Tag: Marketing for Authors

  • On the 12th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer Gave to me 12 Authors Conferences! | 12 Days of Christmas 2024

    Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

    The 12th Day of Christmas

    The 12th Day of Christmas, also the last day of Christmas, is known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Traditionally, gift giving was centered around Epiphany but commercialization of Christmas and a cultural desire to shorten celebrations has changed this to center around Christmas Day.  In many European and Slavic countries, children open their presents from ‘Santa Claus’ on Christmas Day, then families and friends open presents to each other on Three Kings’ Day. Three Kings’ Day, or the Epiphany, is a feast day observed by many Christians.

    Below is a photo of an parade that takes place throughout Poland on Three Kings’ Day.

    Carol singers in Kraków on the Epiphany

    The Epiphany is often celebrated by the sharing of a King’s Cake, something also associated with Mardi Gras in the American south and in France. Baked into the cake was a coin, a bean, or a small toy and the person who found the trinket in their slice was named king for the day! Chew carefully!

    A purple and green sprinkled cake that looks like a Yule Log

    A New Orleans’ style King Cake. Try the recipe here!

    Elsewhere children are encouraged to place their shoes by the door and, if they are sleeping soundly through the night, the Three Wise Men might leave them three small gifts by the morning.

    On the 12th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

    Twelve Chanticleer Authors Conferences and more to come!

    A Wreath with the words "CAC 2025" on it to celebrate the Chanticleer Author's Conference!

    On the 12th Day of Christmas, let’s wrap up our holiday cheer with an exciting opportunity for authors looking to take their writing career to the next level. Join us in 2025 for the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC25), happening April 3-6, 2025, in beautiful Bellingham, Washington. This is more than just a conference—it’s a transformative experience for authors of all stages.

    What You Can Expect at CAC25

    At CAC25, you’ll have the chance to learn from bestselling authors and industry experts. This year, we’re thrilled to feature:

    • Brooke Warner, founder and CEO of She Writes Press, a leader in the indie publishing world.
    • J.D. Barker, the bestselling author of The Fourth Monkey and Dracul, who will share his insights on writing and marketing in today’s competitive publishing landscape.
    • Christine Fairchild, back by popular demand to lead a masterclass on writing craft to take your work to the next level!

    With these seasoned professionals guiding you, CAC25 is the perfect place to sharpen your marketing and writing skills and learn from the best.

    Key Focus Areas for 2025

    • Book-to-Screen: For anyone who’s dreamed of seeing their book on the big screen, our Book-to-Screen sessions are a must. Led by A-list film producers, these sessions offer insights into how authors can break into the film and TV industry, turning their written words into a visual experience.
    • The Impact of AI & Language Learning Models: In this ever-evolving digital landscape, understanding how AI and Language Learning Models impact the publishing industry is crucial. Explore how these technologies are shaping the future of writing, publishing, and marketing.
    • Audiobooks & Podcasts: The world of audiobooks and podcasts is growing rapidly. Learn how to adapt your book for audio, create compelling podcast content, and leverage these platforms to engage with new audiences.
    • Marketing & Promotion: Learn strategies to market your books effectively across multiple channels. From social media to email newsletters, we’ll cover everything you need to know to build your platform and increase your reach.

    Celebrating the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs)

    One of the highlights of the Chanticleer Authors Conference is the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) Ceremony. All CIBA finalists will be recognized, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the announcement of the First Place, Grand Prize, and Overall CIBA Grand Prize Winner — will be a night to remember. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of fellow authors and gain the recognition your book deserves.

    Networking and Community Building

     

    Beyond the sessions, the Chanticleer Authors Conference is all about networking. You’ll have the chance to meet and connect with fellow writers, publishers, and industry professionals who share your passion for storytelling. Whether it’s a casual chat over coffee or a formal dinner, these connections can help open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

    Why CAC25 is a Must-Attend Event

    Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer, CAC25 is the perfect place to gain fresh insights, learn valuable skills, and grow your author career. The white-glove service we provide means that every attendee will feel valued and supported throughout the event. From the CIBAs to the expert-led sessions, CAC25 offers something for everyone.

    Join Us at CAC25!

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate with fellow authors and industry professionals. Register today for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and take the first step toward a successful 2025!

    Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Christmas, and good luck in your writing journey for 2025! We’ll see you in April!

    The Chaicleer Rooster logo wearing a santa hat

    Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.

    Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!

  • On the 11th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer Gave to me Social Media Suggestions | 12 Days of Christmas 2024

    Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

    The 11th Day of Christmas

    On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

    Tips to Master Social Media to Market Your Book in 2025

    On the 11th Day of Christmas, let’s talk about how you can make social media work for you in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, social media is an essential tool for building your author platform, promoting your books, and engaging with your readers. But with so many platforms out there, where should you focus your energy? How do you manage your time? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some expert social media tips that will keep your online presence fresh and engaging.

    1. Find the Right Social Media for You

    Before you dive into the world of social media, ask yourself some key questions. Is this something you’re excited about? Do you have the time to maintain it, or will you burn out trying to keep up? While it’s a powerful marketing tool, not every author needs to be on every platform. Choose platforms that feel natural for you and that you can commit to regularly.

    If you enjoy engaging with readers and sharing updates, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky might be a great fit. But if social media feels like a chore, it’s okay to take a step back and choose just one platform to focus on.

    1. Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience

    Each platform has its strengths, so take the time to figure out where your audience spends their time.

    •  Instagram is great for visual content like book covers, inspirational quotes, or sneak peeks from your work.
    •  Bluesky is the fastest growing platform and is fantastic for quick updates, engaging in writer communities, or sharing thoughts on current trends.
    •  Facebook offers groups and more in-depth discussions, perfect for engaging with fans or promoting events like book launches.
    •  TikTok is a growing platform for authors, especially those in Young Adult and Fantasy genres, where you can create short videos to showcase your personality, writing process, or books.

    Focus on a maximum of two platforms, so you’re not overwhelmed. Think about which platforms fit your personality and your audience, and stick to them consistently.

    1. Keep Your Content Consistent

    Consistency is key when it comes to social media. When creating a social media calendar, aim to post daily on Instagram and Twitter, weekly on Facebook, and monthly for newsletters or blog posts.

    It’s important to post during optimal times to reach your audience when they’re most active. While places like Sprout Social and Buffer offer great insights into when certain platforms tend to be most active, the best thing you can do is look to see when your followers are most active. The best way to determine this is to practice posting at a variety of times and from your analytics decide which times are best for you!

    1. Utilize Hashtags and Themes

    Hashtags are a powerful way to increase the reach of your posts. For authors, #AmWriting, #Bookstagram, and #IndieAuthor are popular, but don’t be afraid to create your own unique hashtag or join community-specific ones like #ChanticleerAuthors or #CAC2025 for events.

    If you’re unsure of which hashtags to use, research what other authors in your genre are using. This will help your posts gain visibility and connect you with your target audience.

    1. Show Your Human Side

    Don’t be mistaken for a robot or a “bot”

    Readers want to connect with the person behind the books. Don’t be afraid to post about your personal life, your hobbies, or even your writing struggles. Whether it’s a picture of your writing space, your favorite coffee mug, or an adorable pet, your followers will appreciate seeing the real you behind the words.

    Remember, social media is all about building community, not just promoting your books. Engage with others, share posts you enjoy, and show genuine interest in your readers’ lives.

    1. Celebrate Your Wins: Use Chanticleer’s Badges and Recognition

    The Tiers of Achievement for CIBA Winners!

    As you work on building your platform and promoting your books, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Winning a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA) or receiving a positive Editorial Review can provide you with recognition and credibility that you can share on your social media.

    • Share your CIBA badges to show off your achievements.
    • Post quotes from your Editorial Review to highlight positive feedback.
    • Use SEO-optimized blurbs and links from your review to drive traffic to your book page and boost sales.

    With these badges, reviews, and recognition, you’ll not only be showcasing your hard work but also encouraging new readers to check out your book!

    1. Engage and Interact: Build Relationships with Your Audience

    Kiffer out chatting with some of our audience!

    Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your book. It’s about creating conversations and relationships. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions to create a genuine connection with your followers. Community building is key, so get involved with other authors, share their work, and celebrate their successes too.

    Get Ready for a Successful Year of Social Media Marketing in 2025

    By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a social media presence that works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and engage with your audience, and you’ll see the results grow over time.

    The Eleven Pipers Piping in the Christmas Carol has been said to represent the eleven disciples (since Judas was out) who went on after the Resurrection of Christ. Thinking about the birds though, could it have originally have been a reference to sand pipers? Also, the eleven pipers piping is symbolic of having a great team!

    These guys are pretty cute, but probably shouldn’t be given as a gift.

    “But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.

    Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.

    So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time!

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

    On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

    Eleven Pipers Piping

    Ten Lord’s a’Leaping

    Nine Ladies Dancing

    Eight Maids a-Milking

    Seven Swans a-Swimming

    Six Geese a-Laying

    Five Golden Rings

    Four Calling Birds

    Three French hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)

    Two Turtle Doves

     And a Partridge in a Pear Tree 

    Stay tuned for the 12th Day of Christmas, where we’ll continue to share more tips and cheer as we ring in 2025 with new opportunities and creative projects!

    The Chaicleer Rooster logo wearing a santa hat

    Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.

    Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!