Book Marketing, Part 26: Create Strong Reader-Author Relationships

I find sitting on the porch, especially because we now live "in nature," grounds me and allows my creative juices to flow. How about you? What environment do you have that allows you to be at your best and most creative?

In thinking about today's topic, as it pertains to book marketing, the first question that popped into my mind was?"How do I know for sure people find out about a book they just *have* to read?"?The answer is, of course, because it is recommended by a trusted source. Usually a friend, but sometimes a co-worker, another personal or business connection, or even someone they look up to or follow.

Just this morning I finished?Choose Wonder Over Worry?by Amber Rae and thought of several people who would benefit from reading it—and promptly took a screenshot and sent it over. Now I'm recommending it to you (it is?very?good).

When was the last time you recommended a book and why? While I don't know this author, I feel like I do because (a) I've read her book, (b) subscribed to her email list, and (c) followed her on social media. The book covers personal topics like overcoming procrastination, anger, and anxiety. It encourages being in the flow, listening to our inner wisdom, and taking leaps of faith.

Amber Rae is doing a great job of engaging with readers, even though her book is traditionally published and doesn't have?back matter?to encourage a deeper author-reader relationship.

Here's why this is important: the more connected a reader feels to the author, as well as enjoying and benefitting from their content, the more likely they are to recommend their book(s) to others.

Case in point: who is your favorite author and when was the last time you recommended their book to someone? (Press reply, I'd love to know!)

Here are ways you can create a strong reader-author relationship:

• Include solid back matter in your book so (a) readers know more about you and (b) know other ways they can connect with and engage you.
• Answer every* email. Even if it takes you a week, or a month, respond to every single reader who asks a question or sends their experience or some kudos. Yes, every.single.one. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I couldn't believe you wrote me back!" from folks who've emailed me. Some of them have become students of my?courses, joined my?mastermind, and even become close, personal friends.?Personal connection matters and will pay dividends in the multiples. Actually caring about people helps, too. *Note: if someone is caustic or mean, doesn't do their research, or asks for a ton of free advice without offering to pay, I don't answer those and I don't recommend you do, either.
• Write great content.
• Give and share as much as you can, as often as you can.
• Help when you can and if you can't help, build a bench of resources you can refer business to.

In general, be an authentic, cool, nice person your readers can relate to—and one day you'll have?1000 True Fans, earning even?more?income doing what you love along with your book. What could be better than that?

See you tomorrow!

To Your Success! | Honoree Corder | [email protected] | HonoreeCorder.com

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