Tips for Authors
How to Create a Page on Facebook
Dear Authors,
While preparing for our Local Authors Book Sale, I noticed that some of you don't have Facebook pages. If you don't already have one, I urge you to make a Facebook page for your book(s). It's free, and it really helps to get your name out there so that readers will be familiar with your book when they see it on the shelf. If a reader already knows your name, he or she is far more likely to purchase your book when they see it on one of our Local Author days. If you use it well, Facebook can be a great promotional tool for your book!
Here are some quick tips on getting started. These instructions were test-driven by my mom, who learned how to create a Facebook page earlier this week, so I hope that you will find them to be helpful also!
1. Create A Page on Facebook in the category "Artist, Band or Public Figure," subcategory "Author."
2. Name Your Page thoughtfully, since the name is how people will find you. It is a good idea to include the word "Author" and your location, such as "John Smith, Florida Mystery Author."
3. Upload Pictures. Your profile picture will be at least 180 x 180 pixels in size. This should be a high-quality photo of you, your book or your logo. If you use a photo of yourself, keep it simple: no pets in the photo unless your pet is your co-author (like Carole Stevens Bibisi's cat) or the star of the book (like Barbara Boswell Brunner's dogs). Your cover picture will be 851 x 315 in size. Again, you'll want to use a high-quality photo (this is a great place for the book cover, if you didn't use it in your profile picture).
4. While logged in as your page, Like Kitty-Wan Kenobi and Sandman Book Company. As soon as we see your page, we'll Like you back!
5. While logged in as yourself, Share your page with your friends with a comment such as "Please Like my new Facebook page."
6. If you have a book signing coming up, be sure to post the event to your Facebook page. (Hint: After you create the event, visit the event page as yourself and click "Join.")
7. Take a moment to post some photos on your page. Popular photos often show the author at work, whether at a typewriter or behind the desk at a book signing.
8. Post something at least once a week, just to keep your page current. If you're stuck for ideas, you can always make a post that says "My book is available at your local independent bookshop, Sandman Book Company!"
Have fun!
Heidi |
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