Building A Relationship With Your Readers

There are so many ways to build a relationship with your readers, but one of the best ways is through your newsletter.

 

Unlike social media that controls who sees your posts and how often, newsletters give you direct access to your subscriber's inbox. They have given you permission to email them. They want to hear from you.

 

That permission, however, comes with great responsibility. The last thing you want to do is spam your readers with email after email that says BUY MY BOOK!

 

So what should you be sending to your readers?

 

When asking this question, the best thing to do is think about what you like to get from brands you love. Do you want them to notify you of a new item? A sale? What about a giveaway they might be having? Of course you do, but those options are only the tip of the ice burg.

As an author, you put a little piece of yourself in every book you write and readers, for the most part, are curious as to the person behind the vale. A newsletter is your opportunity to give them a peak of your life, of who you are. It's a way to form a connection with your readers.

 

You can also share about what you're working on. Talk about the book you're currently writing, your progress, and any research you're doing for the story. This week I shared with my subscribers how I spent a half hour watching a a tutorial on wax play for the BDSM romance I'm writing. It not only gets them excited about your story, but it also shows the dedication you have to making your story the best it can be.

 

Another way you can show your subscribers they are important to you is by providing them exclusive content. We see this a lot through newsletter magnets written with the express purpose of having readers sign up to join your list, but it doesn't have to stop there.

 

In this week's episode of the Bound by Books Podcast, my co-host, Danielle Bannister, shared how she writes a short story for her newsletter every month. Her open rates have increased as readers want to read their free story.

I've recently begun doing something similar. Each week I'm writing a short, 100 word snap shot based on a picture and sharing it in my newsletter.

 

But it doesn't have to be writing. It can be anything you want. Some more unique things I've seen have been puzzles, downloadable bookmarks, maps of fictional cities, and character family trees. All of these are great ideas for how to bring more value to your readers and to show them how much you appreciate them.

 

Vote On Next Week's Flash Fiction Picture Prompt

Which picture prompt will I use for my next 100 word flash fiction story in my newsletter?

Cast your vote in the comments below.

 

 

 

Not yet subscribed to my email list? Click HERE to subscribe.

 

Do I Need A Newsletter - Bound By Books Podcast Episode 47

 

 

 

This week I'm talking with Danielle Bannister about newsletters. We're discussing why it's important for authors to have a newsletter and some of the things we do to bring value to our readers.

 

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The Hosts 

 

Amazon

 

Amazon

Should You Write Under A Pen Name?

Pseudonyms, or pen names, have been around for a long time. Woman used to use them to hide their sex from readers back when it was uncommon for women to write and publish books. 

 

Today, pen names are still used to hide the author's sex. If a female author is writing in a genre that is predominately male, such as thriller or science fiction, they may choose to use a pen name to mask their sex. Some authors decide to use initials and their last name so the reader doesn't know which sex the writer is. Yet others, choose a different name altogether.

 

But writers aren't only using pen names to hide their sex. They could be using a pen name to differentiate between different genres of books.

 

For example, Nora Roberts is famous for her romance novels. However, when she branched out into futuristic mystery stories, she decided to publish under the pen name of J.D. Robb.

 

Why would she do this? The short answer is marketing.

 

When Nora Roberts decided to publish her first futuristic mystery, she was already well established in the romance world. Her readers knew what they could expect from her stories. But writing romance and writing a mystery set in the future require different story elements. Readers of those genres expect different things.

 

There's also the algorithms to consider. Computers are funny. They like things to be direct and straightforward. So when an author that has written dozens of romance books puts out a new book, the computer is going to want to show that new book to the readers who've previously enjoyed that author's stories.

 

Not every romance reader who's loved Nora Roberts's romance novels is going to enjoy her mysteries. It's a totally different genre. But the computer gets confused. The author is the same. Surely the same readers would want to read this new book, too.

 

In steps the pen name.

 

These days, many authors are open about using pen names. It isn't a secret as it has been in times past. This way the readers that want to follow the author to their new genre of books can, but the new name makes it very clear which type of story the reader will be getting. And it makes the algorithms happy, too.

 

So the question becomes, when should you use a pen name?

 

1) When you want to mask your sex. If you're a woman writing a thriller or a man writing a romance, you may choose to make it less obvious which sex you are. I know a few male romance authors who write under pseudonyms.

 

2) You write in multiple genres. This is perhaps the most common reason I encounter these days. I know several authors who write in different genres who use a different pen name for each genre so they don't confuse readers or the algorithms. 

 

When it comes down to it, using a pen name is all about marketing. You want to present yourself in the best way in order to find your right readers and sometimes that means using a pen name.

 

To Pen Name Or Not - Bound by Books Podcast

 

 

 

Danielle Bannister and Marianne Morea are talking all about pen names on this week's episode of the Bound by Books Podcast. They both have experience with pen names and they are sharing their wisdom with listeners.

 

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The Hosts 

 

Amazon

 

Amazon

Vote On Next Week's Flash Fiction Picture Prompt

Which picture prompt will I use for my next 100 word flash fiction story in my newsletter?

Cast your vote in the comments below.

Not yet subscribed to my email list? Click HERE to subscribe.

How An Author Can Diversify Their Characters And Enhance Their Story

There's been a huge push recently for more diversity in books, movies, and TV shows. But I think sometimes we get bogged down in what constitutes diversity.

 

It isn't having a list you reference. When you get down to it, diversity is realism. It's creating real characters in the real world. Or, in this case, the fictional world.

 

Diversity is more than race or sexual orientation. It also includes body types, physical and mental disabilities, and even religious diversity.

 

No two people are exactly the same. Shocker, I know. We all have different experiences, different morals and values, and different things that turn us on. And as a writer, that should be looked at as a blessing. There is nothing more boring than one dimensional characters.  

But what if you write science fiction or fantasy?

 

People, at their core, are still people. Even if you're writing aliens you want readers to be able to relate to, then they need to have their own unique personalities--their own backstories--their own problems and challenges. They aren't a monolith.

 

So how do you include diversity in your story?

 

It's not as complicated as you might think.

 

Several of my books contain some level of diversity. In my Finding Anna series, Brianna is suffering from a mental illness. In Behind Closed Doors, Elizabeth is a curvy woman who has body image issues. My hero in Longing for His Kiss has a limp from a combat injury.

 

These are only a few examples of how a writer can diversify their characters and enhance their story. Humans are complex creatures. You characters should be as well.

 

The first step when writing should always be to get to know your characters. Some writers go as far as writing character profiles before they begin the first chapter. Others, like myself who write by the seat of our pants, get to know our characters backstories as the story unfolds. We peel back the layers one at a time and build on that until we have a well rounded character.

 

Either way, getting to know and understand your character's history and motivations are key. If someone has body image issues, you may want to explore what led to those issues. When talking about sexual preference, addressing when the character first noticed their changing desires helps increase the connection a reader feels to the character.

 

In my BDSM stories, I almost always mention how one or both of my characters discovered they enjoy kink. This can be as detailed as it needs to be, but if a character feels strongly about something, no matter what it is, it's a good idea to give the reader a way to understand.

 

This goes beyond the topic of diversity, of course. If a character detests avocados to the point where they are running out of a room at just the sight of one, then explaining that reaction is a good idea. 

 

Don't leave your reader hanging. Bring them into the character's world. Let them experience what the character has experienced. Tap into those emotions. Make the story come alive.

 

Flash Fiction Picture Challenge

Which story should I write a 100 word flash fiction about?

Leave your answer in the comments below.

I'll be sharing the story in Monday's newsletter, exclusively for my email subscribers.

 

Not subscribed? Click HERE.

Writing Diversity In Fiction - Bound by Books Podcast Epidsode 45

 

Diversity is a hot topic lately. Tina Moss and I are discussing the dos and don'ts of writing diversity in fiction on this week's episode of the Bound by Books Podcast.

 

Click below to listen, or go to www.boundbybookspodcast.com to find out more about all the hosts of the show.

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The Hosts 

Amazon

Amazon

Writing Myths - Bound by Books Podcast Episode 44

 

I have a guest host with me this week on the Bound by Books Podcast. PJ Fiala and I are discussing some writing, publishing, and marketing myths we've encountered over the years.

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The Hosts 

 Amazon

 

 

Amazon

You Must Write Everyday In Order To Be A Successful Author

PJ Fiala and I were talking all about writing myths on this week's Bound by Books Podcast. We covered eight common ones we've heard over our years of publishing.One of those myths is that if you want to be a real author, you have to write everyday. While PJ and I talk about this one on the podcast, I wanted to dive into this myth a little more today on the blog.

 

First and foremost, there is no one right way to do almost anything in this business and that includes writing. I do try to write every day, but it doesn't always happen. Life gets in the way, or I need to finish formatting a book to get it ready for publication. It could be that I just plain don't feel like it. All of these are perfectly okay reasons not to write. 

It is true if you go days without writing it can be difficult to get back into the grove again, but that isn't everyone. An author friend of mine goes months sometimes without writing, then locks herself in a room for three weeks and writes and entire book.

 

When I first started writing, I did so in the evenings before bed. I had a day job and it was the only time I had to write. Back then, when I was a bit younger and didn't start falling asleep at 10:00pm, that worked for me. Now, if I tried to stay up that late and write, I'd probably nod off before getting more than a few sentences in.

 

As time went on and I no longer had a nine to five job, my writing routine evolved. Afternoons worked better for me, so I'd set aside some time after lunch to get my writing time in. I'd spend two to three hours writing and editing before my husband came home from work.

 

That was all well and good until my husband quit his day job to work from home. Now, let me tell you, that threw a wrench into things big time.

 

Not that I don't love my husband, but I'm the type of person that needs quiet when I write. As someone who writes by the seat of their pants, I need to focus.

 

So my writing routine had to change again.

 

These days, most of my writing is done first thing in the morning. I settle in at my desk before my husband wakes up and I attempt to get my word count in for the day.

 

Will that work for everyone? No. But it works for me.

 

The biggest issue I find when I talk to other creatives-and this isn't only writers-is that they tend to be overly optimistic. Write ten thousand words a day seven days a week? Sure, no problem. Publish a book a month? No sweat.

 

 

But that isn't realistic. Even the most prolific writers I've met over the years have trouble keeping up that pace. The ones who've tried often get burnout.

 

 

One writer friend published a book a month for two years. She had built a great fan base and was making a good living. Then, she hit a wall. Complete and total writers block. And it lasted for over two years. She has now gotten back to writing, but at a slower pace.

 

It's true publishing regularly is smart business, but only you get to decide what that means to you. For me, it means publishing two books a year. I write longish books-usually between 80k-100k each.

 

 

Could I publish more? Maybe. But the pressure of that, plus the other things I have in my life outside of writing, would making creating good stories very difficult, if not impossible. And I'd rather my readers wait a little longer for a good book than to push something out that isn't up to par.

 

 

Again, that is what works for me. What works for you may be very different.

 

 

Be honest with yourself about how much you can write and how often. And then, try to stick to that.

 

 

But, here's the kicker. If you find it's just not doable, that you're feeling overwhelmed or under a lot of pressure to the point where writing isn't enjoyable anymore, then it's time to re-evaluate.

Choosing The Right Publishing Option For You

In this week's episode of the Bound by Book Podcast, Tina Moss and Danielle Bannister broke down the pros and cons of self publishing your own story and going the more traditional route. Both Tina and Danielle have experience with both, as to quite a few authors in the indie sphere. For a long time, there was a stigma with self publishing that it was only for those writers who couldn't get a deal with one of the big guys, but that isn't the case anymore. A lot of authors, specifically romance authors, are choosing to self publish.

 

My journey to self publishing began way back in 2010. I was trying to polish a story I'd written and get it ready so I could start querying agents. But before I'd sent out the first letter, I was approached by a small publishing house. They'd read some of the fan fiction I'd posted online and wanted to know if I had anything I was interested in publishing. Two weeks later, they'd read my manuscript and offered me a contract. That story became my first ever published novel.

 

I was with that small press for five years and while with them I published eight novels and a short story. It was a good experience and it helped me learn a lot about marketing and publishing.

 

Small presses still fall into the bucket of traditional publishing even though they tend to be more approachable than the big five and you often don't have to have an agent. Authors still have to submit their manuscripts for consideration, especially authors new to that publisher. The turn around time to get an answer, however, tends to be much quicker than that of the New York publishers. Instead of waiting years to find out if your book will be picked up and published, you will often know in a matter of weeks.

 

Part of this is because small presses, because of their size, can change and adjust to the industry a lot faster than the big houses. They can adjust their marketing, jump on trends, and even focus on niche markets that can give their authors an advantage. 

 

There are small presses that only publish erotica. Other presses focus on cozy mysteries and sweet romances. These publishers know those markets and they know them well, which means they know how to find those readers. That can be a huge advantage to authors, especially if they aren't great at marketing themselves.

 

So why self publish?

 

While some authors do choose to self publish because they haven't been able to land a publishing deal with one of the big houses, a vast majority do it because they want to. Self publishing gives the author complete and total control, but with that comes a lot of responsibility.

 

When you publish through a publishing house, large or small, that publisher covers the cost of the cover design, the editing, proofreading, and formatting. They might even do a little marketing. If an author chooses to self publish, then all of that is on them.

 

Some authors thrive on this type of control. For others, it stresses them out. They'd rather focus on the writing and leave all the rest of the behind the scenes stuff to someone else and they're willing to give up some of their royalties to do it.

 

When the owner of the small press I was published with decided to close their doors, I had a decision to make. I could seek out another publisher for my books, or I could self publish them myself. 

 

I went back and forth, weighing the pros and cons before finally deciding to go all in and self publish both my previously published titles and the ones I had planned for the future. It was a huge decision and a big shift for me. I used to be able to write the story, and then turn it over to the publisher. The book would be assigned to an editor and they'd keep it moving from there. Sure, I had to go through edits, look at cover designs, and participate, but they kept things on track. And they paid for it.

 

One of the most difficult things I've found in transitioning from a more traditional route to self publishing as been the lack of accountability. I'm my own boss. I set my own publishing schedule. And while that can be great, it's easy to let days go by without writing anything. Days turn into months and before you know it, it's been two years and you haven't published anything new.

With self publishing, you really are running your own business. Because of that, you have to run it like a business. That means setting deadlines and sticking to them. It means finding people to help you produce a quality product for your readers. It means marketing your story.

 

Want more insights into the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing? Click HERE to listen to this week's Bound by Books Podcast.