Build Your Author’s Platform Through Connections

As you know, I’ve been discussing aspects of your platform these past few days. This is the fourth in the series. Today, let’s talk about your connections.

Everybody knows somebody of influence in their field or interest. I want you to make a list of everyone you know and every organization affiliation related in some large or even minute way to your book project. Consider how each of these people could assist in the promotion or your book. Here are some ideas. Let’s say that you have written a book featuring historical stories of your region.

• Contact the most influential researchers and librarians you worked with while gathering material for your book. Ask them to recommend librarians and museum gift shop managers you can contact about placing your book for sale or giving a presentation.

• Call on a teacher or school administrator you know who could put in a good word for you at the district and state level.

• Speak with people you’ve met at local chamber mixers (you should belong to the Chamber of Commerce) who can introduce you to potential booksellers, radio talk show hosts, a newspaper reporter, program chairpersons for various civic organizations and so forth.

• Visit your neighbor who frequently travels the region depicted in your book and ask him for bookselling recommendations.

• Keep abreast of events and activities planned for your area and neighboring cities and find out how you can get involved.

• Arrange with a librarian, museum director or school administrator to present a program based on your book. If it goes well, ask this individual’s help in setting up similar programs in other venues.

• Contact someone you know at local newspapers and regional magazines. You might be able to negotiate some press. Offer to let them run a story from your book. Ask for an interview. Ask if that person can introduce you to reporters/editors from other publications.

Use this example toward your own book project. Think about who you know that might be of some help in introducing your book to your audience—well-known authors in your genre or topic, experts in your field, company or organization leaders, bookstore managers, college professors, active public speakers, magazine or newsletter editors, etc.

Once you’ve made your list, think about how each of these people can help you in your quest to promote your book. If the book is completed, start contacting them. Where possible, offer some benefit to the individual when you ask for their assistance. Take him to lunch to discuss how a partnership might benefit both of you. Offer her a deep discount on box of books to give to new customers if she will promote the book in her company newsletter.

Be creative. Be smart. Become successful.

For more about me and my work, visit me at:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

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