Marketing Q&A with author Eric Walters
Looking to improve your marketing and publicity efforts? Check out our Book Publicity Tips series where we ask real authors to share their experiences, thoughts, and advice to assist both new and established authors.
When do you recommend commencing a new title’s marketing efforts?
I start marketing the minute I start the research. I gather pictures, clips, interviews, and things I can use not only for writing but for presenting. I talk about books up to 6 months before they come out.
Are you a regular Goodreads user? Which site feature have you found most useful?
I don’t read Goodreads at all.
From past experiences, what is the best way to react to a negative review?
I don’t react to any bad reviews. People are entitled to their opinion.
From past experiences, do you have any tips for holding a book signing or book launch event?
Book launches only work if it is a quality event. I’ve brought tigers to a book store, had 2000 kids receive a book at a giant rally, and used book launches as a fundraiser for my orphanage. If a book launch is only for your friends and family, it isn’t worthwhile.
Which social media tools do you use on a regular basis? How have they improved your social media marketing efforts?
I use Twitter, email, and my websites primarily. I answer every email sent to me by a student, school, or teacher.
How often should an author post to Twitter? Which strategies do you find increase engagement?
I post on Twitter when I think of something interesting, or to re-tweet things that involve my books or the books for friends.
About Eric Walters
Since his first novel, Canadian author Eric Walters has literally exploded on the children’s and young adult scene. Over the following years, he has published over 80 more novels and picture books with more than 10 scheduled for the coming years. These novels have been enthusiastically received by children and young adults and critically acclaimed by teachers, reviewers, and parents. Eric’s novels have won more than 100 awards including 11 separate children’s choice awards. He is the only three-time winner of both the Ontario Library Association Silver Birch and Red Maple Awards – in which over 250,000 students participate and vote for the winner. Eric has presented to more than 1,500,000 students across North America and internationally in Japan and Germany. His presentations blend drama, storytelling, audience participation, and interaction. He presents to students from K – Grade 12 as well as adult groups and keynote speeches.
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