Build Your Bloggers

November 15, 2021-I hope you’re enjoying this month’s theme, which is a daily tip a day for authors to promote themselves and their books! Today we’re talking about bloggers and why they matter to your success.

Reaching out to bloggers to recommend your books is an excellent idea for many reasons. Let’s explore:

1. You cast a wider net. By finding bloggers to read and recommend your book or by guest blogging on their site, you reach a wider audience and perhaps an audience that wouldn’t usually be on your radar.
2. You cross-promote. Bloggers are often interested in reciprocal marketing; if they have you on their site as a guest, usually they’ll ask to be a guest on your site as well. You can cross-promote yourselves and your products to allow more options for your readers on both sites. For example, if you write mysteries and they write thrillers, you can promote each other and your books. Be sure to research the bloggers you reach out to because you want your book to complement theirs and vice versa. You could even team up and offer your books as a package for your readers.
3. You get reviews. Reviews are valuable to authors because they allow readers to have a glimpse into what people think of your book and what they like. Bloggers will often give an honest review of your book in exchange for a copy of it. Sometimes they will ask you to return the favour and review their book as well. By getting glowing reviews from well-known bloggers, you can use the reviews in your marketing; post the blogger review on your social media channels and be sure to tag them so that their followers see it and will potentially follow you after that! It helps to build your audience.

Don’t make the mistake that many people do who reach out to yours truly; I get at least an email a day asking to be a guest blogger on our site. I get pitched all kinds of things, like how to clean your house for less than a dollar a day, how to get rid of bees, and how to remove soap scum from the shower. None of these topics fit our blog, so why would I take the person up on their offer and have them guest post? Do your research before reaching out so that you have a better chance of hearing YES.

If you want more information on how to further your writing career, click here for a list of our current courses: Virtual Courses, Classes, and Workshops – Pandamonium Publishing House

Let’s Talk About Little Free Libraries!

November 10, 2021-As we offer daily author tips for promoting yourself and your books, we can’t leave out Little Free Libraries!

What are little free libraries? You can often find these cute book boxes in your community, sometimes at the end of people’s driveways, on lawns, and in public places like parks and playgrounds; they’re chock full of books that have been donated. There’s usually a mix of new and previously loved books with genres to suit a wide range of readers. 

So, how do you use this fantastic resource to promote your books and yourself as an author? 

1. Leave signed copies of your book-Usually 1-3 copies is the perfect amount to leave so that multiple people can enjoy your work. Sometimes, people keep the books rather than borrow them, so offering more than one copy is wise. Don’t overdo it, and be sure to leave room for other titles.
2. Take photos-Take a picture of your book/yourself depositing your book into the little free library and share the photo on social media. Let people know where they can find copies of your books around the neighbourhood/community/city. Be sure to use proper hashtags. 
3. Check back often-Just like a bank, be sure to check on your deposits regularly! Make sure your books are readily available and see if there are additional resources you can share from the rest of your collection, mix it up if you have more than one title to share! Your book should include your social media handles, and how readers can get in touch with you where you can offer bonus items such as free downloads, discussion questions, and more. 

Here’s a great video about little free libraries: https://youtu.be/KIwh6TzYc70