Shameless Marketing Strategies for Financially Challenged Writers

Shameless Marketing Strategies for Financially Challenged Writers

You have written something that is worthy of readers outside your family. You have created courageous yet flawed heroes, dastardly villains and a plot that would keep the most jaded fan of horror up at night. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Now is when the business of writing really begins, and to make your business a success, marketing to both potential reader and publishers is essential. Realistically, you are probably are not going to be the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy the writers' life and cultivate a respectable career along the way. But how does one go about marketing themselves as a horror writer? Fiction writing is my career of choice. In this paper, I am going to discuss ways a budget-minded writer can go about creating an effective platform both virtually and in real life. Three major aspects of marketing yourself as a fiction writer include:

1. Learning the differences between online marketing and print marketing.

2. Considering self-publishing as a viable option.

3. The role a personal website plays when an author hopes market himself or herself and his or her work effectively.

What Are the Differences Between

Online Marketing and Print Marketing?

This question might simply be answered with one word: money. However, it is not that simple. Although spreading the word, via printed page or via your very own voice is central to any marketing plan, online marketing is invaluable in the age of technology. Online advertisements can often be very inexpensive and occasionally, at no cost at all.

As a serious writer, you simply must tell people about your work. Not only does it give you motivation to keep plugging away, but it may get you a few sold copies of your work, as well. When people used to ask what I did, I would inevitably look at the floor and tell them that I write a little. That is the mark of an unsuccessful writer, as your actions may be indication of the confidence you have in your work.

If you are fortunate enough to have a book in print, whether self-published or published through a major publishing house, personal appearances can be beneficial. Many authors find bookstores, libraries and coffee houses open to readings and signings by local talent. The best way is to simply contact them and ask. You might even offer a few complimentary copies of your book to the staff. In his article for Writer's Digest, "Promotion for Writers," Paul Martin reminds you to be persistent, but not pushy, with employees and managers, as they often are with customers and are quite busy. You should also make sure your books are on order or in stock (2008). For self-published material, you may need to supply the books on a consignment basis until sales potential is proven.

An author attends a bookstore appearance (DiMaria, 2008).

Networking, whether it is through conventions, workshops, classes or even book clubs, is a terrific way to get the word out about your writing and yourself. Most of these people are much like you, either writers or readers; therefore, building talking your writing up should not be a problem. Networking is on the web is also extremely effective. Social networks such as MySpace and FaceBook have become prominent marketing tools in the past couple of years. Not only can you create a page for yourself, but also of specific books you are currently marketing. Online discussions are useful for one-on-one conversations, but identifying your target audience is the most important element. For example, the next would-be Anne Rice might visit sites focusing on vampire literate and lore rather than Martha Stewart's forum on how to make a lampshade from old potholders. You must always remember to insert your website address into your forum signature with a working hyperlink.

Authors often create print brochures that contain much of the same content as their websites. These can readily be handed out at signings and conferences or slipped into submission packages. As author Peter Zvalo states, "Perhaps, in this age of virtual reality and impermanence, I still appreciate the enduring, tactile aspect of paper. Web sites come and go -- paper is permanent (2001). This holds true in all facets of marketing from automoblile manufacturers to canine breeders. Authors who are promoting not only themselves, but their books are no different. With the of desktop publishing technology and quality of inexpensive at-home printers, one does no longer needs to pay inflated prices to local print shops for full-color, glossy brochures.

Print and online technology gives the author boundless marketing options. Personal appearances brings a face to your written work thus making you more accessible to your readers. Networking online and in real life brings you face to face for other writers, as well as potential readers. Finally, printed material such as brochures give the reader something they can hold in their hand, tuck away to puruse later or pass along to a friend. Both traditional print marketing and online marketing can be effective and economical, if planned carefully.

Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option?

Self-publishing used to have a stigma attached. A self-published book shouted to the reading public "this material was rejected so many times that this is my last resort." However, you must remember that many now-famous authors opted for self-publishing at some time or another during their careers. Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, and more recently, John Grisham have all self-published. In 2002, British Vicar Graham P. Taylor self-published his young adult novel "Shadowmancer." Eventually, major publishing house Penguin Putman bought the US rights for $500,000, and sold the film rights for the novel to Universal Studios for $4.5 million (Alten, 2007).

With the new technology in printing, there are countless options. However, for the financially challenged writer, print-on-demand (POD) is a terrific path. Reputable companies such Lulu and CreateSpace do not require any initial out of pocket expense. Through CreateSpace, an ISBN or International Standard Book Number is provided at no additional costs. The ISBN is the ten or thirteen digit number a book carries in order to identify it as unique and more importantly for the author, to enable sales through a bookseller. A percentage of each copy sold goes directly to the writer. Lulu provides the ISBN and distribution packages at varying costs.