Pages

Friday, October 16, 2015

How do you stand out from the crowd?

Authors now days have it easier in some ways and harder in others. There are more publishing options than ever. With the addition of e-publishing there are more than 2 million novels being published globally on an annual basis. The numbers vary, depending on the source, but suffice it to say we are among millions.

How do we stand out? That really is the ultimate question. Some possible answers might be:
  • With a little luck and an awesome story our novels will sell well. 
  • Word of Mouth is a great sales tool. If one person tells another and they tell another then the potential for a best seller grows exponentially. 
  • Good book reviews sell books. Writers are also readers, so always give honest reviews of the books you read. 
  • Marketing. Marketing. Marketing. 
  • Social media helps with visibility. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, etc. Be there.
  • Give-aways and Contests help get your book out. Goodreads.com is a great resource for authors. People love freebies and readers adore free books. Get your book in the readers hands, that's the key. 
  • Workshops and  Speaking engagements are a great way to meet and greet. Get the word out you are an author.
  • Authors must brand themselves in order to grown our audience. For example, Nora Roberts is synonymous with romantic mysteries. Stephen King is the king of the horror story. These author names are their brands. We have to somehow do the same with our brand - Bonnie Tharp, author of feisty family fiction
  • Tell a fabulous story, thoroughly edited and vetted before putting it out to the world. No one likes to read a book full of typos, repetitive phrases, run on sentences, etc.
  • Local libraries are a great way to make your books available. Not everyone can buy books. Libraries provide books to the masses. Readers will take a chance on an unknown author when borrowing the book.
  • Share good books with friends and family.
  • Find your niche audience. Does the heroine in your book knit? Then your story will appeal to other knitters.
What other ways can you recommend? Please, share.

Good luck, my author friends and don't forget to enjoy the ride.

***********************************
To find out more about Bonnie Tharp go to http://bdtharp.com.






5 comments:

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Bonnie,

This is a very helpful article and should be read by all aspiring authors. As for me, I'm still working on it. I think diversity can be a hindrance rather than a help in "branding." I write a great variety and that can confuse readers. At this particular moment, I've found that sales for my YA novel THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER continue to be very strong. I think this is due mainly to word of mouth.

Bonnie Tharp said...

Hi Jacqui. Thank you for the comment. It really is difficult standing out. When you find an audience for your stories it is a great feeling. I'm still amazed how much Word of Mouth is still an excellent way to keep the BUZZ going.

Unknown said...

Everything you said is right on. Thanks for the supportive and informative suggestions.

Bonnie Tharp said...

Hi Olive, Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad this was helpful. Happy Writing.

Unknown said...

We are uhe solid first platform for modeling newcomers to achieve there new dreams. The first to train and promote out models at our expense to avoid burden on them. Join the most popular agency if you modelling jobs in Delhi for female freshers, models, students, housewives aiming to start there modeling career. We are top modelling agency in Delhi offering modelling jobs in Delhi for upcoming female freshers or experienced models who want to join lingerie modeling agencies.


modeling agencies in Delhi
modeling agencies
modeling jobs
modeling auditions
model coordinators
modeling jobs in Delhi