Our past couple of blog posts have discussed different approaches to relationships between independent authors and the audiences who read their books. With that advice, we’ve received questions about taking actions to grow a community. This article will suggest ways to create a hospitable environment for your readers that can shine the spotlight on them.
Find your Readers
The first step to building hospitality and spotlighting your readers is to know where they are. Sometimes that is simple. A book like Valley Girl, which focuses on experiences in Salmon Valley, British Columbia, is going to be relevant to people who live in Salmon Valley. A book about parenting will be useful to people who are or will be parents. A book about a specific family's legacy may only be interesting to people within that family.
Sometimes, identifying potential readers is less intuitive. In those cases, answering these questions might help:
What age is my content written for? Children? Young adults? Adults?
What experiences do I imagine my readers having?
What beliefs might my reader have?
Where might my reader live?
What do they do for work? What are their hobbies?
Those questions might lead you to specific reader groups. People who are interested in crafts might like a memoir by a potter or a quilter. A book about travel could be useful for people near an airport or train station.
Interact with Readers
Once you know who is reading your books, you can start communicating with them. Some of them will come to you, especially friends and family. Others, you might need to seek out. Going to places where your readers are—physical or virtual—can make your readers comfortable.
Host Events
Hosting author events in person or online allows readers to connect with each other and with your work. These events can be formal, such as a book launch, or informal, like a meeting at a local library. Lisa May LeBlanc hosts “Lattes with Lisa,” a weekly talk show on Instagram with guests discussing topics related to her book. Take time to brainstorm what kinds of events you could host with your book.
Be Authentic
Your work is yours. Your voice is yours. You do not have to pretend to be somebody else to make potential readers like you. Show up and be yourself.
Be Confident
If you are at the point where you are considering your audience, you are putting effort into your work. Shyness should not stop you from telling people about the work that you have done. Your readers will not judge you for bringing up your book.
Practice talking to your readers with someone close to you, or in front of the mirror. Make notes of times when people are receptive to your work, and times when they are not.
Find Help
All of these tasks might feel overwhelming. If you are unsure how to navigate interacting with an audience, you can get people to help you. Other authors can help you set up events. Nicola MacCameron loves to host online parties, with costumes, games, scavenger hunts, and even snacks. For one party, Nicola enlisted her sister to create an online quiz. Media creators might be interested in using your book in their shows or interviewing you. Marcia Laycock appeared on CBC Radio to discuss her writing projects.
Using these strategies can create an environment where your readers feel comfortable and welcomed. Comfortable readers are more likely to share a book with a friend or loved one. They are more likely to keep interacting with you and your work. Your writing and your readers can flourish under hospitality.
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