Author Tips

 

Congratulations on deciding to write a book! Regardless of where you are in the writing and publishing process, below are a few tips that may help on your journey.

  • Join a writing group. Charlotte has a large literary community and there are numerous organizations to help authors on their path. Charlotte Lit, Women's National Book Association, Charlotte Writers Club, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators are a few.
  • Take advantage of your social media presence to build relationships, engage in discussions, and promote your work.
  • Put together a press kit that includes a press release, author bio, and high-resolution image of your book cover. Check online for more suggestions from publicists and other authors. Having a press kit ready will make future networking run smoothly.
  • Create easy to carry, free promotional materials such as bookmarks, postcards, and book-specific business cards. Businesses and other community spaces may set them out for customers. We have a place for free bookmarks. (Note: Amazon is a competitor of independent bookstores. Any promotional materials that includes Amazon may not be displayed at these stores. Suggested wording for materials: book is available online and wherever books are sold.)
  • For published books, the title and author's name should be visible on the spine for maximum exposure.
  • If your book is published, contact libraries, book clubs, community groups, and schools (if your book is for children) and let them know about your book. Be willing to provide a free copy or two to people in charge.