Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
How often have we been told that we need to know the answer to this imperative question: “Who is your reader?” Writers surprisingly often fail to ask themselves that question. But an additional question has popped up that requires an answer as well: “How do you connect with your reader?”
The obvious answer is, “Through my writing.” (Duh.)
But a more nuanced answer is required of authors nowadays. Readers want access to authors; they want to know more about your private life and what makes you tick. They want to know where you write, how you came up with the idea for your last book, what you wore when you accepted your writing award…even a video on your website showing your acceptance speech.
In other words, your readers want a relationship with you. Your job isn’t to sell your book to a reader; your job is to form a relationship. The book will then sell itself.
How do you connect with readers? Hooray for the Internet! Your reader is in the same spot you are, “standing” next to you. Your job is to reach out to him or her and offer interaction. You can talk to them, but let them also talk to you. And then get them to talk to each other. In other words, you can form a congregation of people who have at least one thing in common–they read what you write.
How about getting creative in how you create that bond with your readers? Why not let them read an alternate ending to your novel and vote on which one they liked best and why? Have an online give-and-take about some aspect of your nonfiction book that you struggled with how to write. Develop a contest that asks readers to put their own creative foot forward, such as a video in which they show some clothing item they wore before they lost weight using the method in your book or a video in which they tell off your novel’s antagonist in no uncertain terms (barring swear words) or haiku that depicts your book’s theme.
The sky is the limit in thinking about how to connect with readers. The more authentic and engaging your idea, the more your readers will respond to it. Forget the book giveaway; consider the relationship!
Love this post.
This is what it’s all about for me.
~ Wendy
Advice I’m trying to implement–thanks, Janet! As a confirmed introvert, I struggle with being “out there,” but the Internet and social media have really helped. And I much prefer the idea of forming relationships rather than selling books.
Love it!
…and I was so glad you mentioned alternate endings. In one of my wips the presumed “hero” turns out to be a cad. I had the most delicious scene in mind for the ending–one where my wounded heroine takes the high road but witnesses the tragic-but-just consequences of his cheatin’ ways. An editor, though, suggested I rewrite the ending so that the scoundrel is redeemed and restored and gets the girl. I’ve had the hardest time writing that ending with enthusiasm. Your post inspires me to throw my all into writing BOTH endings. No matter which is published, the other can become part of my relational marketing.
Go for the dual endings, Lynn. That way you’re bound to be satisfied, and if your readers think differently, so will they.
Wonderful post today, Janet. This is so true. Connecting with people is such an important part of our journeys. The journey to publication AND the journey of life.
I agree quite a bit with what Myra said. I always have a hard time promoting myself in resumes or selling my work, like my writing. (So, query letters can be difficult for me to really try to persuade others that they NEED to read my writings!) But, I very much like forming relationships with others, having great conversations, and encouraging and learning from others.
Janet, great suggestions for interacting with readers! I need to keep that list handy. I think even if an author asks his or her readers to let them know which part of a chapter or article they liked best, it tells the author a lot about what strikes people’s hearts. Its similar to sharing verses that strongly impact us.
I’ve very much enjoyed the posts this week.
Interesting post. Although I’ve given away many free books as thank-you gifts, I’ve long doubted the value of writers offering free books that go to fellow writers (a common occurrence with book giveaways). Your message affirms my misgivings and suggests a positive alternative. Thanks!
Great ideas!
Amen to the above comments. I’m not a sales person. But I love relationships. Building into the lives of others gives me great satisfaction. That’s why I write. I can’t possibly meet all the people that a published work can reach.
But I can speak to groups and reach people with my written words.
This series has been really thought provoking and informative. Thanks for putting it together. As always, a superb job and it can cause an itch that needs scratching. Always, that how to improve, get closer to readers. On FB, I’ve been chatting on the scenes I am working on. fun responses.
thanks again,
Lauraine
Great food for thought. It is all about connecting with the reader. I’ve started going back over my top blog posts and trying to analyze what about the post resonated with readers. I like taking it a step further and letting readers do the same with my novels. Brandilyn Collins really reached out and did this with having a live blog featured in her Kanner Lake series and allowing readers to write the posts.
I’ve enjoyed this weeks post and it inspired me to get my quilt corner up and going on my website. I love quilts and plan on having quilts tie all my novels together.
Thanks for the awesome posts!