The most authentic and effective way to attract and keep readers is to be active where they hang out. The dilemma is we must discover the readers’ needs before we can discover their favorite hangouts.

Take the time to explore the status of a reader. Who are you trying to reach? What content does the reader expect? Have you asked what content they’d like to see from you?

Choose the type of reader

Influencers – Book reviewers and large, reputable bloggers

What are their specifics? This means spending time on their platforms and uncovering characteristics and needs.

Writers

More broad ways to simplify professional and personal life.

Writer Needs – the psychological side of a writer’s life

Agents

Is the writer looking for agent representation?

Publishers

Is the writer looking for a publisher?

The readers of our books – This takes the most work 

Age

Demographics

Reading preference – deeper than merely fiction or nonfiction, but specifics

Needs according to age, demographics, reading preference, lifestyle or culture, careers, family life, etc.

For me, targeted posts work best:

Facebook – personal page with a few professional posts

Facebook – author page consists of relational and professional posts

X – (Twitter) 90% is publishing world related

Instagram – 33% is personal, and the remainder is either the publishing world or a mix of reader and writer

Pinterest – the boards are a mix of the publishing world and personal. *My 

weekly blog is posted there.

BookBub – Entirely for the reader

Goodreads – Entirely for the reader *My weekly blog is posted there

LinkedIn – Professional *My Weekly blog is posted there

How will the writer’s subject matter affect the reader? What CTA (call to action) is the writer anticipating?

Each type of reader has a specific goal. Is the reader’s aim for betterment regarding?

Ministry

Provide value in day to day living

Provide professional insights

Engage

Establish relationships

Before beginning every writing project, whether a social media post, blog post, article, or book, a writer inwardly asks:

1. Why is what I’m creating important to the reader?
2. Why would the reader care about the subject?

Write a quality book that others will want to promote. In turn, the reader will want to learn more about the writer. Before, during, and after the book process, employ a caring relationship that is honest and sincere. Follow up with quality posts and reposting of valuable information .

Know your reader’s identity. 

Fiction

Nonfiction

Genre

How is your book unique and memorable?

What topics are included?

Is there a common theme?

If fiction, what is the character’s hobby, career, lifestyle, skills, culture, etc.  

If fiction, what is the setting?

Now that we’ve explored what makes your book different from others, where do you find the readers who fit into the above categories?

Discover those answers on:

Facebook

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Pinterest

Google

Follow those groups, businesses, blogs, even products, and special aids. Comment and interact. For example, if your character is a hair stylist, spend a little time at your salon asking customers what they read and why. Is this a spot for a signing event? If your character is knowledgeable or works in a health-food store, find out what those customers are reading. Again, it can even be a setting for a book signing event.

Do a search on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, for those writers who write the same material. Follow them. Get involved. Comment. Read their reviews.

Jane Friedman says, “Connection is simple: find like-minded people and start conversations. Ask questions. Comment, add value, entertain, discuss your common interests, share relevant links, and just be present and authentic. Choose the social media platforms, reading sites (like Goodreads), blogs, forums, and other communities where your audience hangs out and make it about them, not you. In other words, don’t treat them like your meal ticket. Get to know them. Show you care. Add to the community. Then, when a natural opportunity arises, share that you are an author, and when it sparks an interest, share your book.”

The truth is, spending hours online is useless if the writer isn’t where the reader hangs out.

Social media isn’t designed to get readers; it’s designed to create relationships. The best method of selling books, and I mean attracting readers, is word of mouth. 

This means in addition to creating online relationships, the writer must also:

Meet bookstore owners.

Contact reading groups

Visit libraries

Develop influencers – like a Dream Team. Also called a Street Team.

Writers, we must be organized, armed with a mission statement, and work intentionally in establishing key relationships. Selling books is secondary. Plant seeds and watch the growth.

The following 7 items will help writers reach out to their audience and cultivate valuable relationships. Every item is what the writer will do for their audience . . . not the other way around.

1. Dear reader, my goal is to build a friendship with you. I care about you, and I’m constantly working to answer your questions, inform, and entertain you.
2. The passion for my writing project comes from a deep desire to provide a great book, blog post, article, and social media post for you. Your encouragement is why I work hard at my craft.
3. You can trust me to stand firm on my brand. I’m a writer who is true to my promises. My books, blogs, articles, and social media posts reflect my integrity. 
4. Reader, you are important to me. My posts are about how I can meet your needs. My promise to keep in touch is reliable. Leave comments, and I will respond. 
5. Your input helps me be productive. I’m listening to your suggestions, questions, and advice.
6. We’re a team. No writer is ever alone. We need each other to walk this path called life.
7. What books and writers have influenced you? How can I best continue to serve you?

Our readers are priceless gems. Nurture and take care of them. Building a database takes a plan, time, and compassion for people. Are you willing to do the work?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, , or her website: diannmills.com.