I've tried to supply some helpful hints, but it made me think: How can I share what I've learned about marketing over the last few years? How can I help fellow authors or aspiring writers take on, what seems to be, a marketing mountain, that they feel ill-equipped to climb?
So.... here are some of my tips.
I have also started posting links on my Twitter: @AuthorKatharine to share some cool articles I come across that help in all aspects of the writing venture. Be sure to check them out here:  twitter.com/AuthorKatharine

1. Social Media is your friend.
I know we would all like to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to social media, but the fact of the matter is, in today's world, social media is where it's at. Everything. Your future audience. Your future followers. And your word-of-mouth marketers. Now, is it the only place you will find an audience? No. But it is important. Get plugged in. Whether Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. Whichever or whatever. My advice would be to really focus on which ones work for you. I do not bog myself down with twenty different social media accounts. I operate mostly with Facebook and Twitter, because for me, that is where my followers hang out most.

2. Website.
Get yourself a website or blog set up. There are lots of free hosts out there.
1. Weebly
2. WordPress
3. Blogspot
And many more... the point is to get one set up. Post as much as you can/whatever you have time for. This is a way for your readers, or some strangers, to learn more about you. Even if you have not published your book yet, walk them through what you are doing. Get them on board for the journey as well. They will become invested in the journey with you, so that by the time your book does release, they want to see the finished product. :)

3. Book Signings.
Yep... sit at a booth and meet people. Some people tend to think that writing is the perfect career for introverts... not true. Yes, a lot of writers are and they make it work, but you cannot go into this field without interacting with people. If you're like me and not an introvert, only when I want to be, then talking with people never really bothers you. In fact, I love meeting people, so festivals are something I feel I HAVE to do in order to stay sane. I want to meet potential readers or writers. I want to talk with them. This is FUN! So find out what festivals are near you. They can be Fall Festivals or specifically Book Festivals. An easy Google Search will show you some options.

4. Other writers/ Support Groups.
No, I'm not talking about support groups in general, I'm talking a support group consisting of other writers and authors. It can be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or down at your local library, or in the city one town over... whatever works for you. I live in the middle of nowhere, therefore, my writing groups are mostly online based. PLUS, I'm involved with International groups, because I happen to like the diversity it brings. I'm involved with an international group that ranges in experience, a Women's Writers group, and one specifically for my state of Texas. But find groups that you can ACTIVELY participate in and draw help and support from. Don't be shy. Most of these people are either a.) More experienced than you, b.) Less experienced than you, or c.) Just as experienced as you.... so no matter which way you look at it, you benefit from being a part of the group.

5. Libraries.
DO NOT THINK THIS:  "If people borrow my book, they aren't buying."
Though this is true when people borrow your book from the library, the flip side is this...
-If they like your book, they are going to tell their friends about it. (Some of these friends rather buy than borrow)
-They could possibly leave a review for you on Amazon, Goodreads, or B&N. Authors love reviews! Take them when you can get them! :)
-If they like your book, they may purchase it as a gift for their own personal library or for someone else!
So don't think of libraries as your enemies. They are extremely HELPFUL.
PLUS, an opportunity for a book signing set up is also there. I've done several at libraries, and they are a great way to interact with readers and the community.

There are multiple other marketing tips, and as I think of them I will try to pound out some helpful tips and links. For now, I will try to expand upon these and give you helpful links as well as my personal experience with each of these in upcoming posts.

Till next time,
Katharine

What's new?
What are you working on?
When's the next book coming out?
These were all questions I encountered over the last week as I traveled around. And though most of you are dissatisfied with my answer of:
"Three manuscripts in the works. Not sure when they will exactly be coming out."
The reality is, I do have a timeline in mind and it will be in 2017. I just do not have a pinpointed date as of yet, because none of the above manuscripts are completely finished.
And as we all know, once they are finally written on my end, they then go through the editing process which takes even more time, more rewrites, more editing, and repeat.
Then Beta-Readers receive them. Then the process happens again.
THEN... THEN I will have a clear idea on when to nail down a release date.
I am also contemplating which to release first... what time of year, etc.
Time of year is important. Book releases tend to launch better during certain seasons, months, and even weeks. So trying to wrap everything up close to one of those time frames is also important.
But I haven't forgotten about you guys.
In fact, one of your fellow readers cornered me and said, "How could you do this to me? I have finished The Unfading Lands Series and need something else to read!"
I was flattered that she wanted more of my work to read, but if she took a look at what I had to offer right now, she'd be horrified. Unpolished work is not good for anyone. Haha! So with a little patience, I assure you guys I will have something for you to read in the near future. :)
And hopefully, I will pad the arsenal so you will not have to wait long between book releases.
Until then, I'm going to get back to writing now. :) I've got a killer on the loose. ;p
Katharine