Marketing Tips for Authors from Esther Rabbit: What Not to Do, Getting Reviews, Budgets & Audience Growth
- POSTED ON
- 25February2019
Meet Esther Rabbit – Author of the New Adult Paranormal Romance, Lost in Amber, Digital Marketing Specialist and Content Creator for upcoming writers. We recently sat down with Esther to get her take on the writing industry that we think other authors might find quite interesting. We asked her about (1) her experience in the writing industry to date, (2) the top mistakes she sees newbie writers making, (3) the best ways writers can get reviews of their work, (4) what writers can expect to spend in their writing process and (5) her best tips for audience growth.
If you too are an upcoming author or a veteran looking to improve your skills in the industry, you might consider checking out her website. She speaks four languages fluently and as a self-proclaimed tech-geek, she likes to experiment with tools of the craft on her quest to help writers in their endeavors.
[ 1 ] Tell us about your journey in the writing industry to date – how did you get where you are now?
One day I decided to write a story and it happened to grow into a book. I’m probably not the only accidental writer out there and I’m kind of glad it happened this way because it took the whole pressure off. Only when I was halfway through it hit me… OMG this is actually a book!
I was more into documenting each stage, researching, when I realized the internet is full of information for the upcoming writer, but:
- Not really for the writer who doesn’t know how to be one and never had any contact with terms such as typesetting, trim size, PSD files, etc.
- Nobody ever prepared me for becoming fifteen professionals in one (editor, designer, marketing specialist, etc.)
That’s how From Writing To Publishing was born. It’s a special section of my author blog where I aim to assist upcoming authors who, like me had no idea where to start.
From finishing your first draft to working with a professional book cover designer, editor, beta reader etc. to the best places to find these professionals, what they charge and how to select them, I’ve written articles about every possible issue to tackle on this journey.
I like homework, I love research and I’m a total nerd. That’s how I got everything done in well under a year.
[ 2 ] What are the top three mistakes that you see newbie writers making?
1. ME, ME, ME…
Okay, writing a book deserves high praise and we all qualify for that great pat on the back. I see plenty of writers following and later unfollowing a gazillion people on social media hoping to build an audience. That’s just not nice. Period. And don’t follow me if you’re that kind of person.
You build an audience based on your added value. Based on what you can give back to the writing community. Make friends. Have fun. You’re not the only star in the sky.
2. SPAMMING
Stop spamming. Now. Stop sending messages to everyone you made no connection with on social media asking them to read your book. If you wouldn’t assault people on the street with the same request, don’t do it online.
3. CUTTING CORNERS
Indie authors have the same moral responsibility to bring in quality work and not give the industry a bad name. Self-publishing is expensive and your book will be a reflection of yourself as a professional.
Are you sloppy? Of course not. And that’s why you’ll do your research, hire an editor, invest in a good cover. We’re all starving artists, but hey, we wouldn’t want to be sloppy with something that all the world can see and judge and… review.
[ 3 ] What have you found to be the best way writers can get reviews on their work?
I’ll say it over and over again: the writing community. All those amazing authors out there who might enjoy the genre you’re writing in. I’m constantly overwhelmed by the quality of the people I found online.
They gave me the best possible advice and I vow to return every kindness. It’s like Karma. It is absolutely forbidden for people you have a direct connection with to review your work on Amazon. Spouses, workmates, close friends are not allowed to and I’ve written an extensive article on this topic.
For more info on who is and who’s not allowed to review your book, here’s the article.
[ 4 ] What’s a realistic amount of money you feel new writers can expect to prepare to invest in their process?
I would say a minimum of 2,000 – 2,500 $/€ but the selection has to be made carefully because, as I’ve experienced, more expensive does not mean better quality. I’ve sent editing samples to over thirty-five editors before I made my choice.
I also got plenty of priceless tips and free advice from my literary friends and I have the world to thank them.
[ 5 ] What are your best tips for growing an audience for new writers?
Added value. You have to bring value to the reading and writing community, be it through #bookstagram, reviewing other authors in your genre and by all means no procrastination. I’d like to wish everyone good luck on their journey, and stop by to say hi.
Are you in the Writing Industry? Connect with Esther (links below), she’d love to interview you! And if you’re a fan of Paranormal Romance, check out Lost in Amber:
“A new Interplanetary Alliance ambassador on an earthbound mission. A handful of genetically altered humans to be rescued. Meeting her changed everything.“
CONNECT WITH ESTHER RABBIT:
What about you? If you’re a writer, what tips do you have to add? Or if you’re an aspiring author, what additional questions do you have about the writing journey? We’d love to hear them.
