This article provides a comprehensive guide for emerging authors on how to build a fanbase. It offers practical tips and strategies, from creating engaging newsletters to leveraging online communities and writing groups. The article also emphasizes the importance of providing valuable content and avoiding hard-selling tactics.
Michael LaRocca, an emerging author, managed to amass 421 subscribers for his newsletter in just four months, even before his first publication. His secret? He wasn't selling anything. Instead, he focused on providing content that was helpful, interesting, or entertaining.
People don't want to be sold to every time they open their emails. If your newsletter is nothing but a sales pitch, you risk losing subscribers. On the other hand, if your newsletter offers valuable content, your subscribers will keep reading.
Even the best newsletters won't do any good if people don't know they exist. One way to promote your newsletter is by listing it in newsletters that announce new ones.
Another strategy is to join relevant online communities and engage in conversations. For instance, if your book is about horses, join groups where horse enthusiasts hang out. Be helpful and engaging, and subtly include your website or newsletter address in your signature.
If you have a newsletter, you should also have a website, and vice versa. Each can promote the other. If you don't have a website, consider setting one up. There are many resources available to help you get started, such as this guide by Michael LaRocca.
The internet is vast, and people often form smaller "communities" based on their interests. As an author, you can tap into these communities to promote your work. For example, if your book features action scenes on snowmobiles, consider creating a website about snowmobiling and subtly promote your book there.
There are several writing groups that you should consider joining, such as Inscriptions Magazine and EPIC. These communities can provide valuable advice and opportunities for promotion.
Ad swaps and free classified ads are other effective ways to promote your newsletter. For ad swaps, you can exchange brief ads with other newsletter owners. For free classified ads, there are many platforms available, such as Yahoo Classifieds.
Winning awards for your website can also help increase your visibility. When your site wins an award, it will be listed on the award-giving site, potentially attracting new visitors.
In conclusion, building a fanbase as an emerging author involves a combination of strategies, from creating engaging newsletters to leveraging online communities and writing groups. The key is to provide valuable content and avoid hard-selling tactics.
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