Bob Mayer on the power of small numbers

[Ricardo]

“The other thing we have is a private Facebook group called ‘The A-team’: we’ve got about 30 people in there. These are people who really like my books. It’s a small intimate group where we chat about what I’m writing. If you can get a core of about 40-50 readers who talk about you and promote you, that’s huge."

Bob Mayer​, NYT bestselling author who has published over 60 books, also happens to have over 150k followers on Twitter. However, he chooses to focus on the power of small numbers. What do you think is best: 150k Twitter followers or a truly dedicated group of 40-50 real fans? (Full interview here, worth a ready)

[Sorcha]

150K twitter followers means diddly if they dont buy your books and dont engage with you (or you with them).

Having a group of people you can trust to give you feedback, talk sensibly, buy your book, tell their friends and get the chatter going must be great. They want to be there and they want to be talking to/about YOU.

I see both types of groups would be good - different messages being sent for different people

[Tabitha]

Thank you for sharing the interview!

Personally, I'll take the 40-50 real fans over halfhearted twitter followers any day :0)

[C.D.]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I'll take the 40 or 50 dedicated fans, please.

[Bob]

I think its key to have this kind of group. It's not about selling books; a lot of it is about getting feedback from readers. I find my beta readers in the A-Team. They read my manuscripts even as an editor is and give me their thoughts. I've found readers know an author's books better than the author does.

[Justin]

Sorcha wrote: "150K twitter followers means diddly if they dont buy your books and dont engage with you (or you with them).

Having a group of people you can trust to give you feedback, talk sensibly, buy your b..."

Totally agree with this. You can have a ton of followers but if they aren't fans and just followers then what is the point?

[Nicholas]

Interesting interview. I completely agree with the others that I'd rather have 40 or 50 dedicated fans, rather than a ton of Twitter followers who don't interact with you at all. I'd prefer interacting with those who have a genuine interest in my books, and as mentioned above, can provide me with solid feedback that will be useful.