When I first started writing, readers were not that important to me. Yes, I wanted them to buy my books, but it didn’t occur to me just how important they truly are.
If you don’t have readers, you don’t have sales. It’s important to find readers, get to know them, and build relationships with them. We need to make connections that encourage readers to take an interest in us and our books.
All of us have favorite writers. I started with only a few favorite authors, but my list has grown over the years.
How do you find readers? One way is through a little program called Facebook. Writers who post regularly on Facebook have more opportunities to connect with readers than those who don’t. Many writers post more than once a day or several times a week. I haven’t posted as often as I should lately, but I’m trying to improve.
Readers like to feel as though they know you. Believe me, I know!
One cold day, I received a fan letter from a lady who grew up in Shady Valley. She had read my first Shady Valley book and wanted to know us better. My husband is from Shady Valley, so he wrote back to her. He discovered that her grandparents and his parents had been best friends. Their correspondence brought back wonderful memories for both of them.
Since then, she has sent us crocheted scarves and caps. She is a sweet lady, and we are blessed to know her. She reads all my Shady Valley books.
Each week, share a little about yourself on Facebook. Take time to write a blog post, and occasionally tell your readers more about your life. People will respond when they feel they know you. Those personal connections can help grow your readership.
We all have busy lives, but take a few minutes each week to write your blog or newsletter. Post regularly on Facebook. Ask questions that invite people to respond and give you opportunities to know them better.
Thank you to all my readers. I appreciate you so much. You are very important to me, and I hope my books bring you happiness.
My next book, Operation Morning Glory, will be released on October 6. If you enjoyed Unlikely Candidate, I believe you will love Operation Morning Glory. Maggie Culbertson is back as President of the United States. She faces a difficult decision—and handles it with courage, grace, and faith in God.
Have a blessed week.
Kathy Cretsinger