Make Welcome S.G. Rogers

Today I'd like all of you to welcome S. G. Rogers. I've met Suzanne on Twitter and invited her here today to offer a Tuesday tip.

Suzanne is graciously offering a free download of her YA Fantasy novel to one lucky winner. All you have to do to be entered into the drawing is post a comment and answer one question. 
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What was your favorite YA novel you read growing up?

Now, for Suzanne's words of wisdom.

Pass It On – A Word to the Wise

“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”
- Oscar Wilde

I wish someone had told me when I decided to be a writer that there was more to being an author than a skillful turn of a phrase.  I was so laser-focused on improving my craft I didn’t think about building an audience for my work beforehand.  You DO have to focus on your craft, and there are many classes, books, workshops and critique groups that will help you with that.  But I’ve discovered that the publishing industry is a business—a terribly competitive one.  Getting published is only the beginning of promoting your work as an author…and promote you must. 

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

- Dale Carnegie

To advance your writing career you have to be willing to join groups and be genuinely supportive of others.  Find quality places to lend your time and talent and you’ll make the kind of friends who will be there for you when your book comes out.   I’ve seen people use a Facebook page or their blog to build a following—by offering recipes, book reviews or a forum of some sort.  Writers’ groups, online or otherwise, are always great places to give and receive support.  If you are already a member of a group, let everyone know about your goals, and be prepared to help them with theirs.  Twitter can be a very useful tool, particularly when you give fellow authors a pat on the back or retweet their links.  When you support your fellow twits, they will tend to repay the favor.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin

Keep in mind the end goal is not just to get published…it’s to sell books.  A publisher, particularly a small one, can only do so much to push your title.  Although they may have a list of reviewers they usually send advance reading copies (ARCs), do your own research and compile a list of your own.  You should plan to send review requests out ahead of time—sometimes months before the book is released.  It’s optimum to have book reviews come out to coincide with the publication of your book.  Keep strict records on these reviewers and their policies (some won’t review e-books, for example).  Send polite thank you emails to each one who reviews your book (good or bad).  Remember, you’re building relationships with these ‘gatekeepers’ and you want to stay positive.  You should also plan to have a blog tour set up ahead of time.   

Although I’ll be in a much better position with my next title, I was caught somewhat flat-footed when “The Last Great Wizard of Yden” was released.  I’ve quickly learned some hard lessons, and for better or worse I can now give good advice.  Pass it on. 

~S.G. Rogers

OMG, S.G. I completely agree with everything you've said. I think an author needs to build a platform long before they finish their first book.

Here is a blurb of The Last Great Wizard of Yden

After his father is kidnapped, sixteen-year-old Jon stumbles across a closely guarded family secret--one that will challenge everything he has ever believed about his father and himself. A magical ring his father leaves behind unlocks a portal to another dimension, but in using it, Jon unwittingly unchains the forces of evil. A crisis develops when a malevolent wizard transports to Earth to kidnap one of Jon’s friends. With the help of some unlikely schoolmates, and a warrior princess from Yden, Jon embarks on a dangerous quest to free his friend and his father from the most vicious wizard the magical world has ever known. In the end, Jon will be forced to fight for his life as he attempts to rescue the last great wizard of Yden.

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Remember to leave a comment and answer the question.