About this episode
“The hardest part is the first step – be brave enough to reach out!“
A lot of us are introverts and the idea of “networking” gives us chills (and not in a good way). Historical Romance author, Celeste Barclay, recorded this show with us a few years ago. Her advice is just as relevant now, as building your author community will help ride out the ups and downs of this wild self-publishing ride!
Celeste Barclay books combine history and heat. She has a created a connected world that brings all her series together, so readers never have to say goodbye to their favorite characters.
Before becoming a full-time author, Celeste was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Teaching Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating rich historical romances that bring the steam. She also a speaker and teaches writing and publishing as well as working with with aspiring and emerging authors to bring their publishing goals to life.
It was the third book in her first series which really took off and she’s been incredibly successful ever since. Celeste says her Author Village “made her career” and today she talks to us about what that means to her, how to find and build your own village, and why it’s so important.
Celeste defines her Author Village as her own network of fellow author peers who lend friendship, support, feedback, writing and business advice. They’re like-minded people who she trusts and respects.
What a village offers:– anthology opportunities– increased business– newsletter swaps, Facebook group takeovers, etc
Some ways to find your author village:attend in-person author events and signings and conferences
Join author Facebook groups such as Millionaire Author Mastermind (https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireauthormastermind/),
or Renee Rose’s – Abundance Mindset For Authors (https://www.facebook.com/groups/abundancemindsetforauthors/)To find more, search within Facebook for your own genre group
Find Celeste at: https://www.celestebarclay.com/
