• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

5 Ways to Better Engage Your Readers

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

Kindle expert, Dave Chesson explains how authors can better engage your readers and as a result, helps show readers how to connect as well. via @chautonahavig

As an author, one of my favorite ways to learn how better to serve my readers is to read Dave Chesson’s articles over at Kindlepreneur.com.  This guy knows his stuff. He knows how to help authors find the readers who are looking for their books. It’s a win-win for authors and readers. He’s also the genius behind the new writing/publishing software, Atticus (but not, Atticus not Finch–just sayin’).

So, when he reached out to me to share an article that would help authors connect with readers, I was all for it.

Yes, this blog is mostly for readers, but hear me out.  First, authors are readers, too.  AND… knowing why authors do some of the things they do will help readers better understand the heart of authors.

engage your readers

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

5 Ways to Better Engage Your Readers

As authors, we are often introverts. We don’t necessarily like the idea of sticking our neck out and talking to readers or other authors.

Thankfully, the Internet makes communication with readers so much easier, and eliminates the need to be there in person. Email, social media, and other platforms open up a ton of opportunities to enhance your connection to your readers, and this can only help your writing.

So let’s dive into five methods that you can use to increase your engagement with your readers, and to build a pleasant experience for them.

1. Write Blog Posts

One of the best ways to increase reader engagement is by writing blog posts. This gives you a way to communicate with your readers on a more personal level, and it also allows you to share information about your book that you can’t always include in the novel itself. Additionally, blog posts give you an opportunity to show your expertise in a particular subject (like this website), which can attract additional readers.

When writing blog posts, make sure that you are providing valuable content for your readers. Share information about your process as an author, post excerpts from your work, or write tutorials related to your genre (especially if you write nonfiction). And be sure to respond to comments and questions from your readers!

If you’re not currently blogging, consider starting one. Creating an author website is a great way to increase your presence and give readers a place to find you.

2. Use Social Media

While not as useful as an email list or website, social media has distinct advantages that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, social media allows readers to interact with each other, and it’s more public-facing than your email list. It’s a great way to improve discoverability in a way that is organic.

If you are using social media (and I only recommend you specialize in one or two), try to post regularly, and choose things that will help engage readers, including photos of yourself, photos of pets, book-related memes, etc. And of course, you should keep it relevant to the genre you are writing in.

When using social media, make sure that you are also monitoring your replies and messages. This can be a great way to connect with readers who have questions or want to know more about you as an author.

And if you’re not on social media yet, it’s never too late to start!

3. Include Personal Information

One of the distinct advantages that we have now, as opposed to authors 20 or even 10 years ago, is that it is much easier for readers to interact with authors directly.

Therefore, it’s important that you allow readers to get to know you. Share personal information, such as your favorite books (see this example), movies, or food in blog posts, emails, and social media updates. Let them know what you’re working on (even if it’s not related to your current book). This will help build a rapport with readers that can be beneficial for both you and them.

When you allow readers into your personal life, they feel like they are a part of something special, and this encourages them to stay engaged with your work.

Remember: don’t share anything that you aren’t comfortable sharing. Just because it’s easy to do doesn’t mean that you have to reveal everything about yourself.

4. Try Going Live

One way to really increase reader engagement is by going live. This can be on social media, such as Facebook or YouTube, or even on a platform like Twitch. When you go live, you are able to connect with readers in real-time, and they are able to ask you questions and get your immediate feedback.

This is a great way to build trust with your readers, and it also allows them to see the more human side of you. Additionally, it can help increase book sales since people are more likely to buy a book after meeting the author in person.

If you’re not sure how to start going live, there are plenty of tutorials online that can walk you through the process.

5. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback is a great way to form strong relationships with specific readers. This can be done in the form of surveys, questionnaires, working with alpha/beta readers, or even conducting interviews. You can also solicit feedback on social media, or on your website or blog.

When you ask for feedback, you are giving readers a voice and a way to connect with you. Additionally, it can help you improve your work by getting input from people who have read it.

Reader engagement is important because it helps keep readers connected with you as an author. When they feel like they are part of the process, they are more likely to buy your books and recommend them to others.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these tips useful. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I have a feeling that if you use these tips well, and continue to experiment and genuinely care about your readers, you will find that you not only increase their engagement but also find new friends.

Thank you for reading!

Dave ChessonBIO

Dave Chesson is the creator of Kindlepreneur.com, a website devoted to teaching advanced book Marketing which even Amazon KDP acknowledges as one of the best by telling users to “Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books.” Having worked with such authors as Orson Scott Card, Ted Dekker, and more, his tactics help both Fiction and Nonfiction authors of all levels get their books discovered by the right readers.

Share98
Pin
Tweet
Email
103Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
103Shares

Related

Filed Under: Guest Post

Previous Post: « A Beautiful Historical Romance Set in an Unusual Part of California
Next Post: Sometimes the Greatest Truths Shine Best in Excellent Speculative Fiction »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Comments

  1. Cally Berryman says

    March 5, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    Thank you for your excellent articles re. getting book reviews. I have found them very helpful. Today I was doing the ironing and jotting notes as I listened to your podcasts about Book Marketing Services- how to get your book ranked for more Amazon Categories. Thank you.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

Hey, we’re back after a couple of weeks of vacation, and boy did I need it. And, have I got a fabulous interview for you. Nancy Naigle and I talked about her books, her most recent release, What Remains True as well as her Christmas books and the one I’m most anxious to read, The Shell Collector. Listen in and learn about what Nancy says about this bet she has going on in What Remains True. Great stuff!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?

As I said in the podcast, a while back, someone told me I’d LOVE The Shell Collector–one of those people who recommends books you HAVE to read if they say you do.  So I bought it and it’s been sitting on my shelf ever since. Well, now it’s on my GoodReads shelf, and I’m about to start it (and I optimistically thought I’d be done with it by the time this episode released. Oh, me of too much faith in myself and my time management!)

Author of over thirty books, not to mention a bestselling author who also has movies made of her novels (And The Shell Collector has been optioned! EEEP!), Nancy loves to write Christmas books and small-town stories. Seriously, as we talked, I felt like she was talking about me half the time. We’re so very alike in so many ways. It was fun.

Nancy also pointed out that her first books (if you go WAY back) are not Christian fiction and are a bit spicier than she prefers to write and definitely more than she writes today. So be warned there, but she did assure us that they are all closed-door books.

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

One woman wants to win a bet. One man wants to become a rodeo champion. One little girl may give them both something even better—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

“A commitment-phobic rodeo star and a divorcée with secrets find love in this wholesome romance. . . . As uplifting as it is sweet.”—Publishers Weekly

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too?

You can learn more about Nancy’s books and movies on her WEBSITE.

Oh, and PSST… I’m loving the audiobook of this one!

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?
  • Take a Guess: Did We Skip Our Wedding to Avoid Complete Disaster?
  • What’s Better Than a Great Women’s Fiction Novel on a Summer’s Day?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
Reposted from @angeladmeyer Hello Readers! Summer Reposted from @angeladmeyer Hello Readers!

Summer Book Lover's Day is August 9 and we are taking a whole week to celebrate!

I want you to have a chance to win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#giveaway 
#christianfiction 
#celebratelit
Reposted from @revolutionaryfaithseries Hello Read Reposted from @revolutionaryfaithseries Hello Readers!

Summer Book Lover's Day is August 9 and we are taking a whole week to celebrate!

 I want you to have a chance to win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

 Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

 The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#celebratelit #avidreadersofchristianfiction #multiauthorgiveaway
My Book Lover's Day read. I usually read 5 chapter My Book Lover's Day read. I usually read 5 chapters per day,  but I'm going to let myself enjoy 10 today.  And if it puts me close to the ND, maybe I'll go crazy and finish. I blame @lindsayharrelauthor 
#bookloversday 
#ChristFic 
#amreading 
#ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2022
When you take a picture of your dinner to torment When you take a picture of your dinner to torment your daughter. 
#ameating 
#lafiesta
Reposted from @danielleswritingspot The excitement Reposted from @danielleswritingspot The excitement surrounding As Silent as the Night continues to bless me. This incredible endorsement comes from Chautona Havig:⁠
⁠
“Enter 1930’s Chicago where Lucia needs to escape the clutches of a mafia thug and meet Gio, the man who will risk all to find her.⁠
⁠
Add to that heart-stopping moments of a different kind, and you’re left with a beautiful and heart-wrenching romance.”⁠
⁠
⁠
Only five weeks left to pre-order:⁠
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/as-silent-as-the-night/⁠
⁠
⁠📚
#endorsement #assilentasthenight #striketotheheartseries #amreading #christimasromance #sweetromance #romanticsuspense #historicalromance #cleanread #christianfiction⁠
@chautonahavig
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#celebratelit #summerreads #christianromanticsuspense #christianfiction #sweetromance #sweetromancereads  #lisaphillipsbook
Mom got me a storm door for my birthday. It's goi Mom got me a storm door for my birthday.  It's going up today.  Eeep!!!
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!