Welcome authors and publishers!
Effective use of Social Media is one of the most in-demand skills in the job market. The ability to create compelling, engaging, informative content is a skill that companies--from tiny mom and pop shops to huge corporations--want and need in the role of a social media manager.
Discoverability is key. You can create wonderful books, but who will read them if no one knows about your work?
I know you're busy (or overwhelmed), so I'm going to get straight to the point: in this digital age, authors, publishers and organizations are (finally) realizing that in the right hands:
1. Social Media levels the playing field for authors and books because of discoverability
2. Social Media expands an author's platform
3. Social Media fosters name/brand recognition
4. Social Media builds relationships, resulting in customer loyalty
5. Author/Brand/Book loyalty results in increased book sales, expanded platform for future works and new clients
However, for many authors, creating a blog, Facebook page and Twitter account seems overwhelming enough, let alone using and updating these Social Media outlets on a regular basis.
Even publishers, especially independent presses and niche houses, are realizing that both their marketing and publicity teams aren't trained for effective Social Media--or they simply don't have the time given their usual responsibilities.
As the authors of the brilliant book Rework say: "You're Better Off with a Kick-Ass Half than a Half-Assed Whole". And when authors and publishers don't invest in quality Social Media, or have their publicity department dabble in unfocused Tweeting on the side, that is what you get: half-assed Social Media. And to be honest? You'd be better off not doing it at all than doing a half-assed job of trying to entertain, inform and engage the public. More than anything else, your presence and performance on blogs, Facebook and Twitter determine your online brand.
This is where I come in.
I was doing Social Media before it ever had a name. I would blab about favorite books or new titles coming out, having a knack for connecting the right title with the right people at the right time. I shared my love for books on Discussion Boards and in chat rooms, and even created a monthly New Releases page for my site that ran for SIX years. Why? Because I LOVE books!
As an author, I handle all social media on my own. I manage three blogs, five Facebook pages, three Twitter accounts, a Google+ page, a LinkedIn page and a PInterest page. I have over 2,000 followers on Twitter and my Klout score has been as high as 72 (right now, it's hovering around 60).
And that, my dear author or publisher, is what you need in your Social Media Maven: someone who is passionate about your books or your brand. Even better, you need someone that:
- Will name, create and populate your blog within hours (yes, you read right...mere hours), and update its content reguarly with fun, interesting, illuminating, engaging and informative posts. You want to add provocative to the list? Then I'm definitely what you want in a Social Media Maven. (If not, no worries! I excel at the other five, as well.)
- Will set up a Facebook fan page and engage with those who "like" it, you/your brand, your book or your press.
- Will use Twitter to engage current readership and connect with those who are already immersed in the culture of your book or area of expertise.
As a published author and reviewer, I've been doing my own Social Media for years. It just comes naturally. Apparently, I do it well, because the largest publisher of decks (games, oracle, Tarot, etc.) approached me to launch their Social Media campaign. Starting from scratch, I named, created and populated U.S. Games Systems, Inc. popular Fool Stop Tarot Blog (click here, here and here to see three months worth of content I created and conversations I generated), as well as launched their Twitter presence and ehanced their Facebook page.
Since then, others have approached me to do their Social Media, too, but I want to be choosy: it's better for both myself and the client to have a Social Media Maven that actually likes a given book, product line or author. Your audience isn't stupid: they can detect a passionate author. Likewise, they can detect a Social Media person that's "meh" about a publisher's frontlist or a particular book. And that serves no one.
So here's what I offer you, an author or a publishing house or an organization dedicated to self-awareness:
- Blog - Includes blog building (TypePad), content creation/editing of all posts, interaction with commentors, and giveaways/contests. If a custom URL is wanted, I will do that, as well. (For example, AuthorName.com). I will "trick out" your blog with sharing tools (e.g. TweetMeme), Amazon boxes or carousels, Networked Blogs boxes, Facebook fanpage boxes, polls...whatever you want. See my personal blog as an example, or the Tarot Pals blog. Of course, I'll ask your input on favored colors and blog title, if you have a preference.
- Facebook Fan Page - I will create the page for you and actively seek fans and interact with them.
- Twitter - I will create a Twitter presence, actively following individuals and companies related to your service, book topic or product.
- Pinterest - I will create a Pinterest page showcasing your book covers or related interests pointing to your work or product line
If you only need me to do one or two of these instead of all three, no problem at all!
Why me? I'm articulate, witty, productive, smart and resourceful. I can leverage my own brand as an expert in various fields to help YOU connect with readers and life-long fans (and friends).
My specialities are:
- Body/Mind/Spirit Products: Includes books, Tarot decks, oracle decks and divination tools. I'm especially well-versed in Christianity, Christian mysticism, New Thought, Zen, universalism, pantheism and New Age approaches.
- Self Help Products: Anything that promotes self-awareness, healing, understanding, spirituality, mindfulness, cooperation, compassion, destiny creation, discovering meaning, increasing knowledge or appreciation of artistic expression.
- Literacy (Actual or Cultural): Anything involving reading, writing, teaching or creating--for kids, teens or adults.
Other areas that I may be a good fit with, depending on the project or topic, includes other non-fiction genres (cooking, parenting, writing craft, branding) and fiction works (especially YA or cozy mysteries).
Prices and Requirements:
- Free initial consultation via email or phone to see if we're a good fit. We both must be happy!
- Individual author -- After we agree we're a good fit for one another, I require a $295 deposit. Then, we'll have phone or email planning sessions for setting up your blog, Facebook page, Twitter ID and Pinterest account. After that, I require $800 a month to maintain all Social Media presences. I accept PayPal and will give you instructions on how best to make your monthly payment.
- Publishing House -- After we agree we're a good fit for one another, cost is $495 for first vision planning phone or email conversation and complete set up of blog, Facebook page, Twitter ID and Pinterest account. After that, $2,000 a month to maintain all Social Media presences for up to 5 authors. Payment method by either PayPal or check, date to be determined. To do my job well, I will need to be sent your entire frontlist and, if possible, your backlist from 1-2 years ago. This will enable me to harvest quotes, share insightful information, ask engaging questions and present your titles from an informed position.
- Organization -- If you are an organization that presents workshops, hosts retreats and/or has companion books or products, please email me sharing your needs and I'll give you a quote. Price will likely range between the two above.
But Janet, you may be thinking, what if I just need help with set up? I can do that, too! I can set up everything for you, get it running for 2-3 months, and hand it all off to you. Just contact me for your free consultation.
Another option: if you'd like to partner with other authors within your niche or publishing house, I can help you all launch and maintain a group author blog! Increasingly, authors are finding that partnering with other writers or artists expands the reach of everyone involved, resulting in increased brand awareness, readership, sales and client loyalty.
