I’ll be honest; I’m no expert on social media, publishing, or marketing. But I have come across some spectacularly useful sites on my journey to get published and what comes afterwards: the dreaded book marketing.
Three things are essential to author success: networking and social connections with everyone connected to the industry; knowledge of the publishing business and current trends—both in traditional and Indie publishing; and finally, how to effectively market your book and yourself.
Some of these websites may be familiar to you, but I hope a few are new finds.
http://authorsdb.com: An amazing free site for socializing, book listings, and getting listed as an author. Very supportive and big on sharing.
http://www.authormarketing101.com: One of my favorite author sites. From marketing plans to workshops to QR Codes and everything in between, you’ll find it here.
http://bookgoodies.com: Perhaps the most extensive industry site I’ve found, plus podcasts, book tours, interviews, featured books, and much, much more.
http://www.goddessfish.com: Specializing in promotion and blog tours, this site also offers graphic design services and book videos.
http://gothamwritersworkshop.com: Learn the craft of writing; focus on a particular area of writing; or brush up on the basics. Gotham Writers Workshop offers a whole range of courses.
http://networkedblogs.com: A fabulous way to connect with other industry bloggers at a glance.
http://nightowlreviews.com: Reviews, contests, featured authors, blogging, industry news and articles.
http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/. Another site I absolutely love. Authors, readers, promo opportunities, literary services. Expand your Facebook and Twitter connections too. Very friendly group!
http://romancejunkies.com: Articles on writing, featured authors, book club, critique partners, blogging… Listed as one of the best websites for writers by Writer’s Digest.
http://savvyauthors.com: A wealth of services and information for every stage of your writing journey. Workshops, marketing, promo, legal issues, and interviews are just a few of the treasures you’ll find.
http://writersmarket.com: Both free and subscribed services are available, in addition to help with publishing, finding an agent, and current market trends.
http://writerunboxed.com: An amazing site geared specifically to honing the craft of writing. No promo allowed but several industry experts (Donald Maass for one) are monthly contributors.
http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com: I just discovered this one. Author services, reviews, blogging, graphic, promo.
http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com: A very impressive site geared toward honing the craft of writing.
http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com: A unique twist on blogging that really focuses on writers and readers.
https://www.libboo.com: Amazing site for connecting readers with books. Great way to get your books exposed to readers.
https://www.writer.ly/home: A “Do-it-all one-stop” for self-published and traditionally published authors. Editing, cover designs, marketing…the full array of services and products.
These sites are a nice way to dip your toes into the industry—or dive right in if you’re a brave soul. Don’t forget specialized groups on social media sites too. I belong to eight groups on LinkedIn including: Book Marketing, Reader’s Entertainment, Writers and Authors Circle, Writers Café, Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction—For Readers and Writers of romance.
Facebook also has scads of specialized groups. One of the groups I belong to over there is The Author and Book Lovers Group. I also belong to World Literacy Café, The Beau Monde, and Writer Unboxed Facebook group.
Now go explore! Oh, and please feel free to comment and add any sites you particularly like.
Collette
