A recent article by author Rea Frey, “Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, touches on the challenges of today’s authors and why the question “So what kind of writer do you want to be?” is fundamental for all writers. In this episode, we’ll discuss the article, our own take on some of the key points and discuss how to set goals, priorities and boundaries as a writer.
SHOW NOTES:
Rea Frey’s Perspective: Key points from article.
Self-Assessment: Now ask yourself…what drives you to write? What kind of impact do you want to have? What are you willing and not willing to do?
Writing Exercise: Discuss a writing exercise or prompt to help listeners explore their own writing identity. For example, "Write a letter to your future self about the kind of writer you hope to be in five years."
Examples of Successful Writers: Share examples of well-known authors who have clearly defined their writing paths and discuss how this focus contributed to their success.
Setting Goals: Discuss the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals to help steer your writing career in the desired direction.
Setting Boundaries: What are you not able/willing to do?
Claiming your Boundaries in a Social Media World:
Pros of Sharing on Social Media:
Building a Personal Brand: Discuss how sharing aspects of your writing process and personal life can help create a strong author brand.
Engaging with Readers: Highlight the benefits of connecting with your audience on a personal level.
Marketing Opportunities: Explain how social media can be a powerful tool for book promotion, gaining visibility, and reaching new readers.
Cons of Sharing on Social Media:
Privacy Concerns: Address the potential risks of sharing too much personal information, including your privacy and personal boundaries.
Online Criticism: Discuss how being open on social media can expose you to criticism or negative feedback, and how to handle it.
Distraction from Writing: Consider how maintaining an active social media presence can sometimes take time away from actual writing or lead to burnout.
Setting priorities: This will help inform you how to budget your time and energy
Engaging with Your Audience Beyond Social Media
Book Tours: Discuss the importance of book tours as a way to connect with readers in person. Explore the pros and cons.
Library Events: Highlight the value of library events in reaching diverse audiences and promoting literacy. Talk about how these events can help authors build a reputation in the literary community.
Speaking Engagements: Discuss benefits of speaking engagements, such as establishing yourself as an expert in your genre, networking opportunities, and expanding your reach to new audiences.
Balancing Act: Offer advice on how to balance these in-person events with your writing schedule. Consider discussing how different types of writers might prioritize these opportunities based on their goals.
Community Support: Talk about the importance of finding a community or mentor to help guide and support your writing journey.
SOURCES AND LINKS:
“Protecting Author Privacy: The Cost of Marketing Your Own Books,” Writer's Digest, Rea Frey
“Marketing Your Books: 4 Essential Questions for Authors,” Linkedin, Drew Garber
DO NOW:
Write a letter to your future writer-self projecting where you will be in five years. Make a list of goals for the next five years AND a list of boundaries. Finally, prioritize what is on these lists from most to least important.
Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.
Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com
Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/
Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
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