I was interviewing Chris McLaughlin, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Composting earlier this week at Ecosystem Gardening to talk about how easy it is to begin your compost pile and what a difference it can make to a healthy environment.
While we were dishing the dirt about all things compost, Chris began to talk about:
- how she is building her author platform
- why the first step is NOT writing her book
- how to use social media to promote your book
- choosing a publishing model
- building your online authority
I was thrilled to have gotten a “twofer” from Chris, an interview in 3 parts about composting, and a very relevant discussion on book publishing, which I will share with you here.
Listen to Building Your Author Platform with Chris McLaughlin:
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Right click to download Building an Author Platform with Chris McLaughlin (MP3)
Chris mentions several important things that are worth paying attention to.
I want people to walk away with something. I want to give them something. I want them to walk away with something new.
Notice it’s not just about her. Yes, she is plugging her book, but she’s giving people valuable information every time she promotes her book. Rewarding your prospective readers before they purchase your book is a great way to build trust in you and increase the size of your audience.
She talks about book marketing being a whole new world, that the rules have changed, and that if you are going to be successful as an author, you must acquaint yourself with new book promotion methods.
Sitting in bookstores signing books is no longer the most effective way to expand your readership.
Have any book promotion tips that are working successfully for you? What ways are working for you in plugging your books? Do you have any questions for Chris about her book or the publishing process? Let’s discuss by leaving your comments below.
Follow Chris McLaughlin on twitter @Suburban_Farmer and her blog, A Suburban Farmer. Don’t forget to check out the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Composting by Chris McLaughlin.
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Oh, this is wonderful news! I’m finishing up my shift in the hospital, so I can’t listen now, but I can’t wait to listen later. My book is being published by a small publishing company and they have very little money for marketing and I expect I will be doing most of it myself. Carole, you’ve already been so helpful with suggestions, and I really appreciate that Chris was also so forthcoming! Thanks so much, both of you!
Stacey ~ Congratulations! And there’s so many ways to get out there and promote your book! Feel free to email me! (I’m @Suburban_Farmer on Twitter)
Stacey, you should definitely take Chris up on that offer! She is chock full of great ideas and is in the middle of an amazing blog tour to promote her book.
Nice interview and good information. Thanks! I dropped my membership in our local state authors league a few years ago because they insisted that print publication was the only “real” venue for writers. I wonder if they’ve changed their minds yet. The world has certainly changed.
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