Notes:

The Verbivore shares a definition for the word engage. Here is that definition:

- “Establish a meaningful contact or connection with; Occupy, attract, or involve someone’s interest or attention.”

Here are some articles and videos that we found helpful in preparation for this conversation:

- MasterClass “6 Tips to Successfully Market and Promote Your Book: Step-by-Step Guide”

- The Write Life “6 Effective Ways to Engage With Your Readers (So They Buy More Books)”

MasterClass Mentioned:

- Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers - Lesson 18: Life as a Writer

We also mention words of wisdom, tips, and tools that authors have shared in our previous podcast episodes about connecting with readers. Those episodes are:

- Episode 96: Interview with K.T. Anglehart

Services to help you get your book in hands of readers and reviewed: Xpresso Virtual Book Tour, BookSirens, Net Galley, Goodreads Free Giveaway

- Episode 108: Interview with MJ McGriff

Content marketing: Create a brand that’s on theme, recognizable, and authentic. Tone, images, and feel.

- Episode 125: Interview with Candice Yamnitz

Instagram Content: Be audience oriented and include a mix of content. Educate, entertain, and encourage

We also talk about lessons we’ve learned from specific authors about things to try. Here are a few of them:

- Sherry Thomas, @writersherrythomas - Includes reality behind the story drafting and writing process in acknowledgements, Posts that go into real life - food and personal sketches, Artifacts like hand drawn map for her upcoming mystery

- Hafsah Faizal, @hafsahfaizal & https://www.hafsahfaizal.com/ - Participates in Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Insta Stories, Shares writing struggles as she experienced with finishing We Free the Stars, Includes personal life details, Interactive website

- Emily Henry, @emilyhenrywrites - Shares book recommendations, Participates in live stream interviews, Share bits of your writing life in Insta stories

Books Mentioned:

A Study in Scarlet Women (The Lady Sherlock Series Book 1) by Sherry Thomas

We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya, 1) by Hafsah Faizal

We Free the Stars (Sands of Arawiya, 2) by Hafsah Faizal

Happy Place by Emily Henry

This Might Get Awkward by Kara McDowell

Writing the Breakout Novel: Insider Advice for Taking Your Fiction to the Next Level by Donald Maass

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia  

Music from: https://filmmusic.io
‘Friendly day’ by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Licence: CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)