One of the things we know, from experience, is that publishing your book is only one part of the process. Another vital and incredibly time-consuming process is building an audience. It’s possible that Stephen King’s publisher has a list of email addresses of people who buy Stephen King’s books, and so can spam them with information about a new horror writer the company wants to sell. It’s also possible they don’t. Does your favorite author, or the publishing company of that author, have your email address? Think about it. How have you found the books you’ve enjoyed reading? Was it because a publisher contacted you?

I think we’ve been really fortunate, at Current Words Publishing, not only to work with very talented authors, but also to work with very giving authors. We host a monthly marketing meeting for the people we’ve published, and we encourage them to attend. We also encourage them to read and review each other’s  books, and to promote each other. How does that help?

The photo above comes from Nadja Maril’s interview with Ellis Elliott. When Nadja does an interview with Ellis and posts it to her (Nadja’s) website, it introduces people who have read Nadja to Ellis. And then when Ellis connects her site to Nadja’s site, it introduces people who have read Ellis to Nadja. And then when I post here, the web of connections grows. Sales are achieved in this very subtle, slow, and relational way. It’s takes stamina, which is why we try to meet monthly to share, and bolster each other’s  spirits.

I’m very proud to have worked with both Nadja and Ellis, and very humbled by their talent and creativity. I hope you’ll take a minute to further build our web of connection by reading Nadja’s interview with Ellis, and reposting it to your site.

Why the heck would you even do that?

Well, if you’re interested in growing your influence as a writer, connection will help you too. If you’re interested in finding good books to read, or helping your friends find good books to read, you have a chance to expose them to lovely writing, which can certainly help with our current doomscrolling culture. And if you love the idea of more independent books getting exposure, you can be a champion for that. I could go on. There are so many good effects, from the selfish (you need content for your sites) to the altruistic (let’s promote poetry reading) and everything in between.

Not only are both Nadja and Ellis talent authors of lovely books, both books are very down-to-earth, and even non-poetry aficionados will enjoy them.

Take a look at the interview with Ellis, and, as you enjoy it, think about how you plan to find your readers for your books.

Interested in finding out more about our process, and what you get for your money? Book a meeting with me, anytime, free!