by Rebecca Forster

My favorite Facebook site is Dull Women. With over two million followers, it is a place where women post dull stuff (and life-changing stuff) to other "dull" women. I have posted about donuts strewn in the street, my Christmas decorations, and a big fail in the kitchen.

I never post about my books.

Then This Happened

"Are you the Rebecca Forster, the author who wrote the Witness series?" Came a reply to my post.

"I am."

"You are my favorite author. I can't believe you're here."

I then sent her a signed book. A week later, she posted a picture of my books to the same site.

That exchange reminded me of a lesson I learned from Robin Blakely of Creative Center of America…

Change Your Thinking

Nonfiction authors have a built-in PR marketplace, but everyone has a novel.

That means you are the story. When I only had three books, Robin secured a full-page article in Vogue Pattern Magazine and another in PC Magazine. Both articles ran pictures of me and my books. Robin’s pitch was simple.

• Here is a seamstress…who is also a novelist.
• Here is a woman at the cutting edge of online communication…who is also a novelist.

Me first, the books second.

What If You Don't Have A Publicist?

There are passive PR opportunities at our fingertips that don’t involve personal pitching. Here are some tips that even the most introverted among us can live with.

First things first. You need to prepare.

Make, a you list.

What do you enjoy? Where is your expertise? What were you in your last life before writing? Here's mine.

• Hobbies: Sew, quilt, play tennis, travel, read, and bake.
• Personal: Long married (50 years in December) and old (75 in June). I am a cancer survivor. A boy mom.
• Ancillary: My husband is a judge, my youngest son a geo-political analyst and author, my oldest a Hollywood talent manager.

Whatever online communities you’re active in, stay involved and find new ones based on your you list. I participate in the Simplicity Sewing page and Dull Women. I also follow two travel photographers and scan travel pages, commenting when appropriate.

This type of engagement is not only good for the soul, it exposes me to large audiences. My user name is Rebecca Forster, Author. The curious they will find me. If someone recognizes me — as happened on Dull Women — my writing gets noticed via a third party.

By being cyber active on a personal level, I have grown my followers, created awareness, and sold books even though that was not the primary objective.

Kicking It Up A Notch

Your passions and expertise are valuable to reporters for national magazines, podcasts, and blogs.

I subscribe to three clearing sites (aka media clearinghouse sites). If you are qualified to be a source on a query, click the link and answer the reporter’s question. Answer the reporter’s question mentioning your books only if relevant to the subject at hand.

Case in point:

I was one of three women featured in Women’s Health Magazine. This was my answer to a query about women joining rec leagues.

As a novelist, I spend my days with fictional people (An appropriate mention of my books). My rec tennis league gets me out of my chair, is an opportunity to make real-life friends, and keeps me committed to them on game day. What a great way to clear my mind and keep fit (answer to the question).

Another request was for an AARP for a quote about what women over 70 shouldn’t wear. I did not mention my books, but I answered the question. Any publicity is good publicity.

To find these opportunities I follow:

• HARO (Help a Reporter Out) — Limited pitches for free/monthly paid
• SOS (Source of Sources) — Free/donations accepted
• Featured — Minimal free queries/ paid plans available

For a more in-depth look at some of these sites and to explore other clearinghouses, click here.

Final Thoughts

If you get publicity from these sites, link and share it on your website, your social pages, and with friends. Tag the magazine and the reporter with a big thank-you. Is a publisher considering your manuscript? Let them know that you have been featured if the media outlet is impressive.

You never know when a spotlight on you — and a mention of your books — will turn into a conversation with new readers, editors, or other reporters.

Other great Author Marketing post from Rebecca: The Author Who Cannot Write (About Themselves)

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About Rebecca

Rebecca Forster started writing on a crazy dare and found her passion. Now a USA Today and Amazon best selling author, Forster is known for her legal thrillers and police procedurals. Over three million readers have enjoyed her Josie Bates thrillers in the Witness Series alone. With over 40 books to her name, Rebecca had a long career in traditional publishing before becoming an indie author. Her fast-paced tales of law and justice are known for deep characterization and never-see-it-coming endings.

In an effort to make her work as realistic as possible, Rebecca has graduated from the DEA and ATF Citizens academies, landed by tail hook and spent two days on the nuclear submarine U.S.S Nimitz, engaged in police ride-alongs, and continues to court watch whenever possible.

Rebecca has taught at the acclaimed UCLA Writers Program and various colleges and universities. She is a sought-after speaker at bar and judges' associations as well as philanthropic groups and writing conferences. Rebecca is also a repeat speaker at the LA Times Festival of Books.

Rebecca has just released The 9th Witness, the final book in her acclaimed Witness Series, Josie Bates Thrillers. Find all her books at any online bookstore or here: https://www.rebeccaforster.com/.

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Featured photo purchased at Depositphotos.