By DiAnn Mills
When writers realize the
embers of their careers are dying, stomping out the few remaining flames is not
the answer. Instead, effective writers look for new ways to promote themselves
that explodes with ingenuity and creativity.
Is your career on the
verge of smoldering? Try adding a spark to your marketing and promotion plan
with these ideas.
1. Brainstorm
with other writers about your brand and marketing and promotion efforts. I
could write several blogs on this topic. In short, brainstorming is the best
method I know to expand creativity from the writing process to branding and
promotion.
2. A
new professional photo. Invest in a good photographer who will not only create
a great new look for media but will also snap a few candid and fun pics that
can be used for social networking.
3. Update
your website. Now may be the time to consider an exciting design that uses your
brand as the focus. Your website is your calling card. It must reflect you,
your writing, and your uniqueness.
4. Author
bio. A writer uses his/her flair for words to enhance a bio that draws readers
into your world. Make it personal and professional. Also, develop a shorter
version for those times when media has space for two or three sentences.
5. If
you’re social media networking includes only Facebook or Twitter, stretch
yourself. Dive into the advantages of Goodreads where a writer can communicate
with readers. Take the time to read all the benefits of Goodreads for writers.
Pinterest is addictive, and the many uses of images in marketing and promotion
are endless. Don’t limit yourself! Are podcasts in your future?
6. Use
Buffer or Hootsuite to organize and simplify your social media posts. This
relieves the stress of watching the clock and questioning when followers are
online. Analytics provide information critical to posting and content. Other
methods are available, but these are my favorites. https://bufferapp.com https://hootsuite.com.
7. Is
blogging a part of your plan? A successful writer understands a blog is only as
good as the subject matter and how the material is presented. This is not about
you but what you can offer to readers with your expertise. Use images and make
it fun.
8. Commit
to reading blogs and books about marketing and promotion for writers in your
genre.
9. Are
you taking care of yourself physically? A writer who’s not healthy or regularly
exercising can’t expect the brain and heart to engage to maximum potential.
10. Are you
ensuring each book is written better than the previous one? Are writing
challenges met with determination by studying the craft, deepening skills, and
evaluating your own work?
11. Prayer.
This should be first. Seek God’s guidance for ways to glorify Him as we seek to
entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.
Perhaps one of these
eleven ideas have motivated you to add fire to your writing career. Determine
today to light a match to one of them.
How are you igniting a fire in your
writing?
DiAnn
Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an
adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to
create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the
CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for
the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014:
Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the
2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s
Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers
Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups
and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in
sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect
with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
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