Networking

Networking is vital to your success as an author. I read an article on Online Networking for Author-Entrepreneurs, Part 1: Long-Distance Relationships for the Lifecycle of Your Book, by Scott Allen, About.com, that quotes John Kremer, a book marketing expert. Mr. Kermer said, "Book marketing is all about relationships. And you'd better get good at doing them long-distance, because you're never going to meet most of the people face-to-face."

Utilize the Internet. There are plenty of opportunities out there to market your book and networking is just one way. Join all the social networks you can (Facebook, Author Nation, Ning, Yahoo, Axis Avenue just to name a few). Not only will you meet interesting authors, publishers, agents and readers, you can get advice and information from these sites to help you in your writing and publishing endeavors.

Join both online and local writing groups. Meetup.com is a great way to join a local group. I've joined a couple of groups this way and plan on starting one of my own very soon. Check with local libraries and bookstores for other local opportunities.

There are many social networks that you can sign up for free. Sign up for as many of these as you can manage. Most of them will be searched by the major search engines. You can put as much or as little as you want about yourself on these networks.

Create a MySpace page for yourself and your books. Seek out other authors, publishers, and friends this way. Make sure to invite others as your friend and many will add you as theirs as well.

The earlier the better. It can only help to network well in advance of your release date. This will help you build friendships and help to get your name out there. I have learned a lot from the friends I've networked with. Others' experiences are very helpful.

There are so many opportunities out there at your finger tips. Get started building lasting relationships and most importantly, have fun with it.

Check out these networks to get you started:
Ning
Facebook
MySpace
Bebo
Friendster
LiveJournal
Hi5
Orkut

Copyright 2008 Lynn Tincher