Blogger: Kathleen Y’Barbo, Publicist
Location: The Woodlands, Texas PR Office
Weather: A chilly 68 degrees!
Last week I joined 500+ others at the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Denver. Those who were there know what a worthwhile event this is, and those who read last week’s blog should have great tales to tell of their PR and networking successes.
One session in particular stood out for me, especially as it pertained to publicity and marketing. The workshop, led by B&H Publishing’s Karen Ball and Thomas Nelson’s Allen Arnold, offered some great ideas on building readership based on Seth Godin’s blockbuster book Tribes. The idea behind this book is that each of us has a sphere of influence–a tribe–and by cultivating that sphere of interest in ways that appeal to its members, the tribe grows.
Allen Arnold suggests we consider our tribe as guests at a party- -our party. Our goal as tribe leader is to, in essence, be a good host by providing a meeting place, introducing our guests, then stepping back to allow the conversation to flow.
Anyone who has read my blog more than once has likely realized how much I value word-of-mouth as a marketing tool. Studies show the best way to get the word out about books, especially novels, is through friends telling friends who then tell friends. Like a ripple on a pond, the message of what we write starts with us and travels out through our tribe. How, then, do we reach our tribe? The answers are many, but a few favorites struck me as I scribbled notes at warp speed:
1. Use social media to offer a gathering place for your party. Facebook has a Fan Page option you simply must explore. Author Robin Jones Gunn is a pioneer in Fan Page brilliance, so a trip to her site is a must-do. Robin has perfected the idea of hosting a party for her tribe, and she executes this idea through contests, chats, and so much more. Click Robin’s Facebook Fan Page to visit. Frequent posts and Twitter feeds add more to the page and give readers an inside view of what it is like to be you.
2. Make the party special. As previously stated, your tribe are those who push books and drive sales, so let them know you value them. Don’t just invite them to the party; make the gathering a spot worth staying. A good host not only provides a great time, but he or she also introduces like-minded tribe members, then steps back to let them get to know one another. It’s all in good fun…with fun being the order of the day. How? Insider information such as cover previews and sample chapters are two ways to bring your fans into the inner circle and give them reasons to smile. Perhaps you can offer contests or provide polls to name characters. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
I’ve only scratched the surface of the wealth of information Karen Ball and Allen Arnold shared at the conference. If you’re of a mind to listen to the workshop, purchase the tape from ACFW or buy Godin’s book (and no, I don’t receive a finders fee on either!). Both purchases are well worth the cost. Before you go, however, I want to hear your ideas for ministering to your flock…to throwing a party for your tribe. And don’t forget to share what you did with last week’s ideas while attending the conference.
One thing I learned at the ACFW conference from Jim Rupart on marketing was the need to be unique. All this creativity the Lord gives us in writing our stories can also be used in marketing. So maybe some of our brainstorming groups that help plot out a story can also be used to help us find unique ways to market our books.
I’m keeping your ideas front and center,and Seth’s Godin’s book is first on my list to read.
Two of the marketing strategies you mentioned in your last post really paid off for me at conference.
Sequels: One publisher requested chapters of a story two years ago. She liked them, but wasn’t sure her house had a place for them at that time. Her advice was to plot out two sequels, but then write “something different” to expand marketing possibilities. That was great advice! Now that the economy is more encouraging, I have two stories ready and can offer sequels quickly.
Trends: Since I write historical fiction, I try to be aware of celebrations on the horizon. Stands to reason that interest in the topic will pick up as the anniversary date approaches. If it’s a big enough celebration, you can ride the wave of attention national public service advertising generates.
ACFW was a great conference. I met people daily that made me say, “Oh, Yes. I see you online all the time.” Or “Oh, it’s nice to put a real-time face with the blogger.” I truly believe social networking online can be valuable to marketing, and also a way to really connect with people. Then when you meet them in person, it’s all that more amazing.
Great post today. Thanks!
I like this “tribe” idea. 🙂 I’m amidst the query phase, and it dawned on me that I don’t have a pitch prepared for when that agent with a wicked eye for new talent calls. (Gasp!) Do you have any pitch suggestions?
The best pitch is one that is brief and to the point. Try to sum up your plot in one sentence. Yes, it can be done, but if you’re truly gasping in shock, I’ll be kind and give you three. No more than three, however. Practice on your writing buddy, or better yet, you work on hers and let her do yours. Sometimes others have a better perspective on our story than we do. Once you’ve got the pitch, practice it. And, if you’re sure you’re going to meet that very intelligent and discerning agent, write those sentences on a notecard. I’ve heard it said that an agent/editor would rather hear someone read off a card than make no sense at all.
I hope this helps!
Interesting stuff. I didn’t attend that class but I did hear about the Tribes and stuff.
Thanks a bunch for the advice! Helpful as always.