Want to meet your readers?
Offer an opportunity to have a phone chat.
Phone chats can be as simple as using a speaker phone within a group setting or creating a virtual phone chat by using a teleconference service like freeconference.com.
Both methods offer a way for readers and authors to get together.
Six simple steps to set up your first phone chat:
1. Decide what book or books you will discuss during the phone chat.
2. Select the length of time you will be available for the chat. 30 minutes seems to be a time that works for many authors and readers alike, but you can adapt to what suits you and your readers best.
3. Create a separate web page about the chat opportunity. You can let readers know what times and dates are available for you to participate, or you can simply include a form or other contact information for them to get in touch with you.
4. Broadcast your Author Chat availability on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
5. Send out an announcement in your newsletter, send emails to leaders of book groups, and post an invite on book forums that relate to your book genre.
6. Book chats by phone are a fun and personal way to connect with new readers. You don’t have to dress up or leave home and neither do your readers. You can also offer to have a video chat using Skype.
It’s a good idea to set up a few requirements for participation.
Three basic suggestions:
1. Ask participants to read your book before the call.
2. Provide easy ways for them to get your book. Yes, you want them to buy a copy!
3. Suggest the book leader encourage the group to prepare questions before the call so that the dreaded “empty air space” is not a problem.
Finish the call with a special offer for them to sign up for your newsletter or to download a free chapter of your next book.
