Many experienced authors would
answer “Just write.” And that is the way to get the words on the paper, but if
you want to get published there is more to do than just get a story written.
Writing professionally is a business and you need to revert to a little “Left
Brain” logic; your “Right Brain” is responsible for your creativity.
I
just wrote a book. How do I find a publisher?
Publishers need your reassurance
that you are willing to work at being an author, you are willing to get
yourself out there and promote your brand. When you hear the name Campbells you think soup, if you hear Wranglers you think jeans — when people
hear your name they should think about your writing, your genre, and your tales.
Start blogging. There are many blog
sites that are available, several are totally free. The blog should be
representative of the type of writing you do. If you are a romance writer your
posts do not need to be romance stories, but you should focus on posts/articles/short
stories that relate to romance (likewise if you write historical novels you might
concentrate on local history; if you write science-fiction topics could be
about space travel, robotics or medical research). Short excerpts (teasers)
from a newly released book are also great posts. However your posts should
never be “buy-my-book” advertisements even if you do provide links to online
book stores or the like.
Every writer should have a
web-site. A blog and a web-site can co-exist with the same URL although many
authors prefer to keep them separate. So what are the differences? Blogs should
be more fluid with frequent posts (at least two to three a week). Websites
offer information about YOU, your books (or articles), the homepage should be
static (less changes). Ideally a website offers a Media Room with
reporter-ready info about you, your books, awards and accolades, and contact
info for journalists; include professional high-quality images (author and book
covers) that can be used by a newspaper featuring an article about you. Include
links to any media coverage. Always assume a reporter wants easy access to info
about you.
Authors should always have a social
media presence. While you don’t need to do each one, your your personal
timeline private and merely for social purposes and also create an Author Page
for your fans; remember that your page is open/public and should present you in
the best light possible. NEVER LIE. Your public page is not the place for your
political views (unless you are a political writer of course), it is also not
the place to post crazy college party pics or other things that might prove
embarrassing down the line. Your visible image will help to establish your
brand.
Writing
Exercise: Write three to five sentences about EACH of your books (blurbs) that
could be used on your website in a page about your works.
Writing
Prompt: Write a list (up to 10 items) of
current events or local history that might be relevant to your story; make
separate lists for each book.
Challenge
Assignment: Interview yourself. Make a
list of 10 to 15 questions that you would want someone to ask you about being
an author — and then answer each question. Polish it and post it on your
web-site media page (or provide a link to the full interview on the page).
