Monday, July 20, 2020

Authors: The Task of Finding Readers – A Study





Over 30 Outstanding Authors Share Their Experiences. Compiled by James Moushon



The Starting Gate


Finding readers is an important activity if you want to be a successful writer. So I reached out to a group of authors to find out how they found their readers and formed relationships.
Ready. Set. Go. Here is upfront startup advice from a couple of our outstanding authors.

Elizabeth S. Craig

Elizabeth is the author of the Myrtle Clover mysteries, the Memphis Barbeque mysteries (as Riley Adams), and the Southern Quilting mysteries.

I use a mix of approaches to find and engage readers. I recommend finding one or two social media platforms that you feel comfortable with and then keeping those updated. I also employ Goodreads giveaways before each new release (digital giveaways only) of the first book in the series. This way, anyone who enters the giveaway will show my book in their feed and they'll also get notified whenever I have a new release. I also post a sample chapter of upcoming releases on my author Facebook page as a Facebook note, which helps engage readers.

Sally Berneathy

Sally is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of mysteries, comedies, romance, romantic suspense and paranormal. Website - Twitter: @sallyberneathy - Facebook - Goodreads

We need to include links to our other books inside the books we publish, and update those books when we get new links. I’m going to do that tomorrow.

Dianne Harman

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.

Finding a reading audience is one of the most difficult things an author has to deal with, particularly if you write contemporary fiction which crosses several genres. I use twitter, tweet groups, Goodreads, and Facebook. I'm a believer that no one is going to look for your works if they're under a rock, so I think multi-exposure is critical. If you write in a very specific genre, I think it's much easier to target your audiences. I read some advice early on to write what you'd like to read, and so I do, but since I read in a number of genres, it makes it difficult.

Katherine Logan

Katherine is an Award winning, best-selling author. She is the author of the Celtic Brooch Time-Travel Series. Website - Twitter: @KathyLLogan - Facebook - Goodreads

In the back of my ebooks is a note to email me with “Sequel” in the subject line if the reader is interested in being notified when the next book is released. Some readers write notes. Those emails I respond to, thanking them for reading and letting them know I will email when the next book is ready. I also invite them to visit my Facebook page where I post regular updates on the characters and the research I’m conducting. I have done several ads to promote posts and this has found new followers.


NOTE:
This complete study is 15 pages long. To have an eCopy of the Finding Readers Study:
Just list your name and the format of the copy. (DOC or PDF) I will reply with the study attached.
(Your email address is confidential.)





Developing Lists

Lists are the key to forming a relationship with readers and keeping in contact with them.

Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Pamela is an award-winning and best-selling romantic mystery/suspense and hilarious nonfiction writer.
Website - Twitter: @PamelotH - Facebook - Goodreads

The engagement on Social Media pays off. The better my mailing list reflects the true readers of my books, the better my ability is to impact my rank with sales/reads when I send a newsletter about a new release. The better my Facebook author page follows, the better my ability to generate a quality Lookalike advertising audience, which in turn generates my best ad return-on-investment.

Alan Jacobson

Alan is the bestselling author of jaw-dropping thrillers. He writes the OPSIG Team Black series and the Karen Vail Series. Website - Twitter: @JacobsonAlan - Facebook - Goodreads

I've been in this business over 25 years and was one of the first authors (if not the first) to put his email address on the book flap of his hardcover. People thought I was crazy. Who was going to email an author? But I did get emails, from all over the world--even though email was relatively new back then.

Jessica Lauryn

Jessica is the Top Selling Author of the Romantic Suspense Series, The Pinnacles of Power.

When I was starting out as a writer, I stumbled upon the statement “writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but writing.” While I believe the idea behind it may have been to caution people who don’t necessarily possess the stamina to spend countless hours away from family and friends doing nothing but writing, it struck a different chord in me. I loved writing, and the idea of being able to do it, uninterrupted, to my heart’s content, was more thrilling than anything I could imagine.

Unfortunately, the outdated myth that writers spend their entire lives doing nothing but writing simply isn’t true.

Susanne Lakin

Susanne is an Award-winning Author. She is the author of the many fantasy novels. Also, Susanne is a freelance copyeditor and writing coach.
Website - Twitter: @CSLakin - Facebook - Goodreads

Authors need to realize two key points: The good news is there are readers all over the world who will want to read their book! The not-so-good news is it takes time and effort (and patience) to find those readers.

There are plenty of ways to gradually build up readership. Social media is great. Setting up a Facebook author page, a blog that offers great free content to readers that they can promote via social networks, guest blogging on others’ blogs on content relevant to what their book is about, joining in on forums on Goodreads and Amazon, and using Twitter with appropriate hash tags to announce their books to readers are all great ways to get the word out.




Social Media – Facebook – Twitter - Instagram

A Social Media presence is a must for keeping in contact with readers. They will get to know you and find what’s coming next.

Melody Anne

Melody is a NYT and USA Today Best Selling Author. She is the author of many Romance and Young Adult novels.

I lean heavily on popular social media platforms to build and maintain reader’s lists. More accurately put, I use social media to engage and build relationships with my readers. Using social media, I allow readers to come into my life and share in experiences that they can relate to, from the view point of one woman to another.

I think heavy engagement with my followers via social media is one key aspect to building my reader list. Due to the viral nature of things like Facebook and Twitter, if a fan “likes”, retweets or comments on anything I post, the friends of my fans can usually see it, attracting a sort of viral attention to my social media presence.

Kathy Bennett

Kathy is a bestselling suspense. She is an author specializing in Mystery & Thrillers with Women Sleuths. Website - Twitter: @kathywriteslapd - Facebook - Goodreads

Most of the social media interaction I do is on Facebook. I usually post once a day on my author page and check back several times during the day and respond to any comments. Not very many readers comment, but the few who do are very loyal. I'm building strong relationships with those readers. I do use Twitter, but it's not my favorite format. I usually post interesting trivia bits, or funny sayings. I rarely tweet about my books - unless I've got a new book out or I'm running a sale or something. Then I'll tweet more about my books. I'm trying to do more with Goodreads, but at this time, don't spend a lot of time there.

Cindy Blackburn

Cindy is a Mystery writer. She is the author of Cue Ball Mysteries, and the Cassie Baxter Mysteries. Website - Twitter: @cbmysteries - Facebook - Goodreads

Twitter is my baby! Twitter is my number one way of finding new readers. I post fun and funny tweets about my books, and add links to Amazon. Then, once my relationship with a reader has begun (once a reader has “discovered” me and my books), then I think FaceBook is very helpful to inform readers of my other books, and that I write two different series. Twitter is also an important way I connect with other authors and book reviewers. For instance, Twitter is how I met and know James Moushon! And FaceBook, again, is important. I belong to several FB groups—for readers, for authors, and for cozy mysteries—which is the genre I write in. I also belong to and participate in several writers organizations, most importantly to Sisters in Crime.

Melinda De Ross

Melinda is an International author who writes Suspense, Romance, Humor and Comedy novels. Website - Twitter: @melinda_de_ross - Facebook - Goodreads

I use my Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest to post a number of things, from my books to my personal life. I feel readers like a peek into the author's life, so I like to post photos of myself and my husband, food photos, funny memes, etc. I never talk about politics or other controversial issues in public and try to avoid drama of any kind. I also use blog posts and newsletters to share information about myself and my books, and I try not to make my posts look like sales pitches. I share favorite books, movies, music, food, travel destinations, interesting facts, etc.

Pamela Harstad

Pamela is an inspirational romance writer.
Website - Twitter: @pjhpjh1 - Facebook - Goodreads

As an inspirational romantic suspense author, I find my Facebook author page helpful in gaining readers. All my information is there, but my blog brings activity with my readers. Also, Goodreads is a great way to connect with readers and authors. There are so many groups to choose from to gain recognition and to also know others, besides the sharing of so many books.

Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Pamela is an award-winning and best-selling romantic mystery/suspense and hilarious nonfiction writer. Website - Twitter: @PamelotH - Facebook - Goodreads

These days, my primary method of finding new readers is advertising my new Patrick Flint series on Facebook, then inviting all the people that react to the ads to like my author page. I engage regularly and personally with them from that page, with on-brand posts: videos, photos, and updates that showcase the adventuresome life reflected in my books and my writing life as well. In addition, I include front-of-book and end-of-book invitations for readers to receive a free ebook starter library in return for joining my newsletter mailing list. I use the newsletter to send out chatty, newsy new release announcements, and from that list, I build my advance review team, who proofread for me and post reviews on all my books. For me, this all ads up to finding the right readers to engage with by turning them into the right subscribers (those that are reading my books) and the right people to like my Facebook author page (the ones that like my book ads).

Lizzy Stevens

Lizzy is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who writes Paranormal, Romance and Woman's fiction. Website - Twitter: @LizzyStevens123 - Goodreads

I like Twitter the best. It's the one I use the most. When you are on social media you have to be sure not to flood your page with buy your book promos. Tell people about your book and share that information with them, but don't post every single post about it. It is social media for a reason. Interact with people. Talk about things that interest you and might interest others. Start up conversations. The more you get your name out there the more chance you have of selling your books.

Susan Oleksiw

Susan is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.
I’m spending more time using social media strategically. I’m been on FB and Goodreads for years, and regularly post book reviews in all genres. On FB I have longer discussions and question/answer posts (some light, some serious) with a growing number of readers/posters. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. On Twitter I post articles, promote anthologies and articles on short fiction, but few political pieces. On Instagram I’m posting photos I take on my walks, some PR for books and stories, and other photos of crafts. So far Instagram is all photos of things of a general interest—flowers, books, things I see on my walk, and the like.

Khaled Talib

Khaled writes Thrillers, Mysteries, and Suspense novels and short stories.
Website - Twitter: @KhaledTalib - Facebook - Goodreads

I started a platform on Twitter just to follow the crowd. I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the initial, I was dabbling around, and I noticed almost no response to my tweets... until I started tweeting my own personal writing phrases. It attracted a huge following. I built up a relationship with many people on Twitter who then joined me on Facebook. They have been supporting me ever since. It takes a while to build a relationship. In some cases, months or years.

Mike Wells

Mike is an American bestselling author including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin. Website - Twitter: @MikeWellsAuthor - Facebook - Goodreads

As a writer, I've found that this applies to "authorprenurship", too. To find new readers, I use a combination of social networking, blogging, entertaining quizzes, book trailers, book GIFS, posting funny photos, low-cost advertising, and especially giving away free series starter books. I also do a lot of other much things but together they all add up.


NOTE:
This complete study is 15 pages long. To have an eCopy of the Finding Readers Study:
Just list your name and the format of the copy. (DOC or PDF) I will reply with the study attached.
(Your email address is confidential.)




Use the Internet

Use the Internet with tools like email, blogging, a website and a newsletter.

J.A. Jance

Judith is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the author of the Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and the J. P. Beaumont series. Website - Twitter: @JAJance - Facebook - Goodreads

I write a blog which is published each Friday. There is no advertising—not on Facebook and not on my web page, either. The blog offers a window on my world and allows readers to get to know the person behind the words on the pages.

I respond to every email personally. Those people are my readers. My first sales rep told me that every personal contact results in ten readers, so emails are points of personal interaction. The people who write to me are added into my new book notification list—a database of readers that numbers over 13,000. Newsletters go out prior to the publication of hardbacks and paperbacks. They also go out from time to time when I feel like saying something.

I think the newsletters are, in large measure, responsible for my health pre-sale numbers.

Merry Jones

Merry is the bestselling author of the Elle Harrison Thrillers, The Zoe Hayes Mysteries and the Harper Jennings Mystery series. Website - Twitter: @MerryDDJones - Facebook - Goodreads

So many ways. I have a website to describe and offer my work, and two Facebook pages--one for me and one just for my books. Each time a new book is released, I promote it (its cover reveal, its release date, its presale availabllity, etc) on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I take out ads on Facebook. I put my newsletter on Facebook and Twitter, and direct emails, and run excerpts (quotes) from books on Instagram and Facebook. I use Goodreads to list books and run giveaways, but also run giveaways through my newsletter. For every book, I also conduct blog tours, which I promote on all my social media outlets. In addition, I cohost a podcast which is available online via the Project Entertainment website (and other outlets). Everything promotion--from book reviews to writer related humor seems to be via social media. And by the way, it's not all about my books. I post book-related/writing related/reader-related items, as well. Anything relevant that's of interest to me and my readers helps (I hope) build our relationships.

S.R. Mallery

Sarah is the award-winning author who writes Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Mysteries. Website - Twitter: @SarahMallery1 - Facebook - Goodreads

Not only with getting to know different authors online, but also for learning invaluable promotional information. I’ve also developed a Newsletter, which I am now sending out twice a month. Although my books have been mostly historical fiction, my newsletter is very eclectic. I’ve been ‘told not to do that,’ but I find that the more genres I carry, the more I can 1) reach a broader audience of newsletter subscribers, and 2) I can help more author friends promote their own work. That’s when Newsletter Swaps come in. When I add an author’s book to my newsletter, they will either do the same in their newsletter or, if they don’t have one, they will promote my work online. Professional promotion sites can be very helpful sales-wise, but they are expensive. Newsletter swaps are free and help you get involved with other authors. I used Mailerlite for setting up my newsletter, and recently have been trying out StoryOrigin for newsletter swaps and promotions.

Jade Varden

Crime and Horror Author Jade Varden is the creator of the Deck of Lies book series.
Twitter: @JadeVarden - Facebook - Goodreads

I have definitely gained new readers through guest blog posts and book reviews that appear on author blogs. I've also discovered new books for myself by visiting author blogs, so it's a win-win.

Lori Wilde

Lori is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 80 romance novels. Website - Twitter: @loriwilde - Facebook - Goodreads

One of my most effective ways of reaching readers is through my newsletter and my FB readers group. I have an assistant who gets to know everything she can about my readers and we strive to make them feel special. We send out birthday cards and sympathy cards, hold giveaways and special online events, for example, the cover model for one of books came on as a guest speaker and it was a huge hit. I post jigsaw puzzles and context related to my brand. Basically, the personal touch is what works for me building my readership.


                                   

Groups and Networking

The more interaction the better. Readers are everywhere including the authors who read also. Look for groups of readers and authors to spread about your works.

Cheryl Bradshaw

Cheryl is the Amazon Best-Selling Author of the Sloane Monroe series.

Working with other authors is a big key to author success. Networking helps us stay relevant and to know what trends are working in the industry and which trends aren't. There are a couple of conferences every author should consider attending each year (post COVID-19): NINC (Novelists, Inc) and 20Books Vegas. I learn more from networking at these conferences than I do from attending the classes. Aspiring authors can also learn a great deal from joining Facebook groups where authors talk about everything from their book covers to how to create successful ads. The Facebook group Indie Writers Unite is a great place to start.

Sara Fujimura

Sara is the author of TANABATA WISH. Sara writes Young Adult novels. Also, she is a Literacy Advocate.
Website - Twitter: @SaraFujimura - Facebook - Goodreads

Goodreads is for readers, so I don’t engage there. That said, my publisher did do a Goodreads push and giveaway, which in turn, bumped sales of my other two indie-pubbed books. My focus is “the fact behind the fiction” and how my real life influences my art. When it ties into my book directly, I tag it. I also talk about the research that I’m doing for my next two projects in real time.

Susan Oleksiw

Susan is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.
The degree of collaboration among mystery writers is one of the great rewards of writing in this genre. I enjoy collaborating with other writers, helping them because so many people helped me in the beginning. I’m on other blogs, group blogs, and FB groups. Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America are a great resource for information, support, and general affiliation. I can’t speak for other parts of the country, but in New England, SinC and MWA work together to help all mystery writers and build a strong community.

Mohana Rajakumar

Mohana is an award-winning author based in Qatar.
Website - Twitter: @moha_doha - Facebook - Goodreads

I really love Goodreads for finding readers. Because those who read your book and like it are likely to read other books by the same author. I have has great success writing to past reviewers of my books in posting early reviews of new titles or even beta reading, which is offering comments on a manuscript in progress. They're often excited to read something before everyone else can and because they're avid readers, they have insightful comments.

Sharon Skinner

Sharon is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy novels and short stories. Website - Twitter: @sharonskinner56 - Facebook - Goodreads

I actually find that networking with people who have similar interests outside of reading is as helpful as engaging directly on reader/author sites. Sooner or later, those people I have built such relationships with either become readers or recommend my books to others. And when people ask for reading recommendations, I share the pertinent books that I have read, but try not to be shy about mentioning my own books as well when appropriate. That said, it is difficult to determine at what rate these interactions specifically impact the number of my readers. Then again, isn’t being in the world and contributing to the ongoing conversation---both by speaking/writing and listening--as much a part of why we write as connecting readers with our work?




Direct Contact – Personal Appearances – Signings – Book Fairs - Book Stores

An old sales saying: ‘Word of Mouth’ is the best technique to reach your audience.

Teresa Burrell

Teresa is an author, lawyer and Child Abuse advocate who writes The Advocate Series and the Tuper Mystery series. Website - Twitter: @teresaburrell - Facebook - Goodreads

I do a lot of in-person events (or at least I did before the pandemic). I do book clubs, book festivals, private speaking events, home show events, and just about any group of readers I can get in front of. Whenever I do that, I gather email addresses and then I keep in contact with them. I send each a copy of a short story I've written about one of my characters. I also use the short story as a reader magnet on my website and places like Book Funnel, Instafreebie, my website, etc. I do a lot of cross-promotion with other authors.

One of the most important things to do after you make a contact and get an email address is to keep in touch with that reader. Treat each as you would a personal friend. Do NOT "sell" to them after your initial contact, just communicate with them.

Ellen Mansoor Collier

Ellen is the author of a Jazz Age mystery series set in 1920s Galveston. She is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor .Website - Facebook - Goodreads

Thanks, James—I’m not tech-savvy so I spend my free time trying to market my trade books to actual stores...gift shops, bookstores, hotels, boutiques, etc.

Yes, I get a lot of rejection but it’s very rewarding to see your books on store shelves. You have to think outside of the big box to get into various venues.

 

Alan Jacobson

Alan is the bestselling author of jaw-dropping thrillers. He writes the OPSIG Team Black series and the Karen Vail Series. Website - Twitter: @JacobsonAlan - Facebook - Goodreads

As to going to people, that happens mostly during conferences, book signings, panel discussions (one venue may encompass all three), and so on. This can be effective, but it can also be a waste of time. I suggest trying a venue a few times and if it's not bearing fruit, try a different one. This can get expensive, especially if you're traveling somewhere for a conference, which costs a lot of money (travel, hotel, food)--and time. There are intangibles involved in these types of endeavors. You could sell 25 books at a time...but the money made will never cover your costs, let alone turn a handsome profit. But--there could be goodwill left behind and contacts with people who'll become ongoing readers. You may never know.



Dianne Krogh 

Dianne is a self-published Contemporary Fiction Author who writes Family Sagas.
Website - Twitter: @kroghdianne - Facebook - Goodreads

Meeting personally with readers has provided a great opportunity to promote sales and add new readers to my contact list. Plus, I love interacting with my readers. Book signings and appearances at book clubs result in sales and generate conversation which spreads awareness. Readers so often rely on other readers to recommend books, and I find that people I have actually met spread the word quickly. One signing or book club appearance can result in multiple sales for every person who attends. A signing I attended recently averaged three books per person. Unfortunately, the virus, has caused cancellations of both book clubs and signings, so I am coordinating with some of the clubs to use Zoom meetings.

Sharon Skinner

Sharon is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy novels and short stories. Website - Twitter: @sharonskinner56 - Facebook - Goodread

Things are strange for me at the moment, because I am so used to my key reader engagement activities being in-person events. I have been extremely lucky the past few years to be hosted at many live events, such as writing conferences, book festivals, pop culture conventions, and via library programming, etc. So, the “new” reality, where we are all doing so much on digital platforms is a bit of a challenge.

 

Chuck Barrett

Chuck is a Best-Selling Author. He is the author of the Award-Winning Jake Pendleton series.
Website - Twitter: @Chuck_Barrett - Facebook - Goodreads

I have one of the best ways to build my readership and followers is with face time…actual time in front of readers. Speeches at writer’s conferences and book festivals always show a marked increase. Another successful method in reaching out to book clubs, Friends of the Library groups/chapters, writer’s groups, local women's and men's groups.




Ads and Promotions

Advertising and promotions are very effective if done at the right time and in the right place.

Dianne Harman

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
Website - Twitter: @DianneDHarman - Facebook - Goodreads

I constantly reach out to my readers. Right now I'm offering the 2nd 90 Days, 90 Books. Every other day I have one book at 99 cents and the other day a Free book. I have received hundreds of emails thanking me for doing this. I didn't do it as a promotion. I did it to help people during this time. It had unintended consequences of hundreds of reviews of my book, people preordering books, etc. I do that through a daily newsletter. I also put it on Facebook and twitter. Those are the only social media sites I participate in.

Lorhainne Eckhart

Lorhainne is a Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, and Young Adult Author.
Website - Twitter: @Leckhart - Facebook - Goodreads

The methods that have worked well for me are by offering free books, for example the first book in a series free. What happens is it drives sales to my other titles in the series. It's a great way to find new readers. At the end of all my ebooks I always provide an afterword with a link to sign up to my newsletter, and I notify my readers of upcoming promotions and new releases.




Book Sets

A collection of books with other authors is a great way to gain exposure to new readers.

James Moushon

James is the self-published Mystery Author of the Jonathon Stone Mysteries. He is an Author Advocate and book industry blogger. Website - Twitter: @jimhbs - Facebook - Goodreads

One of the trends for finding new readers is doing Box Sets with other authors. They are usually by genre, have authors with good social media numbers and have good content. It’s a great opportunity for readers to read other authors in the same genre plus their favorite author. Ebooks make this approach easy to publish and market. Some groups even donate the revenue to a charity which puts an extra level of demand on the set and exposure. The Christmas season seems to be a popular time to publish a Box Set especially for Romance novels.

Dianne Harman

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
Website - Twitter: @DianneDHarman - Facebook - Goodreads

Working with authors has helped me gain readers and I'm happy to do newsletter swaps and I have been in several boxed sets. I often promote authors and I have seen where they have done the same for me.

S.R. Mallery

Sarah is the award-winning author who writes Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Mysteries. Website - Twitter: @SarahMallery1 - Facebook - Goodreads

I’ve also found that goodwill between authors is invaluable. Joining a couple of Facebook author support groups and having been included in several book sets/series has done wonders for me.





Problems – Don’t Hide from your readers – Use Social media

There are some challenges ahead.

Terry Ambrose

Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. Website - Twitter: @suspense_writer - Facebook - Goodreads

It's a great question because we all struggle with this (unless, of course, you're one of the lucky ones whose books are wildly popular). For any given slice in time, I find social media to be of not much help. However, it can be a good place to build a presence. With that said, I'm a strong believer in authors owning their content, which means social media is simply an outlet where we distribute content hosted on our websites.

Jessica Lauryn

Jessica is the Top Selling Author of the Romantic Suspense Series, The Pinnacles of Power. Website - Twitter: @JessicaLauryn_ - Facebook - Goodreads

An active member of New Jersey Romance Writers for over a decade, I was stunned when, at a chapter conference, I was told by an author that writers should expect to spend 50% of their time writing and 50% of it marketing. 50%?!! Carving out writing time is difficult enough as it is but how would I ever keep up any sort of regular release schedule if I needed to devote 50% of my time to marketing? I’ve since heard the opinions of other authors who suggest it’s even higher. And frighteningly enough, if an author is to sell their work in this very competitive marketplace of ours, they are correct.

Jake Needham

Jake is a best-selling Mystery & Thrillers Author. He writes the Jack Shepherd crime thrillers & The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels. Website - Twitter: @jakeneedham - Facebook - Goodreads

There was a time several years ago when social media was a useful tool for authors to meet potential new readers. That time is long gone. The algorithms of every social media site now keep your posts from being seen by anyone except the same handful of people over and over. I have 5000 friends on Facebook and maybe 50 see my posts regularly. I have 60,000 followers on Twitter and hear from maybe 5. I can’t remember the last time I heard from anyone who said he had discovered my books through social media. Five years ago, it happened almost every day. Now it never happens.





Conclusion

A great study by a great bunch of outstanding authors. Finding readers is an important activity if you want to be a successful writer. Don’t hide from your audience. Work hard.
Ready. Set. Get going.

NOTE:
This complete study is 15 pages long. To have an eCopy of the Finding Readers Study:
Just list your name and the format of the copy. (DOC or PDF) I will reply with the study attached.
(Your email address is confidential.)


Post Created by: James Moushon
Mystery writer, book industry blogger, and the sponsor of the following blogs:

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for all of your hard work, James! Keep going strong!
    Best,
    Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for all the good info, James!

    ReplyDelete