Hey Writers, Find Your Voice and Use It

Twenty something years ago, Madonna said we’re living in a material world and while that is still true, we can now add digital to the list. We live in a digital world and it would behoove you to take advantage of it. Since you have digital tools available to you and mostly for free, why not use them.

In this day and age reputations are made or broken with digital tools. Consider the following; Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse in the world but maintains a consistent and vocal online presence. BP’s reputation was nearly destroyed because of the gulf oil spill but they put the final nail in their own coffin by not addressing the issue with the public via social networking sites. Check out the links below for more information.
http://blip.tv/file/3866406

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2010/07/5-digital-pr-lessons-from-bps-oil-spillresponse193.html

Right now I bet you’re wondering what’s the method to get your voice out there. The simple answer is just pick one. I’ll touch on three in this post. We touched on making your own video last week. That is a great way to get you voice out there. Along with voicing an opinion, it allows you to connect with an audience. If you want to let others know what you’re doing (or writing) you have to let others know your out there. Check out the link below from best selling author John Irving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TbTCDHKRY

Another way to get your voice out there is to record it. BlogTalkRadio .com allows any and everyone with something to say a chance to say it. If you need to build a platform, this is a relatively easy way. And what’s even better, you can invite guests to help you get your point (s) across. You can write a script or do it freestyle. Just do it. Check out the link below from writerslifechats on blogtalkradio.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writerslifechats

Last but not least, we have the old stand-bys social networking sites. Get connected with people who are doing what you do. You have a plethora of sites to choose from. Since we’re talking about writing, I’ve picked one for you to check out.
http://tribes.tribe.net/writersanonymous

Hey Writers, a Picture Really is Worth 1,000 words

 I’m referring to talking pictures here, stay with me. The question of the hour is should you use video in your advertising and marketing campaigns. The short answer is yes. I’m not sure about the science behind it, but apparently seeing someone, even if it’s on video, helps us feel more connected. And let’s face it, you aren’t going to sell your product or your service or yourself unless people believe they should buy into you. Since you’re the owner or CEO or whatever, you should be the one who decides what they are buying into.

Since I’m not sure what kind of writing you’re doing, I’ll address two types. Let’s start with the novelist. As we stated last week, if you don’t have a website, you should get one as soon as possible. Almost everyone uses the web now days. So, on your website, I would suggest you put at least one type of video, preferably two. The first should be a video about you. It will help your readers know a little more about you and feel like they have something in common with you. You can record yourself for about 2 or 3 minutes talking about your life, what led you to writing, etc. It should feel personal and intimate. Invite the reader into your world and let them seem how you think. Post the video on YouTube and add a link to your site is space/bandwidth is a concern. The second video should be a video book trailer. At this point, I want you to do what I say and not I what I did (Mine isn’t done yet) but I will post my trailer soon. The trailer should whet the readers’ appetites and give them a taste of what is to come. Even if you can’t afford to do a real video trailer (With hired actors, lighting crew, etc) try to put together something for your readers. If you do it well, it can only help you. Even non-fiction writers can get in on this. A short string of interviews with real people addressing the issues in your book would look great on your site and might go further if the interviewees have read and mention your book.

The video below has no talking actors but great graphics and stirs an interest in the reader to pick up the book.

A Video Book Trailer

    

Next, I’ll address script writers. The same principles work for you but better. If you are trying to sell a screenplay or a film you should put together a short teaser to show people what they have to look forward to. It is very likely that whoever ends up buying your script won’t use any of your filmed ideas, but you’ve at least given them something to work with.  For independent filmmakers, a short film placed on a website like YouTube or another site where your target audience frequently visits would be a great tool to entice viewers to see your movie. I found the trailer below on YouTube where it’s been seen by over 10,000 people.  A trailer or short film is a great way to build buzz about your next project.

A Film Trailer