Frequently, I post links on my Facebook page, Twitter, Stumbled On, and Google +1 to authors who write for both my publisher and for publishers other than mine. I’ll post the buzz about books that compete with my books for the buyers’ dollars, in other words.
The other day, a friend asked me why I did that. “Doesn’t that draw readers away from your own books?” they asked. “Why would you advertise the competition?”
It sounds like an easy question; a no-brainer, in fact. Pepsi doesn’t advertise Coca-Cola, after all; Sara Lee doesn’t advertise Entenmann’s.
But books being promoted in social media sites are different. Here’s why:
Let’s say I tweet and Facebook a link to 100 Twitter and 300 Facebook followers about Jane Smith’s new book. Jane is grateful, so she tweets and Facebooks a link to a review of my new book to her 100 Twitter and 300 Facebook followers. That’s a whole set of fans I would not have reached if I had not promoted her book! Now, say I do that with ten authors each day: promote their books, effortlessly, with a click of a “share” button. In just a moment’s time, I am building a friendship with these authors, who are delighted their book is reaching my followers as well as theirs, and also building my own fan base, as they return the favor and promote my book!
This method may, at first, seem counter-intuitive, but give it a try! You’ll see your fan base—and your sales—grow by leaps and bounds.
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Well said, and thank you for being you!
Thank you, Anne.
Plus, it’s just plain fun to share cool books with other hot readers.
Malcolm, you’re right! I left off an obvious benefit! Thanks for adding it!
I agree 100%. I think it also just increases exposure all the way around. When I post a link for Malcolm Campbell’s “Sarabande,” his beautiful cover draws the eye to my post, meaning people who might otherwise not have noticed it now will. In the process, we both get exposure.
And, at least in this business, a person cannot die of exposure! (Grin!)