Author Platform: How Much Is Enough?

All you have to do is scan the Connect page of my website to see I'm into social media. Sure, I could claim I interact on these sites because I'm building a fiction platform. Or I could talk about how being active on Facebook helps sell books. Both are true, but the real reason I'm active on multiple sites is because I believe in doing everything possible to make my name recognizable.


Sometimes I wonder if all the fun I'm having on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and all the other places I check-in with will have an impact on my future book sales. Yesterday, I found this fabulous blog post (Steve Laube's blog, News You Can Use, provided the link) by Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc. titled "Why Your Book Isn't Selling." Catchy title, isn't it? The full article is linked.

Penny urges authors to have seven access points for readers to see their books.

"The rule of seven: You need to be everywhere. A lot." She says that seven different avenues of sharing news about your book is the amount most marketers recommend.

In her words, "Count the ways: How many different ways can a reader access you? Count them. I’m serious. You should have at least seven access points. Maybe you are syndicating articles, maybe you are on YouTube, maybe you are on Facebook, Pinterest, whatever it is it’s an access point. If you don’t have seven of them and aren’t sure where to start, go back to bullets two and three."

Most likely, you're reading this post because you're a believer too. You're probably on at least three sites, possibly twenty. One thing Penny doesn't say is that you have to spend time equally at all seven venues.

If you love Facebook, spend the majority of your time there. Just make sure you post a book trailer on YouTube too. If you aren't comfortable committing to a blog schedule, work hard to guest post at other people's blogs around the time of your book release (of course, provide links on these guest posts to your website and where to buy your book).

Get creative! Regina Jennings's sister recently created a beautiful Pinterest board about Regina's debut book, Sixty Acres and a Bride. Creating a Pinterest board doesn't have to take tons of time, and it can be left up forever.
If you're contemplating sending out a newsletter, look into services. I use MailChimp, which is extremely user friendly and free up until you hit 12,000 subscribers. I'm not in any danger of having to pay!

There are tons of low-time-commitment ways to hit seven access points. Have fun with it!

As always, I love helping writers dip their toes in blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc... If you have any questions, feel free to ask them! You can also leave your e-mail address if you have a detailed question or need help. I enjoy this. I like helping. Don't be shy!

What stresses you out about author platform? Please share. I'd like to write a post addressing your concerns.

5 Easy Questions will return next Wednesday.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

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