Hello wonderful readers/authors/bloggers! Today is my first official blog post for UtopYA Con 2014. I hope you enjoy the content that's included in today's post.

Why "Feed Your Readers?" Well, its simple, I wanted to share creative things that authors can to do include their readers. There will also be info for readers on how to better help the indie author that you love so much.

Socialize

We understand that writing books takes a lot of your time. Scheduling social media time to interact with your readers can be very important. The last thing you want is for your readers to feel ignored. It may not be possible to talk with each person that messages you but taking the time to let them know you are there makes all the difference. Kendall, a blogger at Book Crazy, says "I also get seriously giddy when an author I love replies back to me or starts messaging me" (It never gets old. FAN-GIRLING!!-Me)

Thank your supporters

This goes hand in hand with socializing but a little more so. Bloggers and readers are a huge help to authors. We don't expect anything in return when we share your book links or shout our love for you from the rooftops. Heather, a dedicated reader, says "It does mean a lot to me when the authors notice and thank me. I don't expect them to or feel slighted when they don't, but I love it when they do. Anything that makes us feel like we are "real people" that have a connection to the author goes a long way."

Teaser Tuesday's

We all love a good teaser and Teaser Tuesday's is nothing new, but I believe they are a great way to keep your reader on the edge of their seat in anticipation for what's to come. Nothing makes me happier then opening my email and seeing that post! It doesn't even have to be long. Teaser pics are becoming more popular as they are easy to share and more noticeable in a Facebook feed.

Newsletters

The great thing about newsletters is that you don't have to go crazy. Your readers want to know what you're up to and what juicy goodness is coming up. You can even use it to list upcoming events that you will be attending. I can't even tell you how many times I've missed an announcement. Don't overdo it! Just keep it easy peasy. It's also a good way to keep you fresh in their mind with all the other authors out there.

Giveaways!

This is a great way to expand your readership. Your fans love to win books/swag and it also attracts new readers. Rafflecopter can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. These giveaways are great for bringing in fresh meat but you've gotta keep em' on their toes! Get creative! Have a character naming contest or scavenger hunt. Your readers will be psyched at the chance to win something and it give you the chance to socialize with them. Have a tweeting contest! Tell your readers to tweet/Facebook their favorite quote from the book. The possibilities are endless!

Swag Bombs! (For those that don't know what swag is, it's book merch like bookmarks, keychains, etc.)

I think I speak for everyone when I say you can't go wrong with swag. Maybe it's time to think outside of the box when it comes to these awesome little pieces that are given to fans. Yes, they may be a little pricier, but they can always be saved for special occasions. Here are some of my suggestions for swag: USB bracelets (COOLEST. THING. EVER!!) custom jewelry (I've seen some with book covers on them) beaded bookmarks, keychains, BUTTONS (I have a collection and love all different sizes) and stickers. There's no right or wrong, we love it all!

Street Teams

For some of you that don't know what a street team is, it's basically a group that spreads the word about an author or a book. These can be run by the author, a fan/blogger, personal assistant or a PR group. Consider this your army of minions! And I mean that in the nicest way possible. Marketing is hard and this is an easy way to have your readers share their love of your books to others.

Make it personal!

I'm all for the "keep your personal life just that, personal," but your readers want to feel like they know you. Did any part of your life inspire you to write that book or a certain character? It's always cool to see the "behind the scenes" stuff.

Here are some tips for readers!

Reviews!

Readers, the most helpful thing you can do for an author is to write a review! You don't have to be a writer to tell people how you feel about a book. Just give it to me straight! All it takes is a few sentences and a bit of time to write. Trust me, they will love you forever!

Show some love!

Have an author/book that you love? Shout it out from the rooftops! Okay, maybe not to that extreme, but you have a strong voice and you don't even know it!(or maybe you do) Tell your reader friends about it, join a street team, write a review, or share a buy link.

Don't be shy

Communicating is a two way street. Feel free to Tweet, Facebook, or email your favorite authors and tell them how you feel. Just remember that they are busy bees and may not be able to respond right away. I asked author Felicia Tatum how she feels when a fan messages her to tell her how much they love her books. She responded "You know those gif's where people are jumping for joy and dancing and look like insane people? That." They LOVE it! That's your homework for today...go tell that author how you feel :)

I hope to see you all at UtopYA 2014! There will be plenty of panels that are helpful for everyone and you wont want to miss it! To see what UtopYA is all about, visit http://utopyacon.com/ and for tickets visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/utopya-2014-tickets-on-oct1st-registration-7219041347

Be sure to follow the rest of the Official UtopYA Bloggers for exclusive content and news!

Delphina of Delphina Reads Too Much

Toni of My Book Addiction

Heather of SupaGurl Books

Kathryn of TSK, TSK, What to Read?