I’m off to Thrillerfest in a few days, a conference for thriller authors and fans. I’ll be reporting back soon and I know many of you also attend conferences over the summer period as well.
I also attend events in London for publishers and authors. It’s amazing how few authors actually come to these things, and I think it’s because we’re basically introverts and find the networking difficult. Today, Laura Austin from BookMachine gives us a few tips.
Getting to know publishers, self-publishing partners and promoting your novel to avid readers are crucial ways to help you build your fan base, either before or after you actually get published.
Whether you decide to sell ebooks and build an online community, or think that speaking at gigs will raise your profile best, there’s always a need to get out there and meet people face-to-face.
We organize regular events for folks connected to the publishing industry and have put together a list of tips below. If we’ve missed any out, please do add them in below!
Make the time
Undoubtedly the most important part of your job is writing, right? You are a content creator and need to invest your energies in writing in the best way you can. What about making time for networking? Why not identify a couple of events a month to attend and make the time to go to them too?
Prepare in advance
Many writers are introverts and as such, it can be intimidating to turn up to an event without knowing who to speak to. Many events now will have some kind of list that you can find out attendees on. Or you can search for the event or hashtag on Twitter. Find out a few things about people you’d like to talk to so you have something prepared for an initial conversation. Once you’re at your ease, you can broaden your networking horizons.
Arrive early
If you arrive early at events you’ll have time to relax ahead of speaking to other guests. You’ll also be able to connect with other early-birds in a smaller setting. Although arriving fashionably late might work for social occasions, when it comes to networking you need to be on top of your game and rushing in late and apologetically isn’t going to help you to focus and give your best to the people you meet.
Be interested
However excited you are to tell others about your new novel, you need to reign it in and be more interested in the person you are speaking to. If you make them feel like they’re the most interesting person in the room, they are much more likely to want to read your novel than if you’ve told them every intricate detail about your writing schedule. This also relates to preparation above as you can show a lot more interest if you know about the person beforehand.
Focus
Don’t answer your phone or check your text messages whilst networking. Similarly, if you see an influential publisher in the room, never avert your gaze – give the person you are speaking to 100% of your attention, even if it’s clear that there’s no common ground. A good way to move on is to simply say: ‘so who else would you like to meet this evening?’ …
Follow up
If you do meet interesting folks who might help you promote your work, the follow up is key. It normally takes about 10 impressions (meeting, email, seeing on Twitter etc) for you to make a lasting impact on someone – so don’t give up after the first email. There are so many ways to connect online, so follow them on Twitter, invite them to connect on Linkedin, send an email or even a letter! People are busy and it’s your responsibility to make sure you stay on their radar.
Do you attend publishing events? What are the challenges you find with them?
About the Author
Laura Austin is co-founder of BookMachine, a fast growing publishing network which consists of a website and regular events. Our bi-monthly events attract 100+ delegates from different publishing related associations. You can follow @bookmachine on Twitter
If you live in London, why not come to our next party on 26th July? You can sign up here to make sure you get a ticket.
Image: Flickr CC Josh Kenzer
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks it’s really good advice to prepare. As an introvert I have found that preparing a sentence to start a conversation helps me. I have been to writers’ weekends and bumped into interesting and influential people at the book table or the coffee machine and been tongue tied and wished I had prepared.
Don’t prepare a speech; most people will run a kilometre rather than hear you out. Treat it like a first date. Make a short intriguing statement, ask a question then listen. Do more listening than talking. An example might be, ‘Hi my name’s Chris I’ve just written a novel about a teenage ghost. (pause) Do you believe in ghosts?’ Now I am having an intimate conversation with a stranger (people love talking about themselves) whilst subliminally talking about my book.
If they are obviously in a hurry or not interested let them go – ‘I’m very sorry to trouble you,’ and walk away. But be prepared. Have a business card with your name, email address, blog address and picture of your book cover on the reverse; you never know.
Great conference prep tips, Laura! Thank you. And, looking forward to meeting you in person at Thrillerfest, Joanna!
These tips sound really helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this! A little informative pep talk for those of us who are getting our feet wet.
Since I too, am an introvert, I find attending these events difficult. I must often remember to pace myself, and that I won’t likely accomplish everything I set out to do. I find it works best for me if I set 2 or 3 main goals. If I accomplish more than those, great! If not, at least I left time for snafus, exhaustion, etc.!
I feel like the article is telling me that the way to promote your book at a publishing event is to not promote your book neccessarily but more so yourself. Like if you handle yourself in such a way people will be interested in what you have to say and who you are and the networking can lead to talks of your book.
Or did I just miss the mark completely?
Thanks for the post Joanna and Laura.
Hi Shaquanda, I think it is always about promoting yourself as the author, as it’s never just about one book. Be interesting and be interested in others, and they will naturally be interested in you. Practice helps as well
As a former sales and marketing professional, events like this are always about selling yourself first and selling the product – - whether it be a book or something else – - is secondary. People naturally gravitate to those they feel comfortable around and have confidence in. And they’re more likely to buy from them, too.
I am happy to read all this good info. Hugs to you all . Have a great day. Jane
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