Good lord, you're smart. And I totally agree, I spend a fair amount of time replying to DMs on insta and pay special attention to people who've been following me for a long time. The fact that they show up consistently to engage with my content is something I do not take for granted. they were among the first people to send me screen shots of their pre-order confirmations of my upcoming first book and my dream is to be able to do a book club with each and every one of them.
I always love the knowledge you share. I completely agree about writers reaching writers. I often have authors telling me they want to be on literary podcasts and I ask them if that’s their actual target audience for their books. The majority of the time they say no. That’s why we look for podcasts where their listeners are ones who will want to be readers!
Such a fun and insightful take on the midlist conundrum. It's so tempting to market to other writers because it's so easy and not very risky. It sounds like you're having so much with fun with your Instagram and that's probably the key. The joy you take in creating can't help but be infectious to others.
I appreciate the examples you provide about how writers are developing ways to connect with readers. That has been one of the goals and joys of doing my Substack. I'm getting a mix of readers and writers who are readers. The growth has been steady and the engagement has been consistently good, especially in the past year and a half. I have been reading you because when I want to stop thinking about all things social media, you find a way to make it relevant, interesting, and doable.
Regarding getting the attention of a book club celeb:
I took one of Leigh's online classes a few years ago to learn what goes on behind the scenes in the publishing industry.
The class was incredibly interesting and one of the things mentioned by a literary agent was that producers want to get movie or TV rights *before* a book is published, which is why producer reps are always asking literary agents what they're working on or pitching
So trying to get celeb attention *after* your book is published is probably only good for a funny tiktok
Does anyone have some more examples of writers reaching potential readers in a meaningful way with their online content? I love this conversation because I can get a bit stuck sometimes!
OMG... this is GOLDEN. What. re:frame. We write for readers, not other writers. Although the club is brilliant and buzzy and fun and SUPPORTIVE, they are not our audience!! Thank you for Leigh, for sharing the hard truth. With love from a mid-list "debut" novelist.
Such a smart post, it’s reminding me of the things that gave me a genuine rush when I first started writing (fanfiction, about 2 decades ago) that have gotten more and more lost as the literary world became my professional life.
Good lord, you're smart. And I totally agree, I spend a fair amount of time replying to DMs on insta and pay special attention to people who've been following me for a long time. The fact that they show up consistently to engage with my content is something I do not take for granted. they were among the first people to send me screen shots of their pre-order confirmations of my upcoming first book and my dream is to be able to do a book club with each and every one of them.
I’m imagining your preorder event on Zoom, everyone showing up with their “feel it” objets d’art…
I always love the knowledge you share. I completely agree about writers reaching writers. I often have authors telling me they want to be on literary podcasts and I ask them if that’s their actual target audience for their books. The majority of the time they say no. That’s why we look for podcasts where their listeners are ones who will want to be readers!
great example!
This is so interesting… there are also many conferences where we’re marketing to each other rather than to the readers.
yeah that’s one reason I stopped going to AWP
Yes! Find an audience beyond other writers! 👏👏👏
Such a fun and insightful take on the midlist conundrum. It's so tempting to market to other writers because it's so easy and not very risky. It sounds like you're having so much with fun with your Instagram and that's probably the key. The joy you take in creating can't help but be infectious to others.
yes, I’m having a lot of fun!
Again, you coming with just the SANEST advice. Really appreciate it, Leigh.
This is great, Leigh, and thanks for the shout-out!
Great post, Leigh! As a "bottom of the pyramid" writer, I'm inspired! Thank you!
Your GRWMs though. Slow clap. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I appreciate the examples you provide about how writers are developing ways to connect with readers. That has been one of the goals and joys of doing my Substack. I'm getting a mix of readers and writers who are readers. The growth has been steady and the engagement has been consistently good, especially in the past year and a half. I have been reading you because when I want to stop thinking about all things social media, you find a way to make it relevant, interesting, and doable.
Regarding getting the attention of a book club celeb:
I took one of Leigh's online classes a few years ago to learn what goes on behind the scenes in the publishing industry.
The class was incredibly interesting and one of the things mentioned by a literary agent was that producers want to get movie or TV rights *before* a book is published, which is why producer reps are always asking literary agents what they're working on or pitching
So trying to get celeb attention *after* your book is published is probably only good for a funny tiktok
Does anyone have some more examples of writers reaching potential readers in a meaningful way with their online content? I love this conversation because I can get a bit stuck sometimes!
OMG... this is GOLDEN. What. re:frame. We write for readers, not other writers. Although the club is brilliant and buzzy and fun and SUPPORTIVE, they are not our audience!! Thank you for Leigh, for sharing the hard truth. With love from a mid-list "debut" novelist.
Ooooh, great food for thought!
This is so great, thank you. It’s just what this midlist author needs to hear. You’re keeping me on track! Readers are all that matter.
Such a smart post, it’s reminding me of the things that gave me a genuine rush when I first started writing (fanfiction, about 2 decades ago) that have gotten more and more lost as the literary world became my professional life.