These days, authors are being pushed to build a strong online presence and large social media following. It can seem that figuring out Facebook, Instagram or any of the social media platforms is that only way to find success as an author. The importance of social media and your online presence cannot be understated. However, what is often overlooked is that there are things you can do offline that will actually help you online.

If you feel like you have hit a wall online or are just looking to grow your author presence, consider doing one (or all!) of these actions.

Arrange In-Person Meetings
So much of our business and communications are done online that it can be easy to forget about in-person meetings. Most people would rather send an email than request a meeting. By doing that, you could be missing a potential opportunity to grow your network and build relationships that can significantly improve your online presence.

For instance, is there are particular publication or blogger you’d like to reach? Perhaps their audience is the perfect match to your ideal reader. You could send them an email, introduce yourself and explain why your book is perfect for them. Or you could send them an email with a quick introduction and ask to meet for coffee. In which situation do you think they are more likely to remember you?

Attend Conferences
Attending industry conferences can provide tremendous benefits for you as an author. Most offer panels and workshops by industry leaders that will give you to opportunity to strengthen your craft. More importantly though, it offers a chance to building a network of likeminded authors. These authors may not be in your genre or at the same point in their career but they are all authors. They understand the nitty gritty that comes with these professions and can be a wonderful support group.

Conferences are also a great way to meet industry professionals in person. You may not be looking for an editors or agent at the moment, but getting in front of them and introducing yourself will only help you down the road. Once these connections have been made in person, it will prove to be an easier transition to an online connection.

Meet Other Authors
Do not be afraid to get out there and meet other authors in person. Authors tend to isolate themselves, however having a support system of writers can be instrumental in your success. These relationships can help you become a better writer, provide critique or suggestions when you hit a roadblock or be an ear to listen when you need a sounding board.

Remember that other authors are looking for the same thing you are. Don’t try to form one-sided relationships. By helping them, you will strengthen your relationship and it can go back and forth. From there, there is always a potential for cross promotion of books you are working on or tapping into each other’s online networks.

It is undeniable that most successful authors have a strong, loyal online following. Building that loyalty takes time and effort, not simply adding a few posts to a Facebook page. By taking the time to get out there, shake some hands and trade stories, you will be forming those relationships that will naturally translate online.

Redefining the Term “Self-Published”

As authors are now empowered to directly reach consumers, traditional publishers are threatened by this change. A common criticism by the larger publishing houses of self-published books is the lack of professionalism and quality.  They claim many independent authors try to take on too many tasks individually and the resulting product does not match the caliber of traditionally published works.

Successful independent authors recognize the word “self” in self-published as the individual being ultimately responsible for each task but not the individual necessarily performing each task. Just as a movie producer does not solely write, hire, direct, edit or market a film, self-published authors should not be expected to wear all the hats required to produce a quality finished product.  Companies, such as Publisher Services (shameless plug), provide a la carte services, empowering authors to focus on the tasks which are in tuned to their passion. Although “self-published” authors are ultimately responsible for final product, there are affordable resources to enable them to compete head-to-head with the larger publishers.

Publisher Services offers the following assistance:

• Professional interior book formatting
• Cover design
• Professional book printing: Hard and soft (perfect) cover
• Book reviewing: Manuscript and final product
• E-book conversion

It is important to note that the only service which we do not provide self-published authors is book line editing. Professional line editors usually specialize in particular subjects. Since our clients’ books cover all genres, we could not provide a satisfactory  offering applicable to our entire customer base. We are members of the Independent Book Publishers Association and they have a list of editing resources. Please click here for information.  Our YourFirstReview.com service is aimed for independent self-publishers to identify possible issues, many of which involve editing.

Please feel free to call us at 800.662.0701 x250 or you may contact an Account Manager directly.

Lori Williams: lori@barcode-us.com  (800)662-0701 x143
David Finnochio: dave@barcode-us.com  (800)662-0701 x126
Lucy Jung: lucy@barcode-us.com  (800)662-0701 x145
Patti Osuoji: patti@barcode-us.com  312-676-7623

To a select few, self-promotion comes very easy and naturally. Many self-published authors tend to be introverted so outward promotion is challenging. Every year we survey our clients and “marketing” is always the number one area which most authors describe where they need to spend more time. Our advice to all authors is you must make peace with the fact that self-promotion is a necessity.

There are some very easy to perform things self-publishers can do to start the ball of self-promotion rolling. Here are a few economical and easy ways to promote your book;

1. Include a link to your book in your email signature.
2. Provide ongoing Twitter chats with your readers.
3. Create a blog and post short stories or chapters.
4. Post pictures of fans reading your book on your social media sites.
5. Throw a book release part for your friends and family. They will become your best initial sales force.
6. If you live in an area with small coffee shops, talk to the owners to see if you can either sell your book at their shop and/or post promotions. At minimum, throw a book signing event at a coffee shop. Most owners appreciate the traffic.
7. Talk to EVERYONE you meet about your book. Be proud of your accomplishment and consistently inject your self-publishing experience into conversations.

Strengthen your promotion with a basic media kit. Basic elements include an author website, blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn account and some business cards. It is also wise to invest in a quality headshot taken by a professional photographer that can be used for your website and various promotional events.