Many authors feel stymied by the dilemma of not having anything to talk about to build a platform and interest in a book that isn’t under contract. Yet as wordsmiths, authors can create entertaining and meaningful content to find a tribe. To wit:
- Talk about other people’s books. What are you reading? Why? What did you like about the book? Why is this one of your favorite authors? Author interviews are also fun.
- Show us pictures of your office pet. Who doesn’t love seeing a cute pet, or even a cantankerous pet?
- Where have you traveled lately? Photos posted after you have returned from a lovely trip, even if you traveled only a few miles from your house, always provide great visuals.
- How is your book coming along? What is a struggle for you? What gives you joy? Have your characters gotten from Point A to Point B today, as planned?
- What gives you joy? Cheerful posts to make others smile should keep them interested.
- Bible verses that inspire you. Ask your readers to post their favorites too.
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Discouragements, Disappointments, and Difficulties. Within reason. Discovering that authors don’t always live in a fantasy world helps readers relate to you.
- Your book. Why are you writing this book? What do you hope readers will love about your work, once it’s published?
- Your publishing journey. Share the ups and downs in an uplifting way.
These are only a few ideas. The goal is to provide content your potential readers will enjoy. Let them know you care about them, and make your visit to their IN box worth their time.
To brainstorm more, sign up for author newsletters. What do they say and share that appeals to you?
I hope our blog readers will share ideas too.
I have two books on which to speak,
and they seem to be well-liked, too,
but that’s not what my readers seek;
no, they need me to be true
about hopeful faith in baleful days
that now more clearly show death’s face.
They need to know that whimpered praise
is the cooling balm of grace.
I’m lashed to this dismasted ship
down the storm unto the shore
as the ropes that bind me rip
through skin already wan and sore,
and while to tell this tale I’ve sworn,
I’d rather write of a singing unicorn.
They need to know that whimpered praise
is the cooling balm of grace.
THIS, Andrew. So much this. ((hugs))
Pam, thank you.
This list is very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing it! I’m writing a Christian romance suspense novel and trying to build a platform on Substack. I find it difficult sometimes to know what to say to my subscribers. I’ve been sharing short fiction stories with them to give them a glimpse of my writing and style. I think I’d like to incorporate a monthly newsletter that gives more personal insight using some of your ideas. Thanks again!
I do all these things. I love sharing and encouraging other authors. Especially my friends! We do that for each other.
We write alone, but we aren’t alone in the process! It helps us keep going.
Great suggestions, Tamela! Funny how I was just wondering about this while I wait for another book contract.
I needed this article! Thank you.
I’ve been trying to figure out what to write in my upcoming blog, finally figured out that’s my platform of choice, but my life is dynamic and God is central to every piece. I didn’t want to mix in too many things, leaving it without focus on anything at all.
But God is the focus, and he is in everything we do. So … pets, family, writing and travel it is!
Thank you, Tamela.
Amber
These are great suggestions. Thanks for sharing, Tamela!
Great ideas! Thank you, Tamela.
This is SO good! Thank you for the practical (and encouraging) help!
In all the lessons about building a platform without social media, not once have I come across what to write in a blog or newsletter when I don’t yet have a book to promote. The fact that the subject matter is the same as what a published author might write, minus any reference to a published book, gives me confidence to begin. Thank you!
Great Suggestions Tamela. I thought of writing about other’s books since I love to share anyway.
Last week I pulled out about 20 books from author friends that I had read (it was painful-since I get attached) because there’s no room for new books on my shelves. We were hosting Small Group and I had the books spread out in the dining room and offered them to the women. They were very excited and I loved sharing about the author’s books and how we connected. I’ve gotten reports back already that they are enjoying them.
TIP: if you have newsletters, keep them under 2k words XP Gmail cuts off newsletters with over 2k words, so I keep all my emails under 2k so that they don’t get cut off at the bottom.
Currently I have an intro/life update section, a featured blog post from my website, a writing update, a “random” section for exciting things I want to share with subscribers (such as a song I’m obsessed with, character art, another person’s story, baby goat pictures, etc) and a book review section.
Allie, these are great tips, thank you!