Teaming Up With Another Writer For Offline Promotion

The Proverbs says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (27:17 NIV). This principle holds true in so many ways, even in our relationship as authors. Why not use this principle to help you market your book and expand your brand?

While you can do this in so many ways (mailings, book signings, co-op advertising, etc...) I want to suggest a different approach. Why not team up with another local author and do a free "workshop" for writers and aspiring writers? Think of the benefits of presenting a joint presentation:

1. You have an automatic cheer leading partner to help keep you motivated
2. You have someone to split the workload with
3. You have another network to tap into when you advertise
4. You can create a working relationship that may lead to other opportunities

Where can you find another local writer who may be interested in doing a joint workshop with you? I would suggest you join local writing groups and organizations in your areas. One you do, you will meet many authors who have the same goals you have.

When you do find someone who is interested, then you need to find a venue to house your workshop. If your venue caters to readers/writers (i.e., a local library), then they may be willing to help promote your event. Here are some venue (and organization) ideas for your workshop that should not break your bank:

• Libraries
• Writing Groups
• High School Creative Writing Programs
• Community Colleges
• Civic Organizations

Once you have your venue scheduled and your material locked in, consider these suggestions to help navigate through some of the unexpected issues that often come up when people work together for the first time on a project like this:

• Make sure each presenter knows what they are responsible for presenting
• Make sure you have time limits for each section agreed upon and that you stick to them
• Have a planning session early enough for you to decide how your will advertise your event
• Have a way to record your event. (You will want to use excerpts when you advertise future events)
• Schedule enough time to prepare all collateral for your workshop

With a little planning, you can present a well-received workshop that brings value to many aspiring writers. And if you have a partner who is as dedicated and excited as you are, then you can really launch a memorable workshop that keeps people asking for more.

For more information on creating winning workshops, check out Dr. Glen B. Earl's two part series on this blog:

Creating a Winning Workshop Part 1- The Write Subject

Creating a Winning Workshop Part 2- The Write Format


 -------- Tony Eldridge is the author of The Samson Effect, an action/adventure novel that Clive Cussler calls a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure." He is also the author of the Twitter marketing book, Conducting Effective Twitter Contests.