Are you an expert? Plan to Promote Your Work

You've written a non-fiction book or you freelance and have been published in magazines or newspapers. Are you an expert?

Yes. And you may have a lot to offer others.

How do you connect and get the word out? It's the art of networking, and if you keep at it, you'll find a wealth of opportunities to talk about your work.

One of the obvious methods is to promote your work on your website. But more pieces of the networking puzzle exist!

Build a Database

Make a list of magazines, newspapers, columnists, radio and TV shows, libraries, and book stores that relate to your book or area of expertise. Include addresses and contact information. This is an ongoing process, but you'll soon have a list of contacts that should provide another means of promotion.

Make the Call

Now, go ahead and call. I try to contact one or two individuals on my list every week. Introduce yourself and offer copies of your work. Then, invite the media outlet or individual to contact you and tap your knowledge as a source.

I try to contact one or two of the outlets on my list once a week. And, I've been lucky to be able to give presentations about my writing and areas of interest.

One of the best experiences I had when a CVB from my state asked me to talk on her weekly Blog Talk Radio show. Not only did we discuss freelance writing, we dished about one of my areas of expertise - Nebraska history.

Go ahead, don't be shy. Make a list, make the call, and promote your work.

by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at her website.