How do you know when you have “arrived” in your field or genre? For some, it is when they are quoted in someone else’s book or when their book is included among the recommended books or resources section in someone else’s book.
This has happened to me over the years on numerous occasions. And it is always a thrill and a privilege. Yet, I know authors who are timid about getting involved with other authors’ projects. Sure, it is important to check the author out, if you don’t know him/her, and to ask questions about their pending book. You don’t want to find yourself improperly represented, for heaven sakes.
Is it worthwhile to go to the trouble of writing a blurb, giving permission to have your book included or even writing a chapter for publication in another book? Absolutely. I’ve done it many times and it has always turned out to be a positive decision.
Generally, the other author either comes to me for permission or a quote or they will just include my book or one of my quotes and tell me about it later. Especially if you are a new author, you might have to look for opportunities to be included in books related to your topic or genre. For example, stay in close contact with your colleagues. Read their blog posts and articles. Do they mention that there is a book in the works? If so, contact them. Ask if you can send them your book for possible inclusion in their resources section or to be featured as a recommended book. Of course, maintain your own blog related to your topic, comment on other blogs and place articles on related topics in many appropriate magazines and newsletters. In other words, become known as an expert in your field.
There are basically two ways to become known in your field or genre—by being in the right place with the right information at the right time and by pushing the envelope. Go a step or two beyond just putting yourself out there. Engage in assertive marketing. Instead of waiting for key people to notice you, introduce yourself, show up where they are, comment at their blog sites, communicate personally with them. And be sure to ask for what you want.
What do you want? Presumably you want to reach your readership and one good way to do this is to connect with others who have the same or similar followers. Be proactive. Be creative.
For more about book promotion, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
For help with self-editing, writing your memoir, book promotion, self-publishing or building an article-writing business, check out my online courses:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Contact me for a free editorial evaluation for your manuscript in progress. PLFry620@yahoo.com.