Do you subscribe to newsletters related to the theme or genre of your book? Perhaps you belong to an organization that produces a monthly newsletter. First, I’d like to suggest that you read it religiously. And I also recommend that you contribute to it, if this is an option.
Most editors who write/compile newsletters are hungry for contributions. You should be eager to put your name out in front of your audience as often as possible. Now isn’t that a win-win situation for everyone?
But so many authors don’t think about writing articles as a way to promote their books. And few see their favorite newsletters and enewsletters as opportunities to reach their readers. Here’s your assignment for today:
1: Take inventory of all of the newsletters (including enewsletters, of course) that you subscribe to and/or receive. If you aren’t getting newsletters related to your book’s theme or genre, start seeking some out and subscribe. Many are FREE, such as SPAWNews, the monthly enewsletter for SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network).
2: Study those newsletters from front to back and determine what type of articles are used, the basic word count, the style and focus of the articles, etc.
3: Determine what is missing that you could contribute and begin formulating a few articles.
4: Study the submission guidelines. If you can’t find them at the website or in the newsletters, contact the editor and ask about the deadline, where to send the article, word count, etc.
5: Write the piece to conform and send it before the deadline.
6: Include your name, title of your book and your website in the byline at the end of the article.
But this should not be the end of the story. Put on your thinking cap and come up with additional ideas for articles and keep submitting them to appropriate newsletters, enewsletters, websites, bulletins, magazines and so forth. You will become known in your field, genre. You will sell books that you would not otherwise sell. You will develop material for your website. You will come up with new ideas for articles and books.
I’d love to hear from those of you who take this advice.
Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com
Visit my book showcase: http://www.matilijapress.com
Check out my editorial services: http://www.patriciafry.com