| In this edition:
Landing a Literary Agent: Did Jim Blow It?
In September of '06 Jim landed a literary agent for his novel, but upset another agent in the process. Get the full story and weigh in: Did Jim make the right choice?
The Missing Link: Cross Promotion
You want more hits on your blog, Web site, or article? And want to make it easier for them to read your "stuff?" Of course you do. Check out some fundamentals of linking.
Getting Your Blog Posts Read: How to Increase the Odds
Jim confesses his life is crazy-- just like yours--and explains the best way to get to him... which is also the best way to get to your readers.
Ask Jim & Laura
Is it better to title blog posts with catchy phrases that beg to be read or to use words that people will search for?
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anding a Literary Agent: Did Jim Blow It?
March '06
I take my first venture into the novel writing world by going to a national conference.
April/May '06
Through some amazing people I meet at the conference, I get my novel in the hands of two agents. Both are interested in representing me.
July '06
Through a friend, I'm introduced to a third agent. Before we chat, I tell her I'm in discussions with two other agents and ask if it's okay that we're talking.
She says, "No problem. Until you sign something you're getting free advice."
September '06
I sign with a fourth agent.
October '06
I get an e-mail from one of the April/May agents, reprimanding me for talking to more than one agent at a time. The agent tells me that agents put in a good deal of effort evaluating potential clients. Mind you, I respect this veteran agent's opinion. (Quick side note: This agent and I did talk through the situation. The agent was gracious and there are no ill feelings.)
Whether you're shopping for an agent, shopping a book or article, or even, shopping for a job, this situation will probably come up for you, it if hasn't already.
What's your vote? Did I do it wrong? Or is all fair in love, war, and agent seeking?
Share your opinion. We'll print responses in the next issue.
The Missing Link: Cross Promotion
You're skimming a blog, soaking in some entertainment or info. Suddenly you think, Hey, I wouldn't mind knowing more about underwater basket weaving and how they're trying to get the sport into the Olympics.
But do you really want to take the time to copy/paste/search for greater depth on the subject? Or would you rather click on a link embedded in the article you're currently perusing?
The easier you make it for people, the more they'll hang around you. (Check out our article on how to embed a link in a blog post.)
Hey! We just linked!
If you have a newsletter, it should link to your blog. If you have a blog, it should link to your newsletter. When you send e-mails, your sig line should contain a link to your blog/Web site/ The Paper Mache Jewelry Foundation--whatever you want people to find easily.
In the advertising world people use the phrase "Frequency Sells." It's true. People need to be exposed to a message/idea multiple times for them to act. The easier it is for them to "hear" the message, the more quickly it will work.
Make sure your Internet communication has evolved. Give them the missing links.
Need help troubleshooting? Ask about our Blogging Basics Consultation.
Getting Your Blog Posts Read: How to Increase the Odds
I (Jim) backpack, water-ski, play guitar with one son, play Halo with the other, do a bit of photography, practice sleight of hand, write novels, dirt bike with my kids, take long walks with my wife, let alone make $$$ to live...
The point of this rant? I'm too swamped to work for my information. Unless it comes to me, I'll probably forget it's available.
Specifically, I'm talking RSS subscriptions and e-mail subscriptions.
If you have a blog, I strongly suggest you make it possible for people to get it via an RSS feed or directly through their e-mail. Yes, I know. The odds of them posting a comment on your blog goes down when it comes to their in-box or via their feed reader, but wouldn't you rather have them read your post in the first place?
Give your readers several ways to find you, and they'll choose the one that works best for them.
- Where to put your subscription form: upper right corner. Don't make people hunt for it. Make it prominent and easy to find.
- After installing the subscription form, ask a few friends to visit your site and list the first three things they see.
- Keep tweaking till your RSS subscription box and/or e-mail subscription box is one of the three.
People are busy; the fewer hoops they have to jump through, the greater the chance they'll stop and watch your circus. (No, I'm not sure that analogy worked.)
Gotta go. Gotta get some sleep.
Ask Jim & Laura
Is it better to title blog posts with catchy phrases that beg to be read or to use words that people will search for?
Both! Over 80 percent of visitors will find your blog via a search,
so incorporating key words/phrases is essential. Plus, key words help
search engines index your site more accurately--and help your blog move
up in the search engine rankings for those words/phrases.
Our rule of thumb:
When composing a title for your post, ask yourself:
What words would I Google to find this article?
In addition to being key word-rich, your titles must be catchy.
Many blog readers subscribe to RSS feeds of their favorite blogs. When
they check their feeds, they scan all the post titles and click the
ones that interest them most.
Tell 'em what they're gonna get: Communicate how your article will meet your reader's need.
Instead of the obtuse, "Kitchen-ease," try:
- "10 Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen"
- "How to Clear Kitchen Clutter" (alliteration is always fun)
When composing titles, avoid the 3 Cs: Cutsie, Clever, Cryptic
E-mail us your blogging, writing, or marketing question. We'll answer one in every issue. |
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