K. Elliott's Blog, page 5
February 16, 2011
Goose 2.0 for Authors: 2 Internet Platforms to Engage Fans
Yesterday I promised that the next two posts would provide some examples of what authors can do to find their golden eggs. The first two geese from my "gaggle" of examples are social media and blogs.
1. Social Media –is a great tool to keep up with old friends. But it contains some great tools for authors as well. For years I've used social media, first Myspace and now a Facebook page, to engage my fans. For a couple of years, I've moderated edgy topics dealing with relationships and issues surrounding race. My fans have enjoyed the conversations and always share interesting thoughts. In process many have become my friends. Recently I created The Situation Room, a group page on Facebook and moved the dialogue there. What's new is that in The Situation Room, my fans are able to start and moderate their own edgy topics. The result is that this group has exploded with content that keeps my fans engaging me and each other, even when I'm not around. Along with that, I am able to keep a pulse on ideas that matter most to the people who loyally read my books. When I published "Entangled" seven years ago, I could not have imagined having the kind of connections with my fans that my Facebook page and Group have allowed. Do I think you should duplicate the situation room? No. I do, however, believe it's a great idea for you to get creative with how you use social media to relate to your fans through direct interaction.
2. Blogs – Are a great way to promote yourself and your titles. Once upon a time, you had to try and get published in periodicals if you wanted your articles in print. Now whenever you have an idea, you can start a blog and use writing, video, and/or podcasts to tell your story or provide helpful information to convey to your followers.
Friday, I will discuss the benefits of publishing your manuscript online as an ebook and using author profiles.
February 15, 2011
Welcome to Goose 2.0 Where Authors Use the Internet to Create Golden-Egg-laying machines
For authors, the internet holds Geese that can possibly lay Golden Eggs.
If you're an author with a finished manuscript, you hold a pet goose capable of laying Golden Eggs. But she's not going to start laying on her own, as all geese that are egg-bearing must be properly nurtured.
Out with the Old Goose
Up until recently an author's "gaggle of geese" was touring to book signings, book fairs and radio and television appearances. These are still pretty effective methods. People still love book signings. People still love interacting with their favorite authors personally. People still care to follow authors who seek personal connections with their fans. But now with the internet and social media, authors have a golden opportunity to get personal with so many more people than could be met at a book signing or touched by a media broadcast.
Enter Goose 2.0
Goose 2.0 is personal and interactive, just like the book signings. However, the differences between the Geese of old and Goose 2.0 couldn't be more radical. Gatekeepers, like publishing houses and media outlets, no longer matter. Obstacles, like exorbitant publishing costs associated with printing, are practically obsolete. Moreover, time is on an author's side more than ever as Goose 2.0 is about creating online platforms where engagement with fans is constantly far-reaching, interactive, and ongoing.
The result is that authors who consistently nurture Goose 2.0 can zoom past gatekeeper hubs directly into the lives of their fans and potential fans across the globe. Can't get booked for a local call-in radio show? No problem, there's always podcasting and sites like Blog Talk Radio where anyone can create their own shows. What's more, all of the work can now be done from the comfort of a personal workspace. Imagine that.
Don't get me wrong. To me, the value of a good face-to-face interaction is priceless and irreplaceable. What I am saying is that good authors willing to use social media and other online resources to authentically represent themselves, automatically hold a higher competitive advantage than their counterparts who resist.
I've personal found success for myself online. So coming Wednesday and Friday, will two consecutive Goose 2.0 blogs with a "gaggle" of tips for you to nurture your own Goose 2.0.
January 27, 2011
December 27, 2010
Children Helping with Inspiration
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