Author discovery: How are readers going to find your book? Top 5 Ways Readers Find Authors.

Posted byCarly WattersPosted inMarketing, Publishing IndustryTags:, ,

So much work goes into writing your book, getting an agent, getting it published and then…

you wait to see how the public receives it.

You think getting published is the hard part, but the hardest part is getting your book in front of readers. How are you going to make sure readers find your work?

cookbooksTop 5 Ways Readers Find Authors:

1. In Stores. Book buyers primary spot for scouting out books is in stores.

2. Word of Mouth. Did you know that the most powerful word of mouth is mother to daughter recommendations?

3. Reviews. Make sure you’re curating your reviews, print or online, newspaper or blog. Post them on your website.

4. Free Excerpts. Once readers get a taste for your voice they’re more inclined to take the leap and purchase your book.

5. Bestseller Lists. Bestsellers fuel more bestsellers. Some book buyers read only the ‘top’ books of the year.

You’ll notice social media isn’t a top contender. Remember, the book buying public is not necessarily like you. Find where your target audience spends time and focus on getting your reviews and excerpts in front of them.

Data from BookNet presentation 20/06/13.

Image via Priscilla Nielsen for NPR.

Published by Carly Watters

Carly Watters is a SVP, senior literary agent and director of literary branding with the P.S. Literary Agency. She is a hands-on agent that develops proposals and manuscripts with attention to detail and the relevant markets. PSLA’s mission is to manage authors’ literary brands for their entire career. Never without a book on hand she reads across categories which is reflected in the genres she represents and is actively seeking new authors in including women’s fiction, commercial and upmarket fiction, select literary fiction, platform-driven non fiction and select memoir. She occasionally represents children's book projects. Carly is drawn to emotional, well-paced narratives, with a great voice and characters that readers can get invested in.

11 thoughts on “Author discovery: How are readers going to find your book? Top 5 Ways Readers Find Authors.”

  1. This was a refreshing post Carly.
    So many websites today say, “Build Your Platform.” Then tout the virtues of social media.
    Also, the mother/daughter word of mouth connection is fascinating. My mom comes to me for suggested book reads all the time.
    Thanks!
    E

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  2. re #1 above: book stores are valuable, but it is troubling that so many will stock a book for only months or even weeks. So it is crucial to attract attention when a book first comes out.

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  3. The way ebooks are intruding into the paper book market I am surprised that you say internet books are not the best way to go. I am finishing up a book and approaching the decision about how to publish it. Try to get an agent, self publish or make it into an ebook. It’s a book about how I got through cancer treatments with the help of a visualization I invented. Any suggestions?

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  6. Pingback: Saturday Summation – 30 June 2013 | It'll All Work Out

  7. I was particularly intrigued and grateful for number two as my daughter and I have just joined a mother/daughter book club! So far it has been an amazing experience. The insights and connections these 12-year-olds make completely astound me.

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