Writing a book is just a part of your job as an indie author. Marketing your indie books is a huge task that begins after you finish your manuscript and get it published. As an indie writer, it is entirely up to you to get the word out there and get everyone to hear about how awesome it is.
Spreading word through the social media about your book is just breaking the surface. Ask any author and they will tell you it needs more than a couple of tweets and likes.
It is upon us to reach out to the book bloggers and readers community through every open avenue and guest blogging opportunities are just an extra tool to do that.
What is guest blogging?
I love writing on my blog and when some other blogger offers me a chance to do that on their blog, it is just more than an opportunity to write that I receive. It means the blogger trusts me enough to let me take over their personal space, which is a huge thing for me.
I am always looking for book sites to guest post, if you are a book blogger looking for a guest blogger, do reach out to me! I recently wrote on Dani’s Perspective of a Writer on Bookstagram and how it affected my reading habits.
But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about right now. I want to tell you that I am currently accepting guest posts from indie authors on Elgee Writes. More about that later, but let us talk about why you, as an indie author should be spending time on writing guest posts on other blogs.
Why are guest posts important to indie authors?
I know how busy all of you are – writing plots, rewriting plots, editing your manuscript, thinking of miserable ways to kill my favorite characters, seeking out publishers, emptying the wine bottle and ordering Chinese takeout – yes yes, important things!
But I am just trying to make my case on why you should add guest posts on that list of to do things. Here we go!
Putting your name out there!
There is it. I don’t even have to sugar coat this, do I? Every author, indie or otherwise, is looking for new avenues to put their name and their book’s in front of new audience everyday, and guest post in your favorite book blogger’s site or any other book site would do that easily.
I mean a book blogger will definitely share a similar but new audience as you (AKA bookworms AKA your readers) and what better way to put yourself on a blast than to address them via their favorite blogger?
Reviews are not all that you need
Of course book reviews are critical to your sales and marketing. But they are not all, are they?
But you get to control where and when you are gonna write a guest article and you could schedule it to suit your promotional plans. It is even a win-win for you and the book blogger in that way.
Choose what you talk about
That brings us to my next point – you can decide on what you are writing about.
Initially the book blogger discusses with you on what sorta content they expect from you, but other than they usually do not interfere in your writing process. Depending on the topic you choose, you can be as informal and friendly as you want.
Many authors I know choose to talk about their books and their characters and some even discuss about their writing craft. It depends entirely on you to write whatever you want to talk about.
Linking your guest posts to your website and your articles will increase the number of page visits to your site and thus improved online presence. Of course, higher page hits means more revenue, if you are into monetization.
Pitch in your guest post ideas!
That brings me to the end of the post, almost. As I mentioned earlier, Elgee Writes is currently open for accepting articles from authors, artists and anyone who is related to the self or independent publishing world. If that is you and you are interested to write a guest post on related topics, drop me a message here.
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Let’s chat
Do you do guest articles? What are you favorite sites that accept guest posts from bloggers? If you have any author friends that are looking for sites to contribute, do share this post with them. And as always, let us talk.
The online lives of writers (published or not) is quite hectic, right? While you might feel the need to be everywhere, most of us do not have the time to do that. Some of our favorite guest bloggers posted on their marketing techniques here. But here are a few more websites for the unpublished writers, especially if you are unpublished yet. Shall we talk to Victoria already, shall we?
Say hello to Victoria!
Hello, I’m Victoria Jayne, a writer. For the longest time, I couldn’t even identify myself as a writer. I struggled with the title fearing I lacked the clout to call myself such.
I’ve since learned that to call oneself a writer, one must simply write. I do that. I am a writer.
Websites for the unpublished writers
With that sorted, I moved on to another handy dandy self-identifier, author. Ohh, this one is tricky. In my head, this one required a bit more validation than a writer. For me to refer to myself as an author, I decided I needed to get published.
This post is going to focus on some of the tools I used on my journey to calling myself an author. Translation: here are some websites a previously unpublished writer used before publication and will continue to use for future works.
This little gem has a lot to offer unpublished and published authors alike. The main thing I took away from Scribophile was the ability to get feedback on my writing. A writer can sign up for free with Scribophile and get an author page where you fill out all sorts of nifty things about yourself. You gain access to works by other authors both long and short.
Scribophile works on a critique system where you earn “karma” by critiquing other writer’s work. The amount of karma you earn is based on the length of critique and whether or not the work is “spotlighted.” You need five karma (points?) to post your piece. When a work is spotlighted, more karma is awarded. There are several avenues to “spotlight” your work.
I like to think of Scribophile as a way to get honest beta readers. Scribophile also offers a paid version allowing to post an unlimited amount of works, and other things. Scribophile also offers writing contests frequently which can earn you karma or cash! Yes, cash! It also has forums, comments sections on profiles, and a messaging system.
Finding ManuscriptWishList.com was like finding gold! This website contains the profiles of people in the publishing industry telling the world what they want. It is their manuscript wish list. In their profiles, they talk about what they want right now.
Writers can search by name; they can search by genre; they can search by keyword. As far as I can tell, this resource is free. This is a wonderful resource when you are at the query stage. This leads to my next two suggested websites.
I like lists. I like spreadsheets. And I like to track the crap out of things. That said, query tracker is a way to track publishers and literary agents you think might be interested in representing and/or publishing your work. You can search by genre, company name, agency name, location, and whether or not someone is open to queries.
Each agent gets a snippet of information about how they like to be contacted, and there is a comment section. This was invaluable. I got a peek at what this agent received. I got a glimpse at response times. In the free version, you can sort of gauge response times, or lack of response, by users updated their comments on the agent. In the paid version, you have access to this in graphs. I like graphs.
Additionally, querytracker hosts forums where you can feedback on your opening paragraph, chapter, your title, etc. You can also get some insight as to what it is like to work with some agents or agencies — a wonderful tool.
Social media? Come on Victoria, that’s where I follow celebrity meltdowns and get my sports news. Well, this is where you are going to get your agenting information too. Agents and publishers have a twitter presence.
They often post about what they are looking for using #MSWL (manuscript wishlist, see how that ties in?) and they discuss horror stories. They talk about querying pitfalls and also provide updates as to where they are in their queries. You follow an agent you will get a lot of information about who they are and what they want.
Additionally, Twitter has a very active writer presence. #writingcommunity #amwriting These are other writers sharing their experience and supporting one another. There are also pitch parties. You can use Twitter to pitch agents. Yes, you can get published by reaching out to an agent via a hashtag!
Also, if you are struggling with getting into the mind of your character, #authorconfession and #writerlywipchat offers daily exercises geared toward putting you in your characters heads. You can connect with your characters by answering questions like “what video games does your main character play?” or “who does your main character have a crush on?” These questions, while the answers may not appear in your story, will help you get a better understanding of your characters as well-rounded people and make them fully dimensional in your writing.
The wealth of information that is Reedsy, I really can’t begin to explore in this post. There just isn’t enough time in the day. As an unpublished writer, what can you get out of reedsy? Resources. You have access to articles about writing, some of which can be emailed directly to you.
You also have a directory of editors, promotion experts, and anything you can think of that will help you get on the road to publishing and if you have already been published. Seriously, this is a one-stop shop where you can get almost everything you need to get published.
Final words
So that’s my top five. Those websites for the unpublished writers were a gift from the heavens. I learned a lot along this journey. My debut paranormal romance novel came out on December 4, 2018. It’s been a wild ride where I have learned more than I ever thought possible.
It’s all worth it to hold my first book in my hand. That was something I never thought I’d be able to do. Now, it is done. You can do it too. Happy writing.
If you have something to add to Victoria’s story, drop a comment here or send him a word of thanks on the social media. Both of us would love that.Also, if you are interested in writing a guest post for the independent publishing community, write to me right away. I am still accepting guest post submissions.
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Let us chat
Authors, what are your go to sites for resources, motivation or maybe just networking? What are your fave websites for the unpublished writers? And readers do you even spend time scoring out Social media to read about the writing community? Let us talk.
The easiest way for a fan to check out an author is by hitting the Google and seeking their website. And when I receive a book review request through email from an Indie author, I do the same. I seldom accept a request without trying to know a bit more about the book and the author.
There are very few requests that come with a sample chapter making it hard to guess how their writing style would be and if I will enjoy it. Also the author website has now become a sort of home base or platform for all the internet activities. Thus my visit to the author website becomes inevitable.
The stronger the message your website sends the more interested and hooked your readers would be. But again, not every author can have a dedicated blog that is updated regularly, as much as we readers would like it. They may not have the time or even just not their cup of tea.
Must have elements on your author website
But it is vital that every author website should have the minimum elements to make a lasting impact on your readers. Let us discuss some of them, alright?
1) An easy to use design.
It goes without saying that any website, be it an author’s or otherwise, has to have a clean and attractive look. It doesn’t matter what platform, whether it is self hosted, or even if it has regular updates.
Clean and professional
It could be just a static website with a minimal look and it would still work.
2) Show us who you are.
In an author website, YOU are the product. YOU are the brand and the product. Any visitor who arrives at your website or blog is there to know about you and then your books. So make your ‘About me‘ page as interesting as possible.
I personally love funny, quirky information about the authors but it could be direct and professional as well. Include your social media accounts along with your accolades and other places where we can find your writing, if any.
An author website acts a sales funnel to your books, so they need to be positioned prominently. The page can contain testimonials from other magazines or reviewers.
When I receive a mail from an independent author that I have never heard of I definitely check out their other books and try to see if it matches my taste. So I usually land up on this page right after reading the about me page.
Some authors leave an excerpt as a freebie for the fans and followers on their website.
4) Keep us updated.
A website or blog can be treated as your own bulletin board and you can make your visitors ‘in’ on the news. Some of the updates that you can share are:
You can share the first hand news about your book releases, cover reveal etc.
You can talk about your work in progress.
Another great way to keep your readers updated by posting your book signings and tours, virtually or in real life.
You can even ask your readers to sign up for more updates. Of course, no one likes spam, so make sure you do not send them too many mailers.
5) How to reach you?
Do not forget to leave the contact information on your blog.
Nothing frustrates a reader or blogger than searching for a contact information especially when they want to leave a feedback. You can leave a secondary mail id, so that you won’t have to worry too much about the spam and dodgy requests.
‘I’m afraid the doctor can’t see you today. You could visit his web page instead.’
You can also add a press or media kit that is available for download. You will never know when it will turn out to be useful. Some of the information that you can include in the kit are:
Basic bio data
Professional head shot
Book cover image in good quality
Relevant information about the book like synopsis
An Excerpt
Testimonials, if any
I have come to know many bloggers who have turned to authors, and be successful at that. And it may not come as a surprise that from the point of view of booksellers and publishers they have a platform established with a sizable number of following, which means selling more books and better outreach.
If you are an independent author who is looking to be traditionally published, or even if not, an author website has become a bare minimum. Do you have these elements in your website?
What are those things that you look for in an author’s website? Did I leave any of the things that are important to you in an author’s website? Let us chat.
As a book reader and a blogger most of my non reading and non blogging time go to stalking visiting websites related to books, especially those of authors. I am sure we all have that special author(s) whom we can’t get enough of on their social media and would love to know more, even when they tweet almost every other day. The solution? The author website.
The case is particularly true for an indie or self published writer. In fact every time I get an book to review from a new author I immediately hop to the internet to check out their website. Not just to get a feel about the book but also to know more about the author and their writing style. I wouldn’t wanna miss out reading an author who has an interesting blog or website.
Of course you might think ‘why do I need an author website?’ especially when you are already screaming about your book and yourself on your social media accounts.
1) Your author website is a platform that you own
It doesn’t matter if your book was published traditionally or it is independent, it has become mandatory to put yourself out there as an author and make some noise. It can be through your tweets or your virtual book tours or any other medium you choose. But the bottom line is that authors are expected to be more than just writers.
You can ask ‘I am active on social media. Do I need another website separately?’ Yes. You do.
Photo Credit: Funny Times
Every author, published traditionally or otherwise needs a website. Your social accounts are not owned or controlled by you. You don’t own them, even though you spend time to build and nurture your domain and followers on them. Any change in their policies will affect you directly.
Therefore, the author website should be the place where all your accounts point out to. It is the one stop shop for any details about you and promotion of your book(s). It might be self hosted or free, but it is essentially a hub where you can convert your subscribers into your fans.
2) Your author website builds your personal branding
A website you own should be the hub of all your internet activities. The website plays a main part of the image that you want to portray on to your readers. Right from your image on your author bio to the comments that you leave on others’ websites forms part of that brand.
With a self hosted website you can have professional looking email id like ‘hello@authordomain.com’ which will make you appear more professional. Your website should also include the details about your book (obviously), press release and media kit that conform to your brand image. Add a FAQ section to help your readers know more about you.
3) Your author website aides your growth
While your social accounts may be your place to talk about your current book and its promotion, your website should be the place that talks about you. It displays both your current book and everything else that you have already written or are writing.
More often than you know, many authors start with a book and end up writing a series. The website thus might become more than ‘read about my book here’ to ‘learn more about my writing here’. Get talking about your characters, your plot direction and engage more fans – all on your own space.
Photo Credit: vintagemetalart.com
4) Your author website acts as your sales funnel
Remember your website is your very own space. So use it creatively and effectively. You can help your readers to browse your book(s) by adding a blurb or two. It needn’t be the same as you have in your Amazon or other seller’s site. Let them know how to buy your books and leave them direct links.
Some more ideas to spruce up your website and help your marketing:
Make it easy for your readers to find you on the internet by showing off your social accounts.
Some authors even add a shopping cart to help them purchase the book without leaving their site.
Ask them to sign up for your newsletters and notifications about book tours, new works, launch party or even reading events.
Some authors might be reluctant to have an author website because they might have to update it frequently. Sure it is true that you have to update it once in a while, but you don’t have to blog there regularly.
I totally agree that most of my favorite authors are hard pressed for time and I would prefer them focusing on getting me the next book sooner to updating their blog about their dogs. (If you love blogging about your doggo, please do. I will be reading it with my eyes glistening. There are never too many doggo blogs.) It is definitely your choice to decide how many times you wanna blog in a month or year.
I know. I know I have made a word-y post and you are almost at the end and yet I have not shown you my favorite author websites. So here they are.
Some of my favorite author websites for inspiration:
Do not feel overwhelmed with all these websites. All we readers ask is a place to dig deeper about you and your books. So go ahead create a website right away.
Do you visit your favorite author’s website? Share us their link so that we will stalk them as well. What do you look for in them? If you are an author and you do have a website, leave a link and we will visit them. If you do not want to create one, tell us why. Let us talk.
