I want to thank everyone for welcoming me as the new Publicist at Hartline, and I'm looking forward to working with you. So far, I'm getting a chance to better know the clients here at Hartline. I've been in contact with some by email and others by phone.We are all at different stages of marketing our work and ourselves. Our needs vary, and therefore, I'll be working with you on an individual basis. My role will be to advise you based on my experience and knowledge, as well as offer bits of marketing and promotional nuggets here on the Hartline Blog.
The first process we're setting up is a welcome letter that new Hartline clients will receive from me. In it I'll be introducing myself and giving guidance on what unpublished authors should be doing to build their platform while they work on their craft and wait for that first contract offer. I've prepared an in-depth letter for those who are newly contracted and need to start planning for their first book launch. And finally, I'll have an even more detailed letter that will go out to new and current clients who are already published with guidance regarding on-going platform building.
One thing that I want authors to understand is once your book is released, you'll be marketing it and yourself as an author forever--or as long as you intend to write and sell books. It used to be that a printed book would go out of print, but e-books are changing that. They never go out of print. Therefore, you will never be "finished" with marketing. You may finish a book launch and have some down time afterward, but building your platform is a continuous effort.
We have a dedicated public relations loop where clients share their experience and expertise with each other. If we hear about a great article or blog or upcoming opportunities, we share it. This past week, we've been talking about book launches, setting up book signings and blog tours. Everyone on the loop has valuable information to share and that is what makes it so special.
After I've been on board for a while and touched base with all our current clients, I want to build a Speakers Bureau for the Hartline Agency. Many of you are already giving workshops and speaking at conferences, others want to start doing this. Hartline would like to provide a platform to help you promote your speaking talent and provide a resource for organizations who are looking to bring speakers to their events. This is just one example of some of the great opportunities we're planning for the future.
What are some of your marketing needs? What topics would you like to see on the Hartline blog in the future?
19 comments:
Jennifer, I'm so happy you're with Hartline & looking forward to learning from and working with you.
While I'm not a client (yet, big grin), I think it is wonderful that Hartline is offering so much help and value beyond getting a contract for their clients.
I really love the friendship and family atmoshpere of everyone helping one another out with marketing and career building. What a testament!
I'm also looking forward to seeing some of the things on the blog for everyone to read. Thanks!
P.S. The speakers program sounds amazing too.
Caroline, Thank you! Glad to be working with you!
Melissa, It takes a lot of people for our writing careers to be successful. God loves watching us all work together as He designed us to do.
Jennifer, I am sure you will be a godsend to many of us--certainly me!This is definitely my tough spot. Looking forward to learning.
Platform-building seems daunting. Can you take some of pain out of it, and make it fun? I'm all about fun!
You've been so helpful so far, Jennifer. I'm excited to work with you.
Edge of Your Seat Romance
Jennifer, I'm a new client and a bit overwhelmed, at times, with the entire marketing/platform building process. I welcome your advice and am especially excited to read about the Speakers Bureau! I look forward to being involved in any way I can. Welcome!
Dee Yoder
Jennifer,
I am so excited about your skills and the fact that you are going to be a permanent member of the team. Joyce emailed me a contract recently and I am so blessed by the offer. I will be sending it back to her after I have printed and signed it. My printer "died" on me LOL, and I had some unexpected surgery. Praise the Lord, my hubby and I will be buying me a new laser printer this weekend. I had plans to buy it a few weeks ago, but I am no just getting back on my feet. When I read about the new changes coming our way, I was so happy. God is truly opening doors for many of us. My WIP is not complete yet, so you can understand how blessed I was to receive a contract offer from Joyce. I look forward to your letter (the one mentioned in your latest post). Have a blessed weekend.
Jennifer,
I forgot to mention that public speaking is something that I enjoy. I am used to being in front of crowds on a regular basis. I sing and share my testimony with congregations and womens groups. I can't wait to start to put this to use with regards to ramping up my platform. I do need your advice. I am a member of so many writers groups. I need to know where I should focus most of my energy etc. (grin) I can be a social butterfly and I do love making new contacts and friends.
Jeanette,
Sometimes it can be fun--especially when you receive those messages about how a story you've written spoke to someone's heart and changed their life. It's like birthing a baby, lots of pain and time consuming preparation and expense, but the end result is so worth it and satisfying. And then you realize you might not have reached that one person, if you hadn't added that extra blog on the tour, or the extra book signing where only one person showed up.
And of course, the launch parties are awesome!
Jill and Raquel, Thank you so much!
Dee, Welcome to the Hartline crew. I believe you'll enjoy it around here.
I'm sending out the letters on an individual basis so it might be a few weeks before I get to you, but it's coming.
You rock Jennifer! :-)
Tina, Congratulations on signing your new contract with Joyce! I hope the best for you as you finish your manuscript.
I'm looking forward to the Speakers Bureau as well. I think it's a great addition to an author's career in both platform building and as a supplement to income.
So glad you all decided to do this. What a plus!
A Hartline Speakers Bureau! Wow!!! That will be fabulous! Thank you and Hartline and God for your vision. Praying as you proceed for God's glory. Excited to have you with us.
Elaine W. Miller
www.SplashesofSerenity.com
Elaine,
Thank you and keep those prayers going up. We need God's vision.
Again,I wanted to tell you how glad and blessed to have you with the agency. I know everyone here is equally glad to have you on board. I am looking forward to the letter you mentioned in your Introduction. I believe you have different letters to send out, based on what stage we writers find ourselves in our careers. Newbies, like myself, with a letter for every author...based on their current status.
I am so looking forward to "speaking" with you soon.
Be blessed...
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