Indie Author Life: Gratitude for Those that Make a Difference (Building the Fanbase)
Before we get started on this post, I think it’s important to note that I’m really new at this. Though I’ve read the expert advice (like we all have) and am working to follow that expert advice, I’m just starting out and getting a feel for what having a group of supportive readers is like (and I know you’re out there because you give me confidence on the daily! Thank you). This is why I tossed the question back at people following me. They are the expert voices to share what keeps them returning to Instagram, to the blog, subscribing to the newsletter and ultimately excited about the books.
So, with that said, I’m going to share the words of people who follow me, and then offer a tidbit of my perspective about it. I noticed that a few of the comments encapsulated a broader theme, so I lumped those together. I sure hope that helps answer the question of how to grow a fanbase.
Key point. Your writing, the words, the story, the book matters. Comments about the writing ranged from “you write stories that resonate and connect with me,” to “your writing is exquisite.” So, keep writing. Finish it. Create the BEST product you can. EVERYTHING comes down to this.
Word of mouth is the best and most powerful tool. It’s why authors need the reviews; why we love it when we’re tagged in posts and stories, when people send us fan art, and our work is shared widely. It gets the word out. Writers, this can’t happen, however without the story, the book, the world you create that makes the experience magical. So . . . write the book!
A testament to why the book reviews are so important. Readers, thank you so much for leaving them. They are gold! Authors, an idea I found from somewhere and used, is putting an invitation to review in the back of the book. Just like marketing upcoming work or back listed titles, ask the reader to consider leaving a review.
I loved this one. And it came up repeatedly. I think there are a few things in play here. One is consistency which exemplifies that commitment. Two, having the opportunity to have the veil lifted between what seems “bigger than” us (a beautiful story) and the irl (in real life) people to go with them is not only more personal but engaging. Just thinking about some of my favorite author accounts: Sabaa Tahir does funny videos about her writing process, Mary E. Pearson shares tools she uses when she writes, VE Schwab offers a peek into her struggles and wins, and Jennifer Niven and Courtney Summers offer portraits of an artist in real life and engage so kindly with fans. As a fan myself, getting the opportunity to see and understand the author as a real person is powerful (and connects our humanity).
Before committing to this writing journey full time, I was a teacher (twenty-three years worth of teaching writing and literature). You can take the teacher out of the classroom but not the classroom out of the teacher—so (allow me one more cliche, please), once a teacher always a teacher. I feel like the transparency of my writing journey (wins, losses, struggles, growth) allows me to engage with more people, and ENGAGEMENT (which means authentically connecting with people who show up to comment and chat) came up a lot. I also think it connects with the next point . . .
There is only one me. Only one you. Commenters made mention of being “Authentic” and “Honest” as reasons they stuck around. Being who you are with readers is the ONLY WAY TO BE! I know that as a fan, I’m not looking for the Matrix author experience. I want the real thing. The unique experience of learning who they are and what makes them joyful, what contributes to their amazing work. So BE YOURSELF!
Finally, though I don’t think this means the point is least in importance, the commenters who shared their perspective brought up the positivity of my space as a place for community. Words used to describe it were “inspiring,” “encouraging,” “helpful,” “positive vibes,” “committed,” and “authentic.” Engaging with one another and supporting one another makes stopping into see you that much nicer. And in 2020, we can all use that right?
Those are the words of the experts, my friends, with my attempt to collate and expound upon them. If you have questions, please ask away in the comments or send me an email.
On another note: Doing this series has been a lot of fun. I’m going to take some time off from blogging for the holiday season. I will still be sending my newsletter (you can sign up for that at any time; and there’s a family holiday recipe download when you do and if you want the fun story, ask me) and hanging out on Instagram, so feel free to find me there.
