Marketing Yourself and Your Work with MJ Moores

WCYR superstar MJ Moores led the March members-only workshop, sharing her experience marketing herself and her work. MJ was clear with us – she’s not a marketer. She’s a writer, who has done the research and found what works for her.

MJ let the group lead the discussion, asking: What do you want to know? The group asked and MJ answered.

Readers want to know you, the writer. MJ told us it is possible to differentiate between the person/writer and the books/products, but it is often easier to sell a book when there is a face to go with it. It is also important to be part of a writing community (like the WCYR), whether big or small, and to join a critique group or have a critique partner. While writing might be a solitary activity, there should be someone to talk writing with.

MJ also suggested a writer should have at least one point of online contact. If you like Twitter, open a Twitter author account (or whatever social media you are most comfortable with). Ann MacLachlan also discussed this in her social media presentation. MJ, as well as Ann and other marketing gurus, say be consistent. Whatever image you use for one profile or website, use it for all. Part of building a brand and marketing yourself and your work is helping people recognize you.

Being part of a writing community, in-person or online through Twitter, Facebook, etc., will give you a support system when you publish. Writers want to help other writers. However, remember that not all social media posts should be a hard sell. MJ recommended about one out of five. The remaining four posts should be about other things, such as what you’re interested in or the steps you’re taking in your writing journey. It does not necessarily need to be something personal. Readers are interested in readerly and writerly things.

MJ went on to talk about newsletters, emails lists, giveaways and promotions. It was an informative and fun evening. Remember, while you are creating your author identity, don’t give away your main content.

Find MJ on Facebook, Twitter, and mjmoores.com

Upcoming Events:

Writing Comedy with Steve Shrott – May 2, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Diving Deep into POV with Kim McDougall – May 27, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Free for members.)

The Bookshelf – August 21 to 22

York Writers Conference 2021 – October 22 to 23