Maximize Your Marketing by Making Friends
Writing is (usually) a solitary endeavor. Marketing doesn’t have to be. While writers may feel like they’re competing with every other author in their genre, readers don’t see it that way. If a reader likes, say, contemporary romance set in Montana with heavy suspense elements, they’re going to be thrilled if there’s more than one author writing that stuff. If you’re one of the ones writing it, this can work in your favor.
As part of your business plan and marketing plan research, you should get to know other authors in your genre. The comparisons (especially to the best known authors) will help potential readers grasp your style and give you a starting point for keyword lists and ad copy.
While you’re scoping out the top of the heap, look for authors in a position similar to yours. Try to find those whose readers might like your work and vice versa. Then go make friends with them. Here are three ideas for mutually beneficial marketing:
Exchange promos. You hype their books, they hype yours. Think social media posts, blog tours, and newsletter swaps.
Collaborate on a project. Pool your collective resources and release an anthology.
Provide cover blurbs for each other’s books.
Of course, making friends with other authors fighting battles similar to yours means you can share knowledge. And you have someone to talk to who truly understands the best and worst moments as a writer. There’s nothing like a BFF who has been in your shoes. Conferences suddenly become a lot less intimidating. Then there’s the “rising tide lifts all boats” theory. Let’s say one of your writer buddies hits it big. Sure, you’ll probably be jealous (let’s be honest), but that association can only be positive for you. And when you hit it big, you have the opportunity to bring a couple of deserving authors along with you.
If you need help figuring out which authors might be a good fit for Operation Author Collaboration, drop us a line or give us a call. We love to make new friends.