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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”
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Doing media interviews is an exercise in accepting the unknown. You need to accept that as much as you prepare, you won’t be able to predict every single thing that happens.
The best way to prepare for media interviews is to decide beforehand how you’re going to handle unexpected questions. This is half a mental game (how will you respond with grace?) and half about preparing for the kinds of pushback you’re likely to encounter.
Because while your goal is to put yourself out there and share your message with your audience, that doesn’t mean everyone will respond to your content the same way.
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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.
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As an author, I know that finding your resources is the best way to move your writing career forward. I wouldn’t be where I am today without writing groups and mentors. And I can’t forget the toolbox of insights and opportunities I’ve picked up from writers who share their knowledge virtually.
That’s why I put together a guide of all the best author resources.
Podcasts
There are so many amazing writing and publishing podcasts out there. Podcasts are a great way to learn more about the industry and get tips on refining your craft. They can also be a big source of inspiration and motivation.
I love listening to podcasts by authors — even when the topic of the podcast isn’t just writing and publishing.
Here are a few of my favorite podcasts from authors. They all feed a different part of the writer’s life, from well-being to craft:
- Simply Write with Polly Campbell: This podcast always inspires me! Polly is a veteran writer and she’s full of great ideas for revitalizing your work. I loved being a guest to chat with Polly about how to talk to the media as an author.
- Tara Stiles: I’ve been lucky enough to be a guest and I’m always inspired by the stories on this podcast. You can check out my episode about the power of allowing yourself to change here.
- Best Next Step with Cass McCrory: I love hearing the stories about change and personal growth that Cass shares. You can listen to my episode about list making here!
- Hungry Authors: This is a great resource for authors. The hosts bring on guests to speak about every aspect of being an author, from launching your book to improving your prose. When I was a guest, I shared tips for getting media-ready!
Blogs
As you might be able to guess, I love blogs (that’s why I have two of my own — PaulaRizzo.com/blog and ListProducer.com!). Blogs can be a wonderful resource when it comes to advice of all kinds from authors at every stage of their journey.
Here are a few I recommend:
- Jane Friedman: Publishing industry expert Jane Friedman’s blog has information on so many aspects of being an author. She covers everything from crafting a book proposal to creative characters that feel like real people. And sometimes she has guest bloggers (like me!).
- The Shuffle: I love learning about tarot as a creativity tool and Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is a wonderful guide. This post on thirty days of creative tarot prompts is a great place to start.
- Zibby’s Highlights: Zibby Owens, author of Blank: A Novel and Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature (and owner of Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!) shares her thoughts on writing and life.
- I love the work of Emma Straub — she’s a novelist and owner of the independent bookstore chain Books are Magic in Brooklyn! Her newsletter is full of ideas for reading, writing, and life.
- Kathleen Schmidt is a longtime publishing expert and reliably shares news, analysis, and insider tips for authors!
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Writing Groups
I’ve been a part of a few different writing groups and I’ve loved all of them! I’ve made some great friends and I’ve learned so much. Plus, writing groups are an excellent tool for accountability! To find writing groups near you, you can check out your public library or local bookstore to see if they have any offerings. You can also do a quick internet search (writing groups + your location) to find opportunities nearby.
Having accountability buddies is one of the best ways to keep yourself writing. My friend Bev (who I meet with every Friday!) is one of my accountability buddies.
Mentors
Finding a mentor often happens organically if you put yourself out there! Going to events at your local library and bookstores, attending conferences, and getting involved with nearby writing associations or nonprofits are all ways you might meet a future mentor. You can also find mentors through LinkedIn or by checking out the website of authors whose work you enjoy — they might run mentorship sessions.
Nonprofits
There are lots of writing and publishing nonprofits that offer resources to authors. Here are a few that I recommend:
- Writer’s Digest: This is a go-to resource with lots of information for authors on every subject, from craft to publishing to media. I have a column for them and I love reading their website and print edition!
- Poets & Writers: They have lots of helpful resources, including information about writing contests and awards, writing groups, Zoom classes, and a calendar of literary events across the country!
- Nonfiction Authors Association: I’ve spoken for this group before and this organization is so helpful and supportive! They have a blog, lots of trainings and events, and a yearly conference.
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Professional Associations
Finding a writing association that aligns with your work is one of the best ways to connect with colleagues who share your area of interest. Many professional associations are based around specific genres or fields. Writer’s Digest has put together a thorough list of writing associations — you can check it out here!
One that I recommend is Author’s Guild. The Author’s Guild supports writers of all kinds. I’m a member and I love all the resources they have, from guides to protecting your copyright to events and webinars.
Conferences
In-person and virtual conferences are both fantastic ways to meet writers and gain valuable insights into all elements of being an author, from first drafts to book tours. I always learn so much at conferences and I’ve met some wonderful people over the years by attending.
I love the yearly Writer’s Digest Conference. I’ve been a speaker (and attendee) and I always get so much from it!
Poets & Writers has a great database for finding writing conferences all over the world. You can search by location, genre, conference type, funding availability, and keywords. I highly recommend checking it out!
I hope this list gives you some ideas for expanding where and how you find resources as an author!
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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”
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BONUS FREEBIE: I have a resource for you that will help you prepare to talk with media and audiences. It’s the 10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer. You can grab the fiction and nonfiction lists here.
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Building a platform is one of the most important things you can do to invest in your career as a non-fiction author. Creating a platform is how you build authority and credibility with your readers — and with publishers and the media!
A platform is how you reach your readers and connect with them. It’s all the channels of communication you use, from email newsletters to social media to speaking engagements. Think of your author platform as a central hub with lots of access points.
1) Identify your audience.
Before you narrow down your strategy for building your author platform, think about who you’re trying to reach. As a non-fiction author, you’re presenting your readers with something new and novel — a solution to a problem, a creative way of considering an issue, or a toolkit for improving some aspect of their lives. This is true whether you’re writing a cookbook or a history book.
Think about who is looking for the message that you have to offer. Who can benefit from this knowledge?
For instance, if you’re writing a cookbook about easy and affordable veggie-forward recipes, your audience might include busy parents, older adults trying to be more health-conscious, and college students. Those are specific groups who will come to your work in different ways. The college students might find you on TikTok — but the health-conscious grandma probably won’t. So how are you going to connect with all of these groups?
Use Video to Grow Your Audience with TikTok
2) Define your narrative.
Before you decide which online and in-person channels you want to focus on, you need to decide what you’ll do with those opportunities. Defining your narrative before you dive in head-first means your author platform will be well-considered, coherent, and professional.
One of the best ways to approach this task is to sit down with a pencil and paper (or a blank Google Doc!) and write down answers to these questions:
- Why did you write a book?
- Why are you the right person to tell this story?
- How will your book improve people’s lives?
These answers should get personal!
10 Questions Every Author Needs to Answer
For instance, if I was doing this exercise, I’d write about how I wrote my first book, Listful Living, because lists made my life as a busy TV producer so much less stressful and more manageable. I’d write about how I’m the right person to tell the story of lists because I’ve been using them for over twenty years now, and I’ve been blogging about productivity for nearly fifteen years. I’d write about how my books are packed with actionable tips that help readers manage their tasks and introduce more joy into their lives.
Look for a narrative arc in your answers. Are there defining moments that emerge?
For me, one defining moment is when my appendix burst after my first book came out. I knew I had to prioritize my well-being and for me, that meant using productivity strategies (including list-making!) that I’d written about. I talked the talk — and then I had to really walk the walk. That experience shaped my second book, Listful Thinking.
Once you know the story you want to tell, you can use online communication channels more effectively. This story should come across in all your content.
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3) Curate your online presence — and be consistent.
Create author profiles on all the major social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook). If you think TikTok would be a good fit for your audience, create a profile there too. And make sure to follow other author accounts!
It’s also a good idea to create an author website. Your website should have information about your background, links to your social media profiles, and an option to sign up for your email list. Email lists are a great tool for creating a channel to get in touch with your readers about blog posts, videos, events, and media appearances.
Website Tips to Amplify Your Brand
You might also consider a podcast (I have tips on this here!), short videos (here’s how to create great ones), or a live-stream show.
But… don’t start doing all these things at the same time!
Take it slow and think about what your audience is most likely to connect with. What types of media does your audience already consume? Find them there first. If you start a whole bunch of projects at the same time, it’s going to be difficult to keep up with all of them. Which brings me to my next point — consistency!
Consistency is key to building an online following. I suggest creating an editorial calendar for yourself. You can plan out social media, blog posts, newsletters, live streams, and more. Come up with a schedule that’s reasonable and then stick to it.
4) Find opportunities to connect with other authors.
The internet is great for connecting with readers and fellow authors. And you should definitely follow other authors in your area of expertise. In-person events are also important for forming these connections.
Attend book events in your area. Check out speakers at local universities. Go to conferences. Join a writing group. These are opportunities to learn from other authors about how they communicate with their audience and with their colleagues in the world of non-fiction authors.
Having an author platform is related to being a good literary citizen — so check out these tips for being an engaged author.
5) Be your own advocate.
Building your author platform means acknowledging the fact that no one is going to come up and catapult you to success. You need to build authority and credibility yourself. So toot your own horn!
Lots of people feel uncomfortable about self-promotion. They think it comes across as self-centered or braggy. But it’s essential to reframe self-promotion as positive and necessary. Remember, you have a message to share. Your audience needs the knowledge you have to share. Advocating for your work is an act of service!
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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”
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