their shelves. They are usually regional, so you might have to do some driving, but making contacts will help you get viewed that much more. Be sure to join other regional events, like writer’s workshops, book fairs, etc. While some of those may be mostly community-based, keep your eye out for the larger events that may be posted in your local papers or shared on your local news channels.
I’m sure you are all familiar with guest blogging. Authors/officials go to blogs, some well-known, some not so much, and either answer questions for an interview, or talk personally on a subject of their choice. This can be a great way to open your audience up. If you are typically a sci-fi writer but have some romance, find those blogs that would give your book a read. Not only may they read and review the book, but it could open you up for monthly posts if they like what you had to say to begin with. Also, try getting into the larger blogs that have a constant base of reviewers/columnists, or write for the groups you have joined like Thrillerwriters.org.
Also, though it wasn’t a part of my intro don’t down play your local publications. If you have any desire to branch out and become a journalist, try your hand at it. Start locally and work towards your larger regional papers… who knows, you might just get asked to move to the city to write for the big-wigs. Getting seen by a national audience, whether in person or via web publication, is a necessity to get you that much closer to your goal of being a bestselling author. Household names are those that are purchased, and whether that is right or wrong (since there are so many great names out there being overlooked for a lack of a title) it’s the fact that we all must find a way to overcome.
Friday, April 22, 2011
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4 comments:
That is exactly how I met Shane, from Variance, he was at last year's PNWA Conference. I see he is coming this year too. I've found most of my contacts through SCBWI and PNWA Conferences.
Great post, Stan! I've done some guest blogging and even interviewed one of your authors, Rick Chesler. I would love to go to a conference, too.
Great post. I met Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes) at a convention last fall and struck up a conversation. He said he'd like to read my book when it comes out. I plan to get him a copy after it is out. Sure, he isn't a major player in the book world but he is a good actor and a pretty nice guy. Who knows who he has contact with.
Dorine, yes, Shane will be attending as far as I know and on a panel from what I understand. I've heard that the conference is an amazing experience!
Toby, I remember that he was over there now that you say that. If you are interested in a conference, be sure to check out thrillerwriters.org! It's a great time and the cutoff for discounted rates ends on the 30th of this month. You make some amazing contacts in the thriller world and they are a great bunch of folks to make friends with.
Doug, very true. And hey, if you have something that is a proof copy, send him that signed. Something a bit more limited edition, in fact, a collectors piece. Getting it into his hands can bring about movie deals with people like Del Toro who created a few crazy fantasy-type movies... Keep in contact, it will be worth your while, not just for that, but because I'm sure he's a cool chap.
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