Peg Herring's Blog - Posts Tagged "libraries"
Networking Works
Networking works, but you never know when or how it will. Last night I spoke at a library. After my talk, an audience member told me that she'd visited my website due to pre-talk posters she'd seen. She noticed that I do writing workshops. Would I be willing to do one there?
Of course, I said I would.
She went right to the librarian and made her request. The librarian approached me and set up a tentative time for the workshop.
The library had also asked a local bookstore to handle book sales. After the talk, the bookseller asked if I would do a pre-Christmas event at her store.
Of course, I said I would.
I was also able to tell the audience about a craft show I would be attending in the area where I will demonstrate Tudor clothing (and sell books, of course).
One event: three branches, each different but each likely to help both sales and the all-important name recognition that authors need.
Of course, I said I would.
She went right to the librarian and made her request. The librarian approached me and set up a tentative time for the workshop.
The library had also asked a local bookstore to handle book sales. After the talk, the bookseller asked if I would do a pre-Christmas event at her store.
Of course, I said I would.
I was also able to tell the audience about a craft show I would be attending in the area where I will demonstrate Tudor clothing (and sell books, of course).
One event: three branches, each different but each likely to help both sales and the all-important name recognition that authors need.
Like an Author? Help Her Out!
I've said this before, but it bears repeating. If you like an author, there are three very important things you can do that don't cost you a penny. The world of publishing is flooded these days with lots of authors, some great, some good, and some who should be slapped for putting their garbage on public display.
Because of that, authors need help from their fans. It doesn't take much, and it doesn't take long. Here's what you can do.
Thing #1-Contact your library and tell them about the book. Libraries need input into what readers want to read, and they, too, struggle to wade through the thousands of books that come out each month. They use reviews and public input, so you can be that input. Talk to the acquisitions librarian and tell him/her why you think an author or book is a good buy for them. It helps to have specific info like the ISBN, the publisher, and the correct name of the author (all available on the author's website, for sure). Some libraries have a form you can fill out to do this.
Thing #2-Write a review and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. A lot of people don't feel qualified to do this, but come on. If you can read, you can tell other people why you chose a certain book and how you felt when you finished it. You don't have to comment on the underlying theme or do character analysis. Amazon reviews can be as tiny as 20 words--how hard can it be?
Thing #3-"Like" your author wherever you can: Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, etc. Honestly, I'm not sure how, but it moves their info upward in the hierarchy so others are more likely to see it. I have several friends on FB who repost my stuff so their friends who aren't my friends (yet) see it.
Things like these help an up-and-coming author a lot. Actually it helps any author, so go ahead and "like" Lee Child if you must, but consider "liking" us lesser known types as well. We're the ones that need the exposure.
And thank you for your support.
Because of that, authors need help from their fans. It doesn't take much, and it doesn't take long. Here's what you can do.
Thing #1-Contact your library and tell them about the book. Libraries need input into what readers want to read, and they, too, struggle to wade through the thousands of books that come out each month. They use reviews and public input, so you can be that input. Talk to the acquisitions librarian and tell him/her why you think an author or book is a good buy for them. It helps to have specific info like the ISBN, the publisher, and the correct name of the author (all available on the author's website, for sure). Some libraries have a form you can fill out to do this.
Thing #2-Write a review and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. A lot of people don't feel qualified to do this, but come on. If you can read, you can tell other people why you chose a certain book and how you felt when you finished it. You don't have to comment on the underlying theme or do character analysis. Amazon reviews can be as tiny as 20 words--how hard can it be?
Thing #3-"Like" your author wherever you can: Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, etc. Honestly, I'm not sure how, but it moves their info upward in the hierarchy so others are more likely to see it. I have several friends on FB who repost my stuff so their friends who aren't my friends (yet) see it.
Things like these help an up-and-coming author a lot. Actually it helps any author, so go ahead and "like" Lee Child if you must, but consider "liking" us lesser known types as well. We're the ones that need the exposure.
And thank you for your support.
