I recently had my first sit down
interview with a magazine reporter and she asked me the question, “once an
author indie publishes a book, how do they get that book noticed?”.
I told the reporter the standard
replies of using social networking and placing sponsorship ads on reader websites,
but then I thought about what has helped me sell the most books. And I replied,
“communication with my readers”.
It is well known among the indie
writer community that the best way to sell books is through word-of-mouth. No
paid advertisement can beat a real live human being praising your book to
another reader. So, how do you create word-of-mouth?
I spend a minimum of two hours a day
personally answering every email, comment, or fan question that comes my way. I’ve
joined dozens of Facebook writers clubs and Google+ clubs and actually interact
with real readers and people who love books.
I’ve watched my sales grow steadily
as I discuss my books with readers and see my fan base grow. There’s nothing
more personally and artistically satisfying then someone telling me they are
buying one of my books and then writing me later telling me how much they
enjoyed it. This is how you build readership! This is how you sell books!
Yes, it does take away a tremendous
amount of my writing time to personally answer each and every inquiry, but I
wouldn’t trade interacting with my readers for anything in the world. Go ahead,
drop me a note or pick up one of my books and let me know what you think. I
will get back to you.
Click here to drop me a note.
Strymaster@aol.com
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