Writers, market yourself

May 18, 5:07 PMDenver Writing ExaminerMegan DiMaria

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Present yourself professionally.

Writers, you should start thinking about marketing long before you ever get a publishing contract. You have to start marketing yourself -- to agents and editors.

And to do that, you need marketing materials. I happen to believe that image is very important. A few years ago, I had professional headshots taken. I bought some business card stock (the kind with the perforated edges to take apart the cards), and I created a simple business card.

My point is that I took my goals seriously enough to present myself as professionally as possible. I think it not only helped to make me look professional to agents and editors, it helped to give me confidence that, yes, I was a writer in a professional capacity.

I know not everyone can afford to have professionally designed business cards, and in all honestly, any card with your image and contact info will probably do. However, a good business card will help to present you in a more professional light.

If I had to choose between a homemade photo and a homemade business card, I'd choose the card. A professional image taken by a skilled photographer is worth the price. If you can't afford it, barter it. That's what I've done with my last headshot and my business card. I write advertising copy on the side and traded words for images.

I purchased my  business cards at clickbusinesscards.com. They'll even send you free samples. I chose the card with the matte celloglaze finish. It doesn't smudge, it feels great, and you can write on it with a pen. I've always gotten great feedback on the quality of my card.

If you're an unpublished author, start thinking of yourself as being president of your own writing business. Invest in your business with time and well-crafted marketing pieces. I thought of my writing as a (potential) business. Believe me, I know it's not cheap to buy books, create marketing pieces, and attend conferences. But what business doesn't have start-up costs?

Another thought: Before you dive into having professional headshots photographed, take a moment to consider the image you’re projecting with your style and grooming. Literary agent Rachelle Gardner had a guest blogger post on that very thing last week.