Marketing and Networking for Writers

Act Like a Writer. Think Like a CEO

Who am I?Shani Greene-DowdellA 4-time published author, with a love for writing and

publishing. I began writing my first story in 2005 and by the end of 2006 my manuscript was completed. Two years later (2008), I received the self-published author of the year award from the AALAS in Harlem, NY for my second book. Two years later again (2010), I received a Pink Diamond Award from the SistahFriend bookclub in Columbia, SC. How did a lady in Opelika, Alabama get connected and honored in two different award shows in two different states, only two years apart? I say, it’s due to Networking and Marketing…

Networking for SuccessYour network = your net worth

NetworkingWe will fill in some of the gaps that you may be

missing on building strong relationships in your network and looking at various networks to market your book.

Networks- nounany netlike

combinationof filaments, lines,

veins,passages, or the like: anetwork of arteries; anetwork of sewers

underthe city.

- nounan association ofindividuals having acommon interest, formedto provide mutualassistance, helpfulinformation, or the like: anetwork of recent collegegraduates.

-verbto cultivate people who can be helpful to one

professionally, esp. in finding employment or moving to a higher position: “His business lunches were taken up with networking.”

Networks (BEWARE)I strongly believe thatnetworking is the reasonthat my work has been recognized.However, I also know that there are some “networks “ that pop up everyday looking forunsuspecting authors to prey on. Most times, they will ask for unreasonable amounts of money for services.DON’T BE THE ONE TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

Recommended NetworksNayberry

PublicationsBlack Pearls

MagazineUrbanreviewsonline.co

mLocal Mom and Pop

StoresLocal Churches,

Schools, and Universities

Trade Shows ***At workBUILD YOUR OWN

Network = Net worthSurround yourself with supportive and positive

people, and duck, dodge and run from negativity when you first spot it!

Make all of your networking relationships a GIVE and TAKE. ANYTHING ELSE IS UNCIVILIZED!

In this picture, an author friend traveled from Atlanta to show support for my first seminar. In return, I set her up with a book signing in Auburn.

Marketing YourselfBelieve it or not, most customers are buying you, not your books, so be likeable, approachable, etc.

MarketingMarketing is the process by which companies

determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. ...

Selling is the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money

The world is so BUSY!How busy is your schedule? How many demands to

you have on you? Did you remember to do everythingthat you had to do last week?

I DIDN’T THINK SO…

Grabbing peoples attention and keeping it these daysis not an easy task…and to say the least extremelyhard. Sometimes, you only get one opportunity tointerest a potential connection or reader.

What will you do differently, than the other 300,000 authors that

will be publishing new books this year alone?

Cover & ContentYour book’s cover and content is a part of your

marketing, because it determines the message that you will give to your readers and the different avenues that you can promote.

Though many authors do not like to be categorized, your cover and content will decide your genre.

Effective MarketingBuilds…Trust in You and Your

ProductBrandingPublicityInvitesWord of Mouth BuzzInterestTraffic/CustomersSales

Though the bottom line is sales. Your top of the line is building your brand and trust

in it.

INTEGRITY

Ten Effective Marketing

Strategies that Don't Break the

BankTo bring in new and repeat customers for your business. 

by Janice Byer www.powerhomebiz.com/vol16/effective.htm

1) WebsiteThis is probably one of the best and most cost

effective forms of having your company visible to your potential clients....and its available 24/7! If you have the time and patience to learn to put something together, give it a try! Or, consider hiring a professional designer in order to get more pop to your site. The benefits of having a website are definitely worth the expense. But remember to shop around and be comfortable with your designer... and the money you pay.

2) Newsletter or Email Campaign One of the best ways to continue to build with

existing customers is to create an email campaign or newletter. This way they are consistently receiving updates on your events and products, but even greater than that they get to learn more about YOU.

Think Tyler Perry, the movie producer extraordinaire and how he genuinely connects with his movie goers through email. How many producers email you and thank you for watching their films, or share personal experiences with you?

3) Signs in or on your vehicleWindow decals are fairly inexpensive

consideringtheir lifespan. Remember to include your

websiteaddress. If funds are really short, make signs on

Bristolboard and put them inside the windows. You

can alsoget Licence decals. These can include your

websiteaddress, company name, and phone number

and fitnicely around your licence plate.

4) Join your local business associationsAnd don’t forget to get involved! Your local

Board ofTrade or Chamber of Commerce can provide anabundance of opportunities for your business.

Thenetworking events are a way to meet other

businessprofessionals in your community who may justhappen to have stores to stock your books or

eventsthat you can do signings at. And, getting

involved inthe committees allows you to share your

expertise andbe recognized by your fellow members.

5) FlyersPinup Flyers. Include a tear-off section on the

bottom and put the flyers up at your local stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards

6) FollowupKeep in touch marketing, such as a

personalized thank you to a new client or contact, a Christmas card that simply says thank you, and a monthly newsletter (print and/or online) to all your customers and contacts.

7) Wear Your BrandIron on transfers. As an author, you already

eat and sleep your book(s), so why not wear it too? You can purchase the transfers at your local business supply store and, I imagine, at craft stores. Then it’s just a matter printing your logo (or whatever you want on the shirt) onto a transfer and ironing it on.

Vista Print. A cheap way to print T-shirts.

8) Articles & Press ReleasesWriting articles is a good way to receive exposure and it

also helps you to be regarded as an expert in your field. Press releases can be used to announce a new book, when you provide a new service, or any other time you have some news to tell. There are 2 keys to a press release... the Headline and making sure it doesn’t sound like an advertisement, but more like it is news.

“Alabama Author Tackles Friendship, Love and Secrets

Presenting a Powerful Depiction of True to Life Relationships set in Pine Mountains, Georgia

9) NetworkingThis is another highly beneficial and cost

efficient way to get the word out about your business. Attend designated networking events as often as possible. Also, when possible, follow the Three Foot Rule... if appropriate, strike up a conversation with anyone within 3 feet of yourself and be sure to bring up your books, workshops, speaking engagements.

10) TestimonialsThese can be implemented into many pieces of

marketing. Include a sentence or two in your advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and you can even dedicate a whole page on your website to the kudos your receive from satisfied clients.

Bonus…Give Away Freebies…Who doesn’t like free? Sometimes just letting a

customer know that you care enough to give them a free gift is all that is needed to get the sale. Also, bargain shoppers love a two for one.

Be Creative!No matter which marketing efforts you use,

keep track of where your inquiries and new clients are coming from. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they heard about you and/or your business. Asking only takes a couple of seconds and the results will show you which strategy is working for you the best.

Put your imagination to work... instead of your wallet and watch the business roll in.