This month, I'm working on marketing and publicity for The Bucket List. My second novel isn't out till August 7th, but in order for it be a big, exciting launch with fun events, great press, and excellent buzz, that groundwork starts now. Right now I'm rounding up author blurbs: the words of praise from other writers often featured on the book's jacket or elsewhere online. For a debut novel, the publisher will push hard for blurbs but from book two and onwards, this mostly falls on the author's shoulders. So far, I have three great blurbs from authors Amy Poeppel, Andrea Dunlop, and Corinne Sullivan. How did I get these? By actively and enthusiastically fostering a bookish community. No one goes it alone: everyone needs a community. Here's how you can create yours.
1. Rethink "competition". We're often mistakenly led to believe our community is our competition. I'm not saying there's zero truth in this, but you have more to gain by befriending your "competitors" than ignoring them. There is power in numbers, and your "competition" will be the source of great advice, powerful connections, and invaluable friendships.
2. Be kind online. Support members of your community online! It's free, easy and effective. Likes are fine, but go one step further and leave a comment, or retweet/repost something. I definitely feel closer to people I've met once or twice through a kind and supportive online relationship.
3. Meet IRL. It's essential you connect with your community offline. I host a monthly author salon for novelists, where I've made so many great friends. I also go to events and am always up for a drink with a fellow novelist. Why not start a weekly or monthly happy hour for members of your tribe, be it figurative painters or project managers? Don't worry if you're the one always doing the organizing: if you can get your community together, it's worth it.
4. Put your money where your mouth is. For me, that means I buy books. As regular readers of this newsletter are aware, I am always broke, and for a long time I resisted buying books at launches, because I'm such a fan of the ol' local library. But I couldn't ask my friends to buy my book if I didn't buy their's. Ultimately, it's a business expense, and one I'm happy to pay for. Support your community with not just your time and energy, but your wallet.
5. Show up. It's really that simple. To events, to conferences, be present, be interested. I believe it is impossible to thrive in your field or industry without being part of the social culture. Be pro-active and create those relationships.