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Learn How to Build Your KidLit Audience
The guide to establishing yourself as a legitimate children's book author.
You know the impact a story has on a child.
It can inspire the next generation of big dreamers. It can build friendships. It can shift perspectives, fight for justice, and spark change.
Your story could change the world. Which is why readers need to discover it.
Does this sound familiar? You…
- Wish you could work on your stories full-time and turn writing children’s books into a fulfilling career
- Have always dreamed of seeing your book in the hands of eager young readers
- Want to write stories that change the world, just like the classics from your childhood
- Worry your publisher will keep you in the dark about your book’s marketing or won’t do enough
- Feel overwhelmed and alone in the big world of marketing
- Want a real community of authors and illustrators who genuinely love and support your stories
When you commit to making your author career a priority, your future might look like...
But here's the unfortunate truth...
You cannot expect readers to show up without an effective marketing strategy. The ‘Build it and They Will Come’ strategy is as effective as writing a manuscript with a dry pen—it just doesn’t work. Period.
Allow me to introduce myself...
Hello, my name is Colleen, and I once was grounded from my bookshelf for 2 weeks.
I’d been caught reading after bedtime repeatedly, and nothing seemed to dissuade me. So, my parents dragged the heavy wooden shelf out into the hallway and forbade me from reading.
It was soul-crushing.
Just like you, I was the kid sitting on the library floor, surrounded by stacks of books. We were allowed to check out 11 books a day, and you better believe I spent my summers biking to the library every morning.
I didn’t fall in love with marketing until college, but I had always been fascinated by the psychology of human behavior.
For a long time, kidlit and marketing have been my true loves.
I decided to marry those loves and create Wild Ink Marketing.
After years of marketing for non-profits, retailers, and even construction companies, I moved into book marketing. It felt like a natural transition after the 10+ years I’ve spent writing kidlit and advising my fellow SCBWI members.
At Wild Ink Marketing, I coach authors and illustrators on how to take charge of their careers and sell their stories with confidence.
Which is exactly what you will do.
You devoted an incredible amount of time to crafting an exceptional story. Don’t shortchange it by ignoring your marketing. Share your passion with the world!
Great book marketing can not only sell more books, but it can also line you up for opportunities that can change a writer’s career. I’m personally invested in your success. Together, we can give your books the attention and adoration they deserve.
"After my book deal was announced, I knew I’d have to start doing my own publicity and marketing work. "
But I had no clue how to start and what to do. I researched for months and spent a lot of time in trial-and-error, making painfully slow progress. Most frustratingly, all this focus on marketing took away from my writing time.
Colleen’s class covered what had taken me months to find on my own and presented it in four weeks. Four weeks!! Plus I got custom worksheets, peer networking, and feedback from Colleen that helped me improve things I’d been tinkering with for almost a year.
This class is worth its weight in gold for the time-saving alone! I feel so much more prepared to face marketing challenges now.
Sofiya Pasternack
Author of ANYA AND THE DRAGON
Introducing…
Fan By Fan
The step-by-step guide to building your audience and marketing your books for kidlit writers
Fan by fan is an online course to teach you the fundamentals of book marketing composed of 7 modules.
You can access the course content anytime, anywhere. This is a course you can take at your own pace, but it’s best if you give yourself 30 days to work on this—that way you can participate in Office Hours while you work through the modules.
Office hours are a great way to talk with me in a group-based setting where we can discuss any issues or questions you have.
Module 1
GETTING STARTED WITH MARKETING BASICS while building your CONFIDENCE and MARKETING FOUNDATION
- turn that nerve-wracking chore of selling your book into a comfortable, authentic conversation.
Module 2
KNOW YOUR READERS so that you can effectively reach and engage readers
- that will actually free up more time so you can do more of what you love—writing!
Module 3
ESTABLISH YOUR WEB PRESENCE so your fans can find your books and learn more
- BRAND YOUR WEBSITE and set yourself apart from the 1,000’s of authors online.
- CREATE THE CORE PAGES OF YOUR WEBSITE so visitors trust your authenticity and believe your legitimacy.
“Being prepublished, this was the perfect time for me to take this course. It was fantastic to be able to learn and apply the tools without feeling pressured. Colleen makes it feel like you are having a conversation with a friend. Highly recommend!”
Sarah Maynard
Picture Book Writer
Module 4
FINE-TUNE your SOCIAL OUTREACH so readers can interact with you and share with their friends
- BRAND YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA and stand out even on the biggest social networks.
- AUDIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA to ensure a trusted presence online no matter which platform you use (or don’t).
- UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BIOS to get the most engaged followers as possible.
- CRAFT THE PERFECT POST and turn likes into readers.
Module 5
BUILD YOUR SOCIAL COMMUNITY and Let Your Fans Do the Promotion For You
- ENGAGE READERS AND GROW YOUR AUDIENCE with loyal fans who will promote your books.
- FIND YOUR READER SOULMATE’S COMMUNITIES so you can build a following without feeling sleezy.
Module 6
CONVERT READERS TO FANS WITH EMAIL Because Personalization is Powerful
- LEARN THE 3 MYTHS & 5 RULES OF AUTHOR EMAILS and learn how to reach a larger percentage of your audience.
- INTEGRATE YOUR WEBSITE WITH YOUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER and turn website anonymous visitors into your newest fans.
- WRITE ENGAGING READER EMAILS that will have your fans bouncing off the walls in anticipation of your next release!
Module 7
SETUP YOUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER and Keep Readers Engaged and Informed
- CRAFT AN AUTOMATED WELCOME EMAIL SERIES and let modern technology take care of the boring tasks so you can spend more time writing.
- DESIGN A NEWSLETTER SIGN UP PAGE and watch as your email list rapidly grows on its own.
- BUILD YOUR EMAIL LIST FROM SCRATCH because this whole email thing isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds.
"I so needed Colleen's infusion of ideas and energy!"
Even after having read various resources, and done a good deal of marketing on my first book, the class got me to rethink how I describe my work and myself to others. I was able to spot things I could easily fix, particularly re: social media. The assignments were challenging, but never overwhelming, and will help me if—no, let’s say when—my next book is published!”
Ilona Bray
Author of MOSSBY'S MAGIC CARPET HANDBOOK
Did Someone Say… Bonuses?
Yep! Worth $327!
Bonus #1: Collaboration Magic
Value $229
Learn how to collaborate with authors, artists, musicians, and local businesses to reach a wider audience. Find the collaboration partner of your dreams, make real friendships, and pitch a joint project.
You’ll find influencers, pitch partners and start your first collaborations. (Includes pitch email templates.)
Bonus #2: Rock Your Book Launch
Value $27
What do you post on social media to build an audience when you aren’t published yet? How do you even begin to tell them about your story when you’re preparing to launch?
The Rock Your Book Launch pdf is jam-packed with 100+ social media prompts for both your Pre-Launch and Launch. These prompts ARE your social media plan. Engage readers, grow your audience, and launch your book into their waiting arms.
Bonus #3: Best of Authors on Social Media: 50+ Examples
Value $27
Study how some of the biggest authors today engage with their readers and peers online to build huge audiences of readers who adore every book they write. This pdf contains 50+ fantastic social media posts from some of your favorite authors with detailed explanations of why these posts are so successful and how you can use the same tactics to reach your readers, build relationships with your fellow authors, and promote your books with authenticity.
Bonus #4: Instagram Intensive
Value $98
Dive into the world of authors and bookstagrammers with Instagram Intensive. Find your community. Learn how to snap the perfect #shelfie. Master the art of the hashtag.
We’ll give your Instagram a makeover to attract new readers, charm reviewers, and find your creative partners.
Course Overview
Fan by Fan
The step-by-step guide to building your audience and marketing your books for traditionally published kidlit writers
- FAN BY FAN: Everything you need to market your book and build your audience for kidlit writers. Lifetime access and free updates forever (Value $997)
- MONTHLY VIDEO GROUP COACHING: And 24/48 hour email response time on EVERY SINGLE ASSIGNMENT (Value $497)
- THE FAN BY FAN LIFETIME-ACCESS FACEBOOK GROUP: A private Facebook group where you can meet and collaborate with fellow students from all over the globe
- BONUS – COLLABORATION MAGIC: Step-by-step guidance on how to grow your audience organically with joint ventures (Value $229)
- BONUS – ROCK YOUR BOOK LAUNCH: 100+ Social Media Prompts for Your Launch and Pre-Launch Posts (Value $27)
- BONUS – BEST OF AUTHORS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 50+ fantastic social media posts from some of your favorite authors with detailed explanations of why these posts are so successful and how you can use the same tactics to reach your readers (Value $27)
- BONUS – INSTAGRAM INTENSIVE: The author’s guide to Instagram success. Gather your readers, share your stories, and network with your creative peers. (Value $98)
- LIFETIME ACCESS TO FAN BY FAN + A private community with me and other KidLit authors who will be with you from now until you reach the bestseller list (Priceless)
Total Value $1,821
…but you pay just $497
Don't Miss Your Opportunity
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Get started for only $99/mo $49/mo
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NOTE THIS: If you PAY IN FULL, you get an instant savings of $91.
“Colleen takes an intimidating subject and breaks it down into easily digestible chunks. Her ‘fan by fan’ approach was truly a revelation for me, and her personal coaching cleared up any niggling insecurities… She helps you target the time you spend on marketing for maximum impact because she gets that authors need time to write.”
Lindsay H. Metcalf
Author of TRACTORS ON PARADE: PLANTING A MOVEMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
Fan by fan is an online course to teach you the fundamentals of book marketing. It’s 7 modules chock full of step-by-step instructions for building your audience and marketing your books.
You can access the course content anytime, anywhere. This is a course you can take at your own pace, but it’s best if you give yourself 30 days to work on this—that way you can participate in Office Hours while you work through the modules.
Office hours are a great way to talk with me in a group-based setting where we can discuss any issues or questions you have.
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course – you decide when you start and when you finish.
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like – across any and all devices you own.
After you enroll in Fan by Fan, you get access to EVERY CHANGE I EVER make and upload to the course on Teachable, forever.
And not only that, any updates I make to the bonuses you get (as part of this Summer Enrollment period) will be yours as well!
Good question, this comes up a lot.
I can’t tell you what to spend your money on or prepare a fancy budget for you to determine if you really have the money or not, but if you feel that this is something your book and your career need, then you will find a way to prioritize your money to invest in this for yourself.
Investing in yourself and your writing is a huge part of pushing your author career forward and continuing to grow in a direction that will ultimately make you more money.
Especially once you have found the right book marketing strategy for YOU.
I created this course with the intent that you can revisit it before every new book launches from today through the rest of your career. That’s why you get lifetime access.
If you have fears around money or need help figuring out payments, please contact me and we can walk through it.
Sometimes it’s just fear. Sometimes it’s really about focusing your money elsewhere than on a course. We can figure it out!
Your first bonus, a week-long mini-course called Collaboration Magic, is already available. You’ll have access the moment you log in.
The Instagram Intensive will be release at the end of Summer 2019, which gives you plenty of time to first complete the full Fan by Fan course.
** You will also get access to any future bonuses that are added to the Fan by Fan course bundle! Additional bonuses will be announced as they go live. **
Yes, all courses come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, please first give me a chance to fix the issue. If that doesn’t work, I’ll give you a full refund, no hard feelings!
30-Day Money Back Guarantee: I know your investment is precious and you want to receive maximum value for it—and I plan to deliver! I’m so confident that you will love Fan by Fan that I offer a Money Back Guarantee.
If you are dissatisfied with Fan by Fan, I will refund your payment! You have 30 days from the time of purchase to request a refund. To qualify for a refund, you must have completed EVERY assignment in Modules 1, 2, & 3 in Fan by Fan, and you must have submitted each homework assignment to me via the Facebook group, and tagged me.
Basically, I want to see that you’ve really put in the effort and given Fan by Fan a fair chance. I am here to hold your hand every step of the way through this course, so if you struggle, I’d rather you ask for help than give up!
I work with students of ALL levels, from the most marketing-phobic to the super-skilled. I break down the lessons to make all of the content clear and easy for you to implement.
This course serves both pre-published or published writers. So wherever you are in your publishing journey, you’ll improve your marketing skills, grow your audience, and learn how to sell more books.
If you’ve read all the way to the bottom of this page? You’re ready. Take my hand and let the learning begin.
XO your new bestie,
Colleen
If you have more questions or want to know if Wild Ink School is for you, shoot me a message in Facebook or send me an email at colleen@wildinkmarketing.com.
Money Back Guarantee
30-Day Money Back Guarantee: I know your investment is precious and you want to receive maximum value for it—and I plan to deliver! I’m so confident that you will love Fan by Fan that I offer a Money Back Guarantee.
If you are dissatisfied with Fan by Fan, I will refund your payment! You have 30 days from the time of purchase to request a refund. To qualify for a refund, you must have completed EVERY assignment in Modules 1, 2, & 3 in Fan by Fan, and you must have submitted each homework assignment to me via the Facebook group, and tagged me.
Basically, I want to see that you’ve really put in the effort and given Fan by Fan a fair chance. I am here to hold your hand every step of the way through this course, so if you struggle, I’d rather you ask for help than give up!
More from my students…
“The way the course is framed in terms of leading with your passions makes marketing feel natural, enjoyable, and achievable. I loved getting to know my “reader soulmate.” Armed with strategies and insights from the course, I refreshed my website and my social media accounts—even the inactive ones. My online presence now communicates who I am—a picture book author looking to connect with both writers and readers. Thank you, Colleen, for this fantastic course. It’s helped my marketing strategy tremendously.”
Gabi Snyder
Author of TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE
“This course is perfect for the reluctant promoter (like me). I came into it hoping (okay, let’s be serious, praying) that I’d get something out of it that I could use. The information Colleen put together allowed me to create a marketing plan that’s actually doable. Heck, I’m already over halfway there–thanks to her worksheets and homework. It was such a relief to learn that I don’t have to spend 15+ hours a week hanging out on social media in order to promote my work. A good schedule and a couple of hours does the job nicely. I highly recommend taking this course. You won’t regret it.“
T.R. Allardice
Author of THE GHOST HUNTER CHRONICLES
“This is a great step by step approach to getting your marketing ducks in a row. The idea of marketing is overwhelming at first, but Colleen takes you through one step at a time to get everything ready to launch your career as an author.”
Kara Navolio
Author of EVERYBODY CAN DANCE!
“This course made me feel less alone in the big bad world of trying to get people to pay attention to my book. Colleen was always encouraging and engaging. She gave me specific tools that I can use (email templates, Mailchimp, Reader Soulmate, even toggl.com) that will help and helped me understand why I always felt like I was spinning my wheels. She showed me how to be more effective using a marketing plan.”
Deb Aronson
Author of ALEXANDRA THE GREAT
“Because of this course, we were able to align all of our channels and messaging–we feel like our marketing foundation is now really strong and optimized for sales/publicity! We enjoyed looking critically at things like our website, social media presence, email, etc and coming up with action plans for them based on Colleen’s recommendations.”
Megan & Jorge Lacera
Author & Illustrator of ZOMBIES DON’T EAT VEGGIES!
“I truly appreciate all of the expert feedback I received from Colleen through office hours, emailing, and the Facebook group. She always gave me good food for thought and has guided me to make the necessary improvements in my marketing so that I can get back to writing.”
Tasha Eizinger
Author of THE LITTLE SHOT
“Before this course, the very idea of marketing was terrifying and overwhelming to me. I struggled to write author bios or even a synopsis for the book I’ve been working on for three years now. Through this course, Colleen gave us useful, step-by-step tips on how to do each of these things and more. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of this class. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs even a little extra direction in the world of book marketing.”
Ren Barker
Young Adult Writer
“The Wild Ink Marketing course is comprehensive, intuitive and fun! Colleen Riordan engages her students in a lively manner, with insightful examples and a ton of ideas if you get stuck. From finding your reader soulmate to boosting your social media bios and jumpstarting your email list, you will feel ready to introduce your book baby to the world in an engaging manner. The course won’t overwhelm—instead, it will inspire—with clear, concise and doable video instruction and handouts. Most of all, Colleen’s positive spirit during office hours reflects her belief that ‘You can do it!’”
Jarm Del Boccio
Author of THE HEART CHANGER
“This course is chock full of DETAILED information about how to create a brand, step by step, how to find and grow your audience, how to grow in relationship with your fans, and all the ins and outs of the tech involved in creating an online presence both in social media and on your own website. Overall, it was an outstanding course! I highly recommend it for people who need to learn the deeper intricacies inherent in creating a brand and marketing yourself as an author across many platforms and media.”
Megan Hoyt
Author of HILDEGARD’S GIFT
“This course is great for the beginner author. It will help you get started with your online presence, and get you set to market your book right.”
Mirka Hokkanen
Illustrator of FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN
“This course has taken the mystery out of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of marketing and social media for me. It has given me confidence and direction as well as resources that I can return to as I continue to grow my relationships and eventually my sales.”
Meghen Kurtzig
Young Adult Writer
“The course has helped me declutter my brain and my online presence which I always knew needed to happen but didn’t know-how. Clear and concise, it gave me much needed direction. Colleen is eloquent in her delivery and sharp in knowledge. This is a great, simple to follow step-by-step to get you thinking deeper about your community and present your value to them in a meaningful and community-minded way.“
Julie Prescesky
Picture Book Writer & Illustrator
“Colleen’s course is an in-depth guide to book marketing that isn’t scary! It’s approachable and easy to implement. In addition to creating a fully realized marketing plan during the course, I gathered so many good tidbits along the way. Colleen focuses in on key ways to be authentic and use the right marketing channels for YOU in the best possible ways. I’ve never felt more well-equipped to tackle my book marketing than I do now. And Colleen was so accessible during the course. The office hours were a great opportunity to have questions answered firsthand.”
Sheri Roloff
Author & Illustrator of HIDE & GO SEEK-A-SAURUS
“Wow, this course has given me SO much more confidence already.”
Helen Ishmurzin
Picture Book Writer
“This course is a multi-layered wonderland for authors wanting to know more about marketing…but NO…it is WAY more than that! The lessons and homework provide a deep dive (but are not overwhelming) into marketing basics and social outreach for authors. I learned SO much more than I ever thought I would. I already had a website, social media accounts, a bio, etc., so what could I learn? So much! My bio and book blurbs are WAY more polished, my social media is streamlined and focused, my website has been updated, and, as an added bonus, I’ve been welcomed into a community of writers like me. I cannot praise this class enough.“
Jennifer Mary G
Children’s Book Writer
“With my debut picture book coming out, I really wanted to get the marketing right. But it felt so overwhelming and I really didn’t know where to start. I’m thrilled that I started with Colleen’s class! It was exactly what I needed. She gave me clear, concise and focused tasks that helped me develop a thoughtful and professional marketing plan that I know I can implement. And I met a whole network of dedicated authors. Colleen has upped my marketing game and expanded my writing community and I am very grateful.”
Kelly Carey
Author of HOW LONG IS FOREVER?
“Colleen presents a great class for people who need to know more about marketing. Whether you’re beginning your journey, or already in the mix of marketing a book, the course will have plenty to offer. The course is well-structured, interactive, and Colleen is so supportive of your efforts. Be ready for an intensive journey into all the elements of reaching out to your readers and buyers. If you fully engage, your own marketing will soon shine!”
Sherry Howard
Author of ROCK AND ROLL WOODS
“This course helped calm the overwhelm I felt around book marketing by breaking things down into manageable pieces. It also forced me to rethink a few things I thought I knew.”
Allison Andrews
Picture Book Writer
“This course was truly packed with tons of worthwhile information! You helped me see opportunities I had only been superficially aware of previously. I have a much richer understanding of how social media can be used to support my books, and you’ve helped me to enhance and improve my website. The community created by the course was so inspiring. This has been a terrific experience, week after week.”
Esty Schachter
Author of PICKLED WATERMELON
“For writers who are uncertain how to tackle their marketing, Colleen Riordan’s Fan by Fan online marketing class provides practical, easy to follow steps to take the plunge, plan a strategy, and create a strong online presence. This course is full of useful tips to help writers reach their audience online, build a community, and tell their story. This course will help any writer navigate the overwhelming world of marketing with greater confidence and ease.”
Julie Mata
Author of the KATE WALDEN DIRECTS series
“Colleen Riordan takes you by the hand and walks you through every step of the marketing process with professional videos, easy to understand lessons, and helpful follow-up work. Her program helped me understand, retain, and immediately implement smart, effective marketing strategies.
As the program went on, I was continually impressed as it covered every nook and cranny of the wide world of book marketing. Whether you are launching your first book or have been publishing for years, I highly recommend Wild Ink Marketing classes. Colleen provides instruction on everything you need to know, as well as personal attention along the way.”
Angie Stanton
Author of IF EVER
“The Fan by Fan program is full of helpful lessons and practical know-how for kidlit authors. From understanding how to apply the principles of marketing, to polishing my online presence, I learned a lot in a supportive environment.”
Sarah Hammond
Author of MINE!
“I can’t begin to describe quite how amazing this course has been. More than anything it has given me the confidence to put myself out there and take control of my own success rather than hiding in the shadows and just hoping! I understand how to use social media now and am not afraid of it anymore. At long last, I am not a dinosaur (well almost not)! I found your lessons on branding, copywriting and newsletters particularly helpful.
I think this course is an essential tool for all debut authors breaking into the market and I am so very grateful to have been part of it! I trust Colleen’s advice implicitly now and found her to be so friendly, approachable, and helpful… It’s also been a lovely way to make new writing buddies and celebrate each other’s successes! Thank you so so much, Colleen!!!”
Pippa Chorley
Author of COUNTING SHEEP
“If you’ve just signed a book deal, this course will give you all the information you need to kickstart your own marketing campaign… It takes the guesswork out of marketing.”
Brianna DuMont
Author of THRILLING THIEVES
“This course was great! Colleen provides a very thorough and strategic way of getting your marketing up and running in no time. She took the time to explain the importance of our tasks. The quick tweaks you offered made it easy to quickly fix problematic areas across social media and my website. Personally, I loved the homework attachments and the camaraderie in the Facebook group.”
Nadia Salomon
Picture Book Writer
“Thank you for helping me shape an online presence that I can be proud of. One that represents who I am, what my passions are, and who I am writing for all in a professional package!”
Simone Gingras-Fox
Author of CARI & BOO