The Social Network: Author Edition

Networking is a word that has become a part of our everyday language. We hear it on the news and see it printed in articles, and even in books! But what does it really mean?

The idea behind networking is simply creating a connection and keeping it to benefit both you and the other person or company. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, it is so important for authors to grow and stay connected with their readers.

Keep reading to find out how you, as an author, can work to build your own network!

Author Website

Author websites are a great place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed about networking in “real life.” By creating an author website, readers will be able to learn a little more about you and see the person behind their new favorite book.

Feel free to add pages where you include personal photographs from your life, favorite books and quotes, and information about upcoming events. Here is an example of a website for one of our own authors created by our design team to tailor his requests. https://www.drjackfried.com/

Social Media

Alongside creating a website to highlight your book, make sure you create and update your various social media outlets (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) regularly. Some users will feel more comfortable navigating your website, whereas others will be more interested in following you on their favorite social media platform.

To make sure readers know where to reach you, provide links to your website on your social media platforms and vice versa. By giving readers the most up-to-date information about events and new books, they will feel like they are walking alongside you on your publishing journey.

Books

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it may not be something everyone would think of. Whether you are going out for dinner with your family or taking a road trip to another state, make sure you carry a few copies of your book in your car or on your person.

You could meet someone along the way who is interested in your book and who would be able to help you in your endeavors. By being prepared to give them a copy of your book (with a business card tucked inside), they will see you are not only organized but also invested in your work and someone they could see themselves connecting with.

Connect with other authors

Speaking of connections, this last topic is a really important one! Compared to actors and musicians, authors are relatively easy to get in touch with online. Feel free to send an email or message to an author who you have always admired, or someone who writes in the same field as you. Ask them if they would be interested in receiving a copy of your book. By starting these conversations, you could be looking at the start of a great literary friendship.

While these are just a few suggestions, we hope they help you get into the mindset of networking with your readers and with other authors. If you are interested in any of these options and would like some advice, or if you have other creative networking ideas, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We can’t wait to connect with you!