Dianne Christner
Christian Fiction
Blog
Creating Book Buzz
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...plain girl romanticizing...
For me, the most rewarding part of writing, second only to seeing my novels in print, is connecting with my readers. Without readers, an author fizzles. And that is not the sound I prefer to hear. I want to create an excited buzz. Buzz is readers spreading the word, searching for me as much as I am seeking them.
One way to meet readers is through book signings, but when a professional advised me to pursue social media instead, being an introvert, I was eager to take his advice. I'd done book signings with previous novels and already was dreading the pre-signing jitters.
About seven months ago, I started this new adventure. As soon as the manuscript for my Christian novel went to the publisher, I updated my web site to contain elements geared toward reader interaction. This included buttons that allow them to share via email, Facebook and Twitter. The library and internet gave me tons of helpful information about social networking and etiquette.
As my website evolved, I went to my agent for advice, and he asked my publisher to have their marketing department critique it. I incorporated all their suggestions. Then I paid a computer expert an inexpensive hourly fee to come to my home and teach me how to manage my site.
Now I use my site to express passion about my writing, hoping readers catch the flame. Since I write Mennonite fiction, I created a blog about the Mennonite lifestyle. On my website's sidebar, I keep readers informed about happenings in Plain City, Ohio, which is the setting for my series.
In the future, I plan to create additional scenes or information about my characters beyond the pages of my novels. When readers purchase my novel, they are giving me a gift. In return, I want to give something extra back to them.
Setting a budget helped me formulate an internet marketing plan to locate my readers. (The word marketing makes me cringe because it's impersonal and invokes the image of dollar signs instead of faces. I use it only because the industry does.)
There are many places where an author can buy advertising. After diligent research, I chose Family Fiction and Readers Circle. I didn't have the funds to do a book trailer this time around, but with website costs behind me, I hope to budget a trailer for the next book in the series. In the future, I plan to hire a social networking expert to evaluate my efforts and modify plans for upcoming books.
Once I had cover art, back cover copy and an ISBN number, I registered my novel with Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, Library Thing, Shelfari, and various places of opportunity, making sure to create an author's page and always Iinking my blog and website to it.
Tip - One way to locate potential readers is to Google names of well known authors in your genre and see where their books are mentioned. Those are the places you need to be.
I've learned that building a following takes time and patience. I'm still a beginner at it, but I've already interacted with thousands of potential readers.
Writers, I covet your additional input. Readers, I hope you feel my gratitude for your support because I love writing and without you, it is a lonely venture.
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10 Comments
Who knew writing a novel was so much more than just writing a novel. Thanks for sharing your marketing experience. You gave some great tips. I'm really looking forward to seeing more scenes with your characters. I know I haven't gotten my fill of those girls! Thanks Dianne, for always thinking about your readers!
Reply
Linda McFarland
01:50 PM on August 01, 2011
Love your blog...and look forward to reading all your books...and being a fan of yours for many years..love the reviews..because it gives a good idea what the book is about ...so I can look for the book and read it...thanks again
Rachel, I have about a month left writing book three, "Something Blue", and then I am going to start on those extra scenes. It will be fun.
Linda, I'm always so thankful when someone reviews my books. Thanks for your comment
Linda, I'm always so thankful when someone reviews my books. Thanks for your comment
Bravo!
Dianne, thank you for the great tips on creating BUZZ! That magic word is a tribute to readers and the power they have to help us continue what we love to do the most-writing! Love reading your blog and am looking forward to following you ~a successful Christian Author!
Dianne, thank you for the great tips on creating BUZZ! That magic word is a tribute to readers and the power they have to help us continue what we love to do the most-writing! Love reading your blog and am looking forward to following you ~a successful Christian Author!
Thanks, Deborah. I enjoyed reading your bio on my readers page. You are welcome to add a link on your profile page if you like.
Thanks Nikole,
I saw your comment on Rachelle's blog. It has been fun to meet you...though we've never really met. But I signed up for your newsletter and hope to meet you at an upcoming writer's meeting. Many blessings on your work.
Dianne
I saw your comment on Rachelle's blog. It has been fun to meet you...though we've never really met. But I signed up for your newsletter and hope to meet you at an upcoming writer's meeting. Many blessings on your work.
Dianne
Reply
Nancy Petralia
03:52 PM on August 05, 2011
Thanks for your generous advice. I'm going now to try that tip.
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Prue Batten
07:30 PM on August 05, 2011
Dianne, terrific post. I'm a beginner too and whilst writing the book and getting it to the point where a reader may find it worthwhile is the fun and escapist part, I agree that there is no escaping the part of the iceberg that lies under the water... that awful word 'promotion' or the even worse word 'marketing'.
It seems we must do it to survive and whilst for an introvert (me too) it is hard, the silver lining is the wonderfully personal interaction with readers via FB, Twitter and one's blog/website. If there is any one thing that this new digital world has done, its the facility for readers AND writers to interact so closely. Wonderful.
It seems we must do it to survive and whilst for an introvert (me too) it is hard, the silver lining is the wonderfully personal interaction with readers via FB, Twitter and one's blog/website. If there is any one thing that this new digital world has done, its the facility for readers AND writers to interact so closely. Wonderful.
Reply
KC Frantzen
05:17 PM on August 08, 2011
Hi Dianne,
Thanks so much. I learned quite a bit today. GREAT ideas. You're wonderful to share...
Wishing you continued success!!!
KC and May the K9 Spy
Thanks so much. I learned quite a bit today. GREAT ideas. You're wonderful to share...
Wishing you continued success!!!
KC and May the K9 Spy
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