Last issue I shared different ways to get to know your readers. This issue will be about who might not be your readers such as friends and family, social media followers and email subscribers.

Friends And Family – Supporters Or Readers?

I’ve worked with authors who were disappointed with their friends and family because when they released their book, they expected them to run out and buy multiple copies of their book.  I inform them, that they have high expectations of people who probably aren’t even book readers.

My first book was a nonfiction book. I didn’t really have any expectations of my family supporting the book however they surprised me by showing up at my book signing. They all bought a copy. I still get a little misty eyed when I think about that because they didn’t have to support me.  

Friends and family might buy the first book, but the next probably not.  If they do continue to support your career, count it as a blessing and not an obligation.

My first question to my clients when they tell me that they’re disappointed that their family is not supporting them in their writing endeavors, is do your friends and family read?

If they are readers, they might support you if they read the genre that you write. If they’re not readers, why do you think your book will convert them into readers?

Your book sales shouldn’t be based on your family and friends supporting you.  Don’t put that burden on your friends and family especially if you plan on this being a career. This is when you start using your marketing plan to reach new readers.

Social Media Platforms – Followers Or Readers?

Did you build a social media platform with five thousand followers and assumed five thousand followers would hit the buy button on release day?  You are not alone. There are many who believe this.  Sometimes it works but most times it doesn’t because you’ve built a platform of followers and not readers.

Many authors are disappointed by the platform when they wake up and find out that three people bought their book.

That’s why I teach to ask questions to learn who is in your community, so you can have an idea of who is interested in your books or who is just following just to be following. Followers can be readers but are they your readers? That’s the question you want to answer every time you get a new follower.  Are they following you to be a future reader? You want to know that information before you release your book. Don’t assume you can convert them to be readers after the book releases.

Email List – Subscribers Or Readers?

I’m a huge fan of email lists because if you do it right, you can have a list full of readers who want to hear from you. I always encourage authors to build a list that is full of readers and not subscribers.  Many authors get caught up in the numbers of subscribers instead of focusing on the number of readers. Your readers will support you, while your subscribers will read your email if they open it.

I had a client who had five thousand subscribers on her email list. She had been building the list for years before she released her first book. Not one of her subscribers hit the buy button when her book released. They were not readers they were subscribers, who had joined her list because of the contests she hosted to grow her subscribers.  Contest do work but you have to make sure you’re getting readers vs subscribers.

I know you’re thinking I’ve been doing this for a while trying to build my platform and you’re saying that it’s all wrong. No, I’m saying that sometimes when you build your platform, you’ll gain more followers or subscribers than readers. The problem comes when you’re trying to convert them into readers when they will never be readers.

You must be selective when it comes to your readers especially on your email list because you have more control with who can join it.

I know it’s hard to attract the right readers, but the effort is so worth it. Sometimes you can find readers for life.

Building Your Readership takes time that’s why I always say one reader at a time. Don’t get discouraged if you’re having a hard time with your book sales.

What are you doing this month to reach new readers?

Action Steps:

What are you sharing to your community?

Is it content that engages the readers or the followers?

How are you determining who are followers/subscribers and who are readers?

What are you doing to get the readers on your email list?

What will you do the rest of the year to meet new readers online and offline?

If you know someone who needs book promotion tips, share this newsletter with them.

Remember book promotion starts with YOU. Make sure to subscribe to get next issue.

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See Ya On The Net,

LaShaunda

P.S. Do you need more help with your book promotion? Read Building Your Readership On Kindle Vella – https://www.amazon.com/Building-Your-Readership-Becoming-Butterfly/dp/B09BBZ617X