When I consult with new nonfiction authors, one of the first homework tasks I assign is to identify their Community of Influence. This is important whether you already have a platform or not, because you might be surprised by how many people you know who can help support your book and your overall author-career goals.
Consider the following people:
Friends and family – These shouldn’t be your main review sources because you want your book reviews to come from objective readers. However, your closest family and friends may be able to connect you with people who can help you accomplish your goals.
Fellow authors – Authors in your industry who have a large platform can have a big impact on book sales simply by recommending your book to their community via social media or their own email lists.
Influencers in your target industry – This includes bloggers, podcast hosts, YouTubers, and social media stars.
Trade association leaders and members – Trade associations that reach your target audience can be a powerful place to build your community. Do you know someone who can recommend you as a speaker at an annual conference or a monthly meeting? Or help you contribute guest content to the association blog or newsletter?
Online groups – If you participate in groups that reach your target readers, ask the group owner if you can share book announcements or invite beta readers from the group. Facebook and LinkedIn groups that focus on your niche can be a fantastic place to build your readership.
Current and past coworkers – Perhaps you worked with someone ten years ago who now organizes big corporate events or is a leader in your industry.
Current and past clients – If someone has already enjoyed working with you in some way, they will likely be glad to support your new book launch.
Past readers – Readers who liked your previous book(s), they will certainly be interested in your next one!
Social media followers – This is one of the many reasons why authors should build a social media following. Think of this as a way to cultivate your author Community and build relationships with raving fans.
Email list subscribers – If you’re not yet building an email list, you should be. This is one of the best marketing tools you can have. Social media is passive, time-based, and takes place on rented real estate (it’s not a property you own and your account can go away at any time). Email is engaging and has a far greater success rate for selling books and other products.
Corporate and nonprofit contacts – Who do you know at corporations or nonprofits that could connect you with speaking opportunities, consulting opportunities, or bulk book sales?
Media pros – This includes journalists, reporters, editors, and producers on a local or national level, and those who cover topics related to your book.
Action Challenge: Build Your Lists of COI Members
Brainstorm your lists of people you can contact and ask for support. You don’t have to know everyone on your list yet. Your list can include people you’d like to know, such as influential authors in your industry or event planners for a big conference where you would like to speak.
You can download a pre-formatted spreadsheet to help you organize your contacts here.
Review Copy Recipients and Beta Readers
- Industry influencers
- Mailing list subscribers
- Past readers
- Clients, peers, family, and friends
- Members of online groups
- Members of trade associations
- Media professionals
- Book reviewers
- Book review sites
- Trade association staff
- Any person or company mentioned in your book
Book Endorsements
- Authors in your genre, including competitors
- Celebrities
- Corporate executives and other top professionals in your industry
Industry Influencers Who Reach Your Target Audience
- Bloggers
- Podcasters
- Fellow authors
- YouTubers
- Association executives
- Social media stars
Media Pros
- Reporters
- Editors
- Producers
- Hosts
- Local and national media outlets
- Industry-specific media outlets (trade publications)
Groups Where Your Target Readers Spend Time
- Trade associations
- Alumni groups
- Meetup groups
- Online groups (Facebook, LinkedIn, other forums)
- Nonprofits
- Sports organizations
- Religious/spiritual organizations
Connections to Speaking Engagement Opportunities
- Association executives
- Association board members or volunteers
- Event planners
- Corporate contacts
- Trade show organizers
- Fellow speakers who can make introductions
Potential sponsors and bulk buyers
- Corporations
- Nonprofits
- Trade associations
- Past clients
- Current clients
- Schools
- Spiritual organizations
Once you populate your lists, your next step is to begin reaching out. Some people on your list should be contacted individually, while others can be contacted in groups. For example, you could reach out to members of an online forum you belong to and ask them to join your beta reader team. Or, you could reach out to a past client who works for a local nonprofit and ask for help getting booked as a speaker at their next meeting.
Remember this: People you know WANT to support you. Sometimes all you need to do is ask.
If you like this blog post, you’ll love our Author Toolkit covering websites, blogging and social media for authors. Check it out!
