Book Marketing Part II: The writer behind the chapters

Last blog discussed online book marketing that utilized social media and joining online writer communities. I hope it helped some of you!

We are continuing the online theme by discussing websites, blogs and electronic press kits.

Blogs

I just went through the process of revamping my own blog. I dreaded it beause the first time trying to customizing a WordPress blog didn't work so well. But I love how the revamp came out and it was easier than last time.

To get to the point, blogs don't have to be complicated. They are amazing tools to get your thoughts out. A blog is also a great book marketing tool, as most writers know. It gives freedom to connect with readers and other writers in a variety of creative ways.

Blogs can be ideal for that interaction. How you use that interaction is, like many things, only limited by your creativity. You can utilize contests, post book excerpts to intrigue potential readers, perhaps even write your blog from the point of view of your main character to give it some personality other than your own. I seen one blog where the lady actually posted a page listing the supplies she used up while writing her book. It included the type of pens and colour she used, eight notebooks,and so on.

Personally, I thought that was kind of cool. Readers like that a personal touch from writers they like. One could easily twist that into making a list of writerly quirks they have, what do they like to eat or drink while writing, or their favourite way to wind down after writing intense scenes. Your every post doesn't have to be about your book. Readers like seeing the writer behind the chapters.

Keep in mind that not only do you want something attractive while capturing your writer's spirit, potential publishers will be looking at it as a marketing tool. A blog that has been put together in a sloppy, haphazard fashion won't draw much attention. Treat your blog like you would your personal space. You want it to look elegant with traces of your own personality. Let yourself shine through in both your posts and the way it looks, but always keep it professional.

Websites

Websites are different from blogs in that they're a bit more complex to put together. Building a website involves purchasing a domain name, finding a hosting service and making it a  professional site from which to build your fan base on.

I have yet to make a website, though I have taken such classes in college. When an assignment to build a journalism portfolio was given, we were used Adobe Dreamweaver to build these sites. It was complicated and agonizing. It's not something I would pet myself through again. If you're a professional at making websites from scratch and you're good at it, then by all means do it yourself.

If you're not so tech savvy, there are easier ways to go about this process. A simple Google search of "building a free website" brings up a variety of sites that can assist you in building your website. There are many templates out there that are free and many "how-to's." I'm no expert by any means in this field (anyone who is, feel free to leave a comment and leave some pointers on websites!) Otherwise, there are always people you can hire to make your website should you have the money.

Website appearance is the same as blogs. It should be clean and professional while capturing the essence of who you are as a writer. Think of it as another way of being creative and graphically expressing your work.

Electronic press kits

These are  just what they sound like: an electronic version of press kits. For those who don't know what is entailed in a press kit, they are used as contact with the media to create publicity for your book. Electronic press kits often include (but not necessarily limited to):

- Author photo- a high quality image that can be published online or in print.

- Author biography- A little bit about you, your career, what you've accomplished, where you want to go, and who you are.

- Author Q&A- A question and answer page. Include FAQs and how you'd answer them, things about you as a writer, what readers might ask about you or your book.

- Book cover image- This should also be high quality and publishable for print or online.

- Catalog copy of your book

- Book trailer

- Copies of reviews, praises and blurbs about your book- Third party agreement about how good your book really is always helps your cause and encourages publicity.

- Reader guide- a list of questions to assist book clubs and reading groups in understanding and discussing your book. It gives a central focus on the aspects that you'd like people to discuss and look at.

- Synopsis

- Sell sheet- Lists where bookstores, customers and libraries can purchase your book.

Electronic press kits are great to have ready for the media. It saves time for both you, so you can get back to your passion, and for journalists who juggle deadlines and are always cramped for time. Take it from a soon-to-be journalism grad- reporters like it if you can save them time. We live by deadlines.

At the same time, you won't be scrambling whenever someone asks you for an electronic press kit. You'll always have one ready and that reflects on you professionally. You want to appear professional as a writer.

Next time, I'll be elaborating more on press kits, electronic and print, and the distribution of them.

~ Happy writing ~