Pre-LCC Author Workshop: Learn to Build Your Brand

It's the common writer's conundrum: writing is a solitary endeavor, marketing and selling your work is not. Chances are, like many authors, you're better at one than the other. Maybe you've got the writing part down. You've even gotten comfortable talking about yourself. But the idea of reaching out to people unsolicited...of pitching yourself...of selling...might just scare the pants off of you.

Never fear! Left Coast Crime 2016 has teed up a marketing and communications expert to help us all. Whether you're a marketing expert or a newbie, Deborah Lacy can help improve your branding and social media efforts. Join us Thursday morning, February 25, just before LCC swings into action, to learn the ropes...

Brand-Building for Authors

Writing and selling fiction is a business, but most authors don’t approach it that way. Building your brand is key to success. This class will not only help authors understand how branding and relationship building can help make you successful, but it will also explain how to go about it and give you the tools to do so.

In this hands-on three-hour workshop you will:

• Define or refine your audiences and the goals of your marketing presence.
• Survey the major vehicles for marketing exposure, focusing on Facebook, Twitter, websites, GoodReads and Amazon reviews and blogging.
• Develop a content map that will help you build and expand your author brand.
• Learn about the range of content development options available, including video and photos, ads, audience-building, etc.
• Understand how to use tools to manage your social media effectively.

All participants will receive a pre-workshop letter of concepts to consider prior to the event. You will also leave with templates to build your own marketing plan.

Requirements: 

• A laptop is recommended, so you can begin to develop your plan during the class and try some of the software tools.
• TweetDeck pre-downloaded (if you already use Hootsuite, you can work with that instead).
• Willingness to work in the class and learn new things.

The class will take place Thursday, February 25, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and class size will be limited to ensure your questions can be answered. The fee is $75. Sign up today!

About the instructor:

Deborah Lacy has more than 30 years of communications experience working for corporations and non-profits, including IBM, Intuit, Google, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and HP. She’s taught social media at Foothill Community College.