Earlier this week, we talked about how competition for your book is actually a good thing, as it leads your ideal readers to your book.
In this post, we’ll talk about how to really leverage that relationship.
Goodreads, Amazon, and every other e-retailer (and even real, live booksellers!) operate on a system of recommendations.
Like this book? Well, the last person who bought it bought X, Y, and Z.
This author’s writing is excellent! Do you know who else writes like that? Author Similar Voice!
We’ve all used lists of recommended books, whether generated automatically based on sales figures and algorithms, or by a bookish retail worker. But have you ever considered taking control of that list?
The best indie marketers work on building connections to the authors that are similar to them. Treat that connection—those recommended authors—as a give and take relationship.
Suggest that you support each other. Here are some ways:
- Cover reveals. Offer to host and/or promote their book pre-launch by spreading the cover.
- Launch. Bomb social media with support when their book comes out. Retweet, post on your own, and wish them a happy book birthday!
- Reviews. Write reviews of their books on Goodreads, Amazon, and on your blog and website. Send a copy of your book to them for free so they can do the same.
- Blogs. Swap guest posts and interviews.
- Giveaways. Either host your own with their book, or promote giveaways they are throwing.
- Endorsements. Volunteer to read their book in advance, and provide an endorsement. It makes them look more credible, and your name and title goes on a page of their book!
Reach out to authors through their websites, twitter, or facebook. Make sure you are actually a fan of them, and that you want to help them succeed. That author will be much more willing to help you if you are excited about their projects!
