Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone - Tips for Authors
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Writing is a solitary effort, and that’s why so many like that life. As an author, I would challenge you to step out of your comfort zone from time to time (in a safe way) to expand your opportunities. You may be missing out if you just stay in your comfortable little bubble. Networking is a big part of the writing life.
Social Media - Having websites, an email, and a social media presence are part of a lot of publishing contracts these days. Set aside some time each week to build your following on one of your platforms. Also, agents, publishers, and others look at your site and your activity/presence.
I had a nice following at the time that I wrote my second series, but I wanted to expand. While I was waiting for the publication part of my books, I committed to expanding my blog, building my email list, and building my social media followers on my key sites. I had about seven months until the edits and initial marketing were ready to kick in, and that focused time helped me to increase my numbers and daily activity. But it’s not a one and done. You do have to set aside some time to regularly expand your following and interact with the followers you do have. The social part is the key ingredient.
Appearances - I am fortunate to have so many writer friends in my genre and others who live near me. It makes it so much easier to plan events. And doing an appearance with others expands your reach, introduces you to new readers, and makes the event so much more fun. It’s also not as scary to speak on a panel or in front of group when you’re with others. Start small. Look for something that you would enjoy and try it.
Public Speaking - This is one of the hardest things for people to do and to get comfortable with. You do get better and feel better with practice. I used to get so nervous and be anxious about speeches or talks. I joined Toastmasters early in my work career, and I learned so many work/life skills within a safe environment, and much to my surprise, I earned several public speaking certificates.
This was one area that I really had to push myself on. I put in a lot of time writing speeches, doing improvisation exercises, and listening to feedback for improvement at the Toastmasters meetings. (It’s a lot like writing and getting feedback from critique partners or beta readers.) It does get easier the more you do it.
Networking - Networking and meeting new people are hard, especially if it’s not in your nature. Find groups or volunteer opportunities that you can attend in-person or online. Make a pact with yourself to meet or talk to at least new three people at each event.
Volunteering is a great way to give back and to socialize with others. There are so many organizations that are in desperate need of people to help with all kinds of tasks. It’s a great way to network.
Networking, public speaking, and events are all part of the marking and publicity site of the writing life. We all have our preferences and our not-so-favorite things to do, but if you don’t take a chance once in a while, you’ll miss out on opportunities.
