Buzzworthy Books Power Hour with Guest Cheryl Stapp

Building Book Buzz: Judy M. Baker’s Guide to Author Success

Introduction

In this Buzzworthy Books Power Hour, I had the pleasure of engaging in a rich conversation with Cheryl Stapp, a dedicated author of California history nonfiction. Together, we navigated the often-tangled web of author marketing and discussed how to reach readers effectively. Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced author, these insights could be the key to supercharging your book’s visibility and success.

Bringing History to Life

Cheryl Stapp, a writer of historical nonfiction, revels in the authenticity and thorough research that nonfiction demands. Her passion lies in illuminating the stories of California’s past, challenging the notion of history as “unsexy” by offering narratives that captivate and educate. From the Gold Rush era to the Mexican period, her works provide a vibrant lens through which readers can explore the history of the state.

Confronting Marketing Challenges

Despite her passion and expertise, Cheryl experiences challenges familiar to many authors: how effectively to market her work. As we delved into her current strategies, including her reliance on social media platforms like Twitter, we explored new avenues of audience engagement. The discussion highlighted a crucial point: finding the right platforms where your readers congregate is paramount.

Organic Grows Your Audience: The Value of Organic Traffic

One key takeaway from our discussion is the importance of cultivating organic traffic. Unlike paid advertising, which can become costly quickly, organic growth relies on connecting with readers authentically and genuinely. Cheryl’s presence at events like the Sacramento History Museum is a testament to her commitment to this approach.

However, expanding beyond traditional venues and embracing email marketing can offer a direct line to her audience, ensuring her reach isn’t at the mercy of changing social media algorithms or platform dynamics.

Leveraging Content and Knowledge

Cheryl’s extensive knowledge and research present opportunities to create engaging content that draws readers in. By linking her historical expertise to current events, she can provide fresh perspectives that maintain her work’s relevance and appeal. Our conversations underscored the potential of creating content that resonates with readers’ interests—whether it’s through historical analyses or captivating stories of pioneer women.

Building a Community

Ultimately, building a supportive community around your work can be a game-changer. Much like bees that work tirelessly for the hive, authors can benefit from cultivating a network of advocates who help spread the word. This approach enhances visibility and broadens the reach of your work beyond what one individual can achieve alone.

Creating this network, as Cheryl learned, involves more than just sharing at cocktail parties; it requires nurturing genuine connections that translate into meaningful conversations.

Conclusion

For authors like Cheryl, achieving marketing success involves more than just writing compelling content. It’s about identifying platforms that align with your audience, capitalizing on organic growth, and forming connections that transcend social media algorithms. Ultimately, it’s about having a well-crafted plan to make the most of your time and resources.

I invite you to visit Cheryl’s website: https://www.cherylannestapp.com/ and check out her books.

Stay tuned for more insights and conversations from the Buzzworthy Books Power Hour, where we continue to explore the intersection of creativity, authorship, and marketing. Until next time, happy writing and even happier marketing!