Even the slightest bit of self-promotion helps. Send a copy of an article you’ve had published to other editors who might find it interesting. They might surprise you can contact you to do something related. That same article may lead to a book contract. Since you can never tell when such happy circumstances will occur, it never hurts to prime the pump a little.
Even the slightest bit of self-promotion helps. Send a copy of an article you’ve had published to other editors who might find it interesting. They might surprise you can contact you to do something related. That same article may lead to a book contract. Since you can never tell when such happy circumstances will occur, it never hurts to prime the pump a little.
You might also compose a letter of introduction listing the writing or other services you offer and send it to local businesses either by E-mail or regular mail. Be sure to add a note about the best time to contact you and follow up with a phone call.
There are all sorts of organizations you can add to your list of possible promotional outlets. You don't have to actually belong to them to reap benefits. Occasionally, you can attend seminars by other professionals as a guest of a member. Socialize and do some networking. Let it be known you're a local writer with a particular project in production. Discreetly dropping such mentions can lead to new assignments.
Seek out local organizations of publishing or public relations professionals. Meetings of these groups offer fertile ground for discovering possible writing jobs in the corporate world. And don’t forget your local Rotary, Kiwanis, or Knights of Columbus. Some of these, such as Rotary and Kiwanis have breakfast or luncheon meetings for which they’re always seeking speakers. And while nothing may happen immediately, you never know when someone will contact you seemingly out of the blue and need work done. In fact, that person heard you speak and remembered you.
With the advent of ebooks, it seems everyone is getting into self-publishing books. Let's say you're about to publish a book on the proper techniques of social networking. Make a list of the obvious places your book might sell. Then add other prospects, no matter how farfetched they may appear. Think in terms of target audiences—groups, professions, even individuals of a certain sex or age when you devise your list. Ask yourself "Who would be interested?" Exhaust all the possibilities. Send an E-mail to your target audiences, announcing the arrival of your book as well as where and how to get it.
Have you appeared or are going to appear on local T.V. or radio? One writer did and then received hundreds of E-mails and letters from interested viewers and listeners. Later he was about to publish a book on a related subject and sent flyers promoting it to every one who had contacted him from his media appearance.
Whenever you try a promotional technique, be sure to measure the response that particular tactic had. Did new contacts and firm assignments result from your efforts? How soon? Is there some way you might speed up the process? Should you adjust the technique for better results or avoid doing it again?
Lastly, don’t overlook using business cards. In today’s electronic world, you may think business cards are passé. Most people can’t remember names, especially with the daily media overload. It's far more likely they'll remember yours if you hand them your card. This is especially true if your name is a tricky one to spell. A well-printed card on hand also says you’re professional. For really outstanding cards at little cost, go to VistaPrint.com. They offer 250 free cards as long as you pay the shipping costs. Of course, you’ll have to choose from one of their design templates, but they offer some very professional looking ones. For $10, you can get their 250 premium cards, customized for you. And don’t forget to save all those business cards you may receive. File them in a box where you can easily get to them when you need them.
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