10 Tips for Writers to Build Marketing Confidence

By Karen Whiting @karenHWhiting

To seek out new markets, readers, and connections. To boldly go where no writer has gone before! 

A takeoff on the words that launched a successful TV series, one in which my husband’s cousin played Bones, may sound trite, but it takes boldness, courage, and imagination to build marketing confidence. 

Writing shows you have imagination and desire. Take bold steps to grow your tribe and learn to do it with conviction. The more prepared and equipped you are to market, the easier it will be to execute your promotional ideas.

Tips to Build Marketing Confidence

1. Dress Your Business Sharply. Create a website, business cards, and other materials that look great. Choose a color, images, and words that present your writing well. Include your photo as people often recall faces better than names. Create some videos to link to that welcome people or give them a glimpse of you as a speaker and writer. Create images (memes)  to post when you speak, post articles, and provide tips.

2. Walk Faster. Respond to opportunities quickly. Get to know what’s happening in the industry by reading the industry news and checking out magazines that accept articles from authors you know. Compliment the author and ask how he or she connected to the magazine. That might open doors for you. It will give you more ideas on how to approach magazine editors. 

Be prepared to pitch by keeping a list of article ideas related to your writing focus or book topic. If you have a new idea for marketing, practice pitching that too. 

3. Practice to be pitch perfect. Know your talking points related to your books or articles. Know the benefits of the topics you write on. Create 30-0second pitches for any idea you want to get published. Practice saying it until it flows easily. Know why readers will respond by chatting with potential readers online and in-person. That way you can respond when an editor likes your pitch and wants to know more.

4. Sit in the Industry’s Front Row. Join writing groups and be active. Subscribe to the industry news (for example ECPA, PW or buy the latest market guide). Follow editors and top authors to hear news. Take some training each year whether at a conference or online. Knowledge builds confidence.

5. Build relationships, not just networks. So, find groups that engage in your topis. Friend people in those groups and others that include readers as well as writers. Get to know those people. Follow up after conferences to thank editors and authors for teaching and any time spent with you. Ask them about their lives and dreams. Publishing builds on relationships. Being a friend with editors, authors, and readers makes it easier to talk with them and learn from them.

6. Focus on Content. Read within your own topic and genre. Know what your readers need and write what will bless them and help them find solutions to those needs. Sharpen your writing skills with training and reading good writing.

7. Speak Up! Add your ideas and share your dreams. Practice speaking to groups no matter how small. Practice interviews with your critique group or a friend.

8. Be Your Best. That means be in shape spiritually and physically. Evaluate your life style and make changes to improve. Dress well and that might mean finding bargains at thrift stores. Get rest. When you feel good, you have more energy and it shows in yur speech, movements, and even in your writing.

9. Express Gratitude. Be thankful to God for all opportunities. Also, thank those who help you along the way and editors who publish your work. Appreciate your readers with the blessings of free handouts and tips.

10. Be respectful. Listen to others, especially those with experience. Listen to readers to hear their needs. Pray for everyone in the industry. Don’t argue if your idea is not accepted. Thank the individual for the opportunity to share and move on or rewrite. This builds integrity and people will in turn listen to you and new ideas.

Creating a professional and well-dressed business builds your confidence and develops trust with readers and industry professionals. Building friends helps you relax and market with more ease. You’ll be prepared for success.

TWEETABLES
10 Tips for Writers to Build Marketing Confidence - @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Authors can build marketing confidence by following these 10 tips - @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Karen Whiting (www.karenwhiting.com) is an international speaker, former television host of Puppets on Parade, certified writing and marketing coach, and award-winning author of twenty-five books for women, children, and families. Her newest book, The Gift of Bread: Recipes for the Heart and the Table reflects her passion for bread and growing up helping at her grandparent’s restaurant. 

She has a heart to grow tomorrow’s wholesome families today. She has written more than seven hundred articles for more than sixty publications and loves to let creativity splash over the pages of what she writes. She writes for Leading Hearts, The Kid’s Ark, and BCM International. Connect with Karen on Twitter @KarenHWhiting Pinterest KarenWhiting FB KarenHWhiting