Using Technology to Build Reader Loyalty

I was reminded today of how old I am when I mentioned that I could remember when computers didn’t have sound. Actually, I remember the first electronic word processor I had and how thrilled I was to be able to edit my manuscripts without having to re-type pages upon pages.

What brought all this to mind is Victoria Alexander’s e-book Lady Amelia’s Secret Lover from Harper Collins. The book includes video of the author talking “candidly about the plot's turning points and her vivid characters.”

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hear Victoria Alexander speak, you know you’re in for a treat. She has a quick wit and well-honed sense of irony. The video portions promise to be entertaining! Victoria’s sense of humor shines through in her writing. The Effington’s are among my favorite characters.

Okay – enough of a plug for one of my favorite authors!

Using technology to give readers a sense of interacting with their favorite authors is, in my opinion, a great way to build that all-important reader loyalty. Alexander’s e-book is probably about 1/3 the length of one of her print books – just enough to give new readers a taste of her style. The e-book contains six video clips – enough to give Alexander fans a sample of what this author is like.

Including an excerpt of the next book at the end of the book that’s currently on the shelves has become a standard promotional practice. Harper Collins incorporates that strategy here too by including an excerpt of Secrets of a Proper Lady, which hits bookstore shelves the end of September.

I imagine Harper Collins did their market research before launching this new promotional strategy, and I expect we’ll see a lot more of it as other publishers follow suit. Readers like connecting with authors. Authors like connecting with readers. I’m glad to see established publishers thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative ways to help readers connect with their favorite authors.