Muscle Up Your Reputation

Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of publishing a book. A wonderful book. A touching book. A book that would move hearts and change the world! My primary goal was to get the book on the shelf. Once the book was written and published, I assumed that everything would be hunky-dory, pie-in-the-sky, perfectly scrumptious, with a scoop of French vanilla on the side.

Oops! Another common misconception. Publishers don’t give a shucky-darn about your professional success, so you won’t get help there. As seasoned authors know, your future as a writer depends upon your reputation. The hard cold truth is that no one will get the word out about your book but you, and possibly some sympathetic friends and relatives. Here are a few tips to help both published and unpublished writers succeed!

1.     Get yourself some PR – You don’t have to be featured in an article, just mentioned. If you’ve won an award, donated your books to a charity, or done anything (including walking the back fence holding a book in each hand) call the editor of your local paper. This is hard to do, especially since most of us feel more comfortable hoarding our kind deeds and achievements in the shadows. But, you must act as your own PR specialist. So, get creative and get your name out there!

2.     Build name recognition – My sister, Roxy Haney, has written four unpublished novels. (Good for her!) Today, she is building name recognition by writing a weekly article for a small local paper. There is no money involved, but lots of people know her name. This is really smart thinking! When a writer brings a positive reputation to the table, publishers pay attention.

3.     Make public speaking part of your platform – You may not know much more than the next guy about any particular topic, but when you speak in public it’s assumed that you are an expert. Find local groups that need speakers and volunteer. Then, you can Google your chosen topic and become an expert before you step behind the podium. Just think how many more people will know about your book once you’ve given a knowledgeable, crackerjack talk.

4.     Submit your work to contests – Roxy Haney (am I proud of her or not?) submitted the first chapter of one of her novels to a contest and won first place! This looks really good on your resume. If the chicken and the egg problem of achievement vs. anonymity has stumped you in the past, go to the local library and write down some upcoming contests. You have a better chance of winning than you realize, and just might be surprised by your success!

5.     Take an active role in a local writing organization – Once you start giving to an organization that supports your writing dreams, good energy (as well as extraordinary contacts) flow your way. Nothing prepares you for success better than serving others. It’s like a bright candle on a hilltop, one that not only guides you toward achievement but inspires others, as well. Remember, if you give it away for a year, it will feed you for life!