Be willing to accept bad reviews and constructive criticism on your writing, your marketing, or your overall professional presence. I’m not just talking about crits from people in the know (editors, publicists, and the like–though certainly pay attention to what they say), I’m speaking of your readers and the general public, too. Learning what to do about bad reviews can help your ego and your reputation recover quickly. My book got a bad review! Get a bad review? Put on your big kid panties and learn from it. Harsh advice, but I’m not here to hold your hand and tell you the world is a nice place. It’s also not a really horrible place. You may not believe it right now, but aside from the occasional internet troll, most reviewers mean well. They took the time to write something, now give that feedback the attention it deserves. Take a lesson …
Social Media Tips for Authors
Most authors can’t afford to hire a PR person or a Social Media Manager—and honestly, I don’t think you should hire one early in your writing career. Maybe not ever! With these social media tips for authors in your marketing toolbox, you can increase exposure for your work, improve your reputation, and improve your sales over time. Your job as an author doesn’t stop when your book is published. Your readers need to know that you, the author, actually care about them. They need to know that you respect them and that you understand that you’d be nothing without them. That means you should answer your emails, letters, and phone calls. You should handle your sales and book signings and events. And you should be the one to take care of your own Social Media presence. Be a part of the community that’s growing around your books; show your readers …
Book Published? Your Job is Not Over!
Book Finally Published? Your Job is Not Over! By Charity Becker Whether you’ve been traditionally published, truly self-published, or vanity press published (Createspace, LuLu, etc.), your job is not over once your book is out. Even if you have a PR person or a dedicated marketing team, after publication you shouldn’t just sit back and kick up your feet. As an author, it is important that you continue to engage your readers. Show your fans you’re really there. You must talk to readers, news agencies, book stores, and event coordinators. Schedule signings, readings, and plan to attend at least one event every year—more is better! You need to stay on top of your fan mail from current readers and do things or offer goodies to continue to attract new readers, too. Being an author is more than just writing a neat book and sticking it on a shelf or on …