Kylen
asked
Maria V. Snyder:
What advice could you give to a recently self-published author looking to reach a broader audience? I stumbled across Poison Study in a small book shop in Florence, Italy at 16 and fell in love. It's part of what made me want to continue working on my own manuscript. I'm in awe of the distance your work has traveled. How do you do it?
Maria V. Snyder
Hi Kylen! Congrats on your book! Also happy to hear you enjoyed mine. I'm not sure I can help you since I have a publisher and they've been wonderful about promotion when my books are released and they have offices all over the world. However, there are a few things I do to help spread the word. I giveaway lots of free books to libraries, bloggers, reviewers, etc... I print bookmarks for each of my series (I use Overnightprints.com - good prices and quality). I found that swag like pencils, shot glasses, keychains are fun, but think about this...have you ever bought a book because of a keychain? I haven't. I've bought books based on recommendations from friends and Goodreads!
Having a presence on social media is important - but don't spread yourself too thin - I have a website, Facebook Author Page and Goodreads page. Decide which ones you like (I hear Twitter is popular). Posting short stories and other writing samples on your website is important - gives a reader a chance to read your style and decide if they like it.
I also still believe in booksignings at stores and interacting with my readers face to face. Conferences are great for reaching readers - most genres have cons. Also offer to do workshops or writing classes at your local library.
And I've heard from other self-published authors that it's very important to have your book professionally edited and a professional cover. Plus they seem to publish quicker than I do - I have one book a year, but many indie authors are doing 3 or 4 a year - or doing serials. There's lots of info out there about it.
It's a ton of work and can overwhelm you - you have to balance promotion with writing. And it's a slow build - my first book signing, 1 person came to see me, the rest I hand sold to unsuspecting customers.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your book!
Having a presence on social media is important - but don't spread yourself too thin - I have a website, Facebook Author Page and Goodreads page. Decide which ones you like (I hear Twitter is popular). Posting short stories and other writing samples on your website is important - gives a reader a chance to read your style and decide if they like it.
I also still believe in booksignings at stores and interacting with my readers face to face. Conferences are great for reaching readers - most genres have cons. Also offer to do workshops or writing classes at your local library.
And I've heard from other self-published authors that it's very important to have your book professionally edited and a professional cover. Plus they seem to publish quicker than I do - I have one book a year, but many indie authors are doing 3 or 4 a year - or doing serials. There's lots of info out there about it.
It's a ton of work and can overwhelm you - you have to balance promotion with writing. And it's a slow build - my first book signing, 1 person came to see me, the rest I hand sold to unsuspecting customers.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your book!
More Answered Questions
Mina
asked
Maria V. Snyder:
Hi Maria! I just read Shadow Study and found out that the expected release date for Night Study is 26th Jan 2016 ( my Birthday! :) ) so I was wondering, with 3 months left, will you be releasing teaser chapters any time soon? The Study Series has me completely hooked! :) Thanks,
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