We at Books Forward know how important this time is for our authors and readers alike. People are going back to basics and reading more than ever (let’s take that good news where we can!). Sitting at home, readers are wondering “What can I read today?” while Authors are wondering “How can these readers get a copy of my book?” We are here to be that clotheslines between the two! Grab your pegs and pulley that fresh book into their (hopefully) clean hands with a few of these easy tips!
Audience
Start with your reader – Who are they?! And find them!
- Who is your audience? What do they look like? What stores do they shop at? How old are they? Are they married, single, young, old… You get the point! Narrow down that audience as best as you can and go after that using hashtags and similar accounts.
- Comparable authors – This is a trick that can help you not only find your audience, but find out what works best for that author, which in turn could work well for you! What content are they posting? Where do they get the most engagement? Follow some of their audience and engage.
Photos
We live in a very visual society – which *err* doesn’t really help us wordsmiths – but if a visual photo is going to give them incentive to read your caption or better yet your book then we have to think about the immediate bait. With some extra free time at home, why not try to snap a few good photos for content? If a photo is going to get your readers hooked, then let’s reel them in.
Tips for photos:
- Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! In this day and age, most smart phones carry a quality camera. However, to get the best quality of the camera, you need to take pictures in natural lighting. Move your camera around different angles to see how the light affects your photo. Shoot outside if that helps (*Insiders Tip* A photographer’s favorite day, is overcast – not too bright and not too gloomy)
- Editing Apps: You can download free editing apps such as ColorStory, Afterlight and VSCO but to avoid being overly complicated, most phones have an editing option right in the photo.
- Editing Tips:
- Lightning: Don’t brighten it too much, but adding a little extra can make your photo look extra professional!
- Crop: Don’t be shy to take a photo as is and use the crop tool to clean it up!
- Content: Not every photo has to be a perfect photo, people want to see the real you so feel free to share a recipe here and there, your writing setup, your morning coffee routine,, your family – anything that may pull readers in to who you are and how you write. Inspire them!
Easy Photo Examples:
1- Flat Lay: Greenery, or flowers can help bring color to your photo! Place your book on a stool, a chair or table – add greenery around it and voila!
2- Add in textures and colors that you have lying around the house! Where’s your reading spot? Maybe your writing desk? A fun angle: Hold out your book below using one hand, and snapping the photo with your other:)
3- Use different covers and mediums of how you can listen or read your book!
4- Furry Friends are welcome! People love pets – sneak in those hashtags of your dog’s breed and find new followers that love books & pets too!
5- Bookstacks – Share with your readers, what you’re reading or what inspires you! Sharing your name and associating with other authors always gives good perception. Tag them and see if they repost it!
6- Don’t be too shy to get in the shot! Set up a timer or have a friend/family member to take a picture of you writing or reading. Get that book plug in there too by having it somewhere in the frame;)!
Instagram LIVE
This is a great new tool for creatives. Although, it may seem terrifying to go live – It’s a great way to connect! *just remember to turn on AND off the camera*
Here are a few ways you can use this tool:
1- Pair up with another author! They can be in the Books Forward family or a fellow author you know. Schedule a time, share it with your fans on both socials and choose to ask each other questions about the writing process, or any chapters in your book etc. You can have a theme or it can just be a quick happy hour chat!
2- The new donation button – This tool is a great way to get readers to buy your book on the spot. OR, you can use this tool to pick a charity and raise money during your Live. Team up and Tag!
Facebook LIVE
Again, another great tool to reach out to people on that platform! You can do a reading hour, where you read and discuss a section of your book, throw a launch party, cook your favorite meal- anything that helps create content, tags other accounts and promotes your book at the same time is a good recipe!
Example:
1 – Authors, David & Julie Bulitt LIVE making their favorite drinks in the kitchen!
https://www.facebook.com/172783613413991/videos/235977604179931/
2- Author Katie Burke, jumped on a Zoom call with local bookshop The Booksmith and a few kids from her book “Urban Playground; What Kids Say About Living in San Francisco.”
https://www.facebook.com/172783613413991/videos/235977604179931/
REVIEWS
Don’t be shy to reach out to Instagram, Facebook or any book reviewers and offer a copy of your book in exchange for a post! Now, on Amazon you can send an ebook as a gift, super easy and practical for social distancing!
All in all, social media is a great tool but you have to be patient with it. The more time you spend engaging, creating content and connecting with people you will start to see your numbers grow – Remember, consistency is key! It’s a clothesline, where you need to hang each item up one by one – give it time. Unfortunately, social media is not an automatic dryer. *welp*
Brittany Kennell is the digital marketing strategist at Books Forward, an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.
Interested in what’s possible for your book sales and building readership? Check out our services, tell us your goals, and get a customized publicity campaign tailored just for you.
