Some people achieve success. Some people achieve success and tell others how they did it. Chris Guillebeau is one of those.
Guillebeau is an entrepreneur, world traveler, and writer. His newest book is The Art of Non-Conformity: Set your own rules, live the life you want, and change the world. But Guillebeau also gives away two books on his website, along with dozens of articles on writing, entrepreneurship, and the traveling life. His website is listed on Writer's Digest Top 100 Websites for Writers.
279 Days to Overnight Success: An Unconventional Journey to Full-time Writing is a book for bloggers and writers seeking to expand their presence online using social media. From Guillebeau's site, here's what you'll learn:
* How he became a full-time writer in 279 days
* How to establish your brand
* Avoiding the 'vampires' who would like to see you fail.
* Whether to use web advertising or not
* How to become a problogger in 10 months
Basically, Guillebeau shares how writers can create an online community in less than a year, without resorting to paying for advertising. He shares what he did right, along with the mistakes he made.
If you're interested in Guillebeau's other book, check out A Brief Guide to World Domination. Tour around his site for many more articles on all kinds of topics.
How important is it for you to establish an online community?
Funny to see this post today. A writer friend just stopped by unexpectedly and mentioned she "just couldn't do" the social media stuff. While I think it's important for an online community, she does not. So, we'll each do what works for us and I'm certain at the end of the day — we will both be fine. Plus her random visit reminded me how nice it is to get together in person with writers.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Stacy. Social media is not for everybody. I'm still working through how many outlets I feel I can handle!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I HATE, with a passion not felt since the Inquisition, trying to build my presence online. I understand how it is important, but I resent it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm terrible at it. I'm so bad. In over a year of being online, I've less than 90 likes on my facebook page, and less than 45 regular blog readers.
The worst part is, I'm actually trying.
Le sigh. This book is definitely for me, I think! Thanks so much for posting it up!
I know, I am pretty clueless about most of it. What you have going for you is that you put an emphasis on your writing time. Most people get so distracted with social media, that they don't work on their craft. They can have thousands of followers, but if their fiction is weak, those fans will fall away.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
This kind of book might come in handy as I am trying to figure out my social media presence and balance it all with my writing. THanks Debbie!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Deana. I need all the help I can get. I also love how this guy travels the world for practically nothing!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Building a brand on-line is so hard. This book sounds like a great jumping-off point. If only I could pronounce his last name, lol.
ReplyDeleteBecca @ The Bookshelf Muse
I know what you mean, Becca!
ReplyDeleteI see you write YA fantasy & historical fiction. I do YA historical fantasy. I'd love to hear what you're working on!
~Debbie