If you’re an author who has written books as a private side hustle or hobby, you may be scared to go to networking events and publicly declare that you’re an author. Even if you’ve been in business working for yourself or a company, networking for your author business is something completely different. Whichever situation describes you, understanding the networking game can help build your author fan base and your book sales.

But where and how do you start building your author network? I’ll answer this burning question for you by sharing what I’ve experienced and observed.

Though all authors will benefit from the audiobook, self published authors who are responsible for their book's marketing will find it especially helpful. Here's just some of what you'll discover:

• Why both introvert and extrovert authors can struggle with networking.
• Handling the challenges of networking when you use a pen name.
• Types of networking groups to consider.
• Creating a 15-second "elevator pitch" script for you and your book.
• How to keep face-to-face introductions and conversations from getting weird and awkward.
• When and how you should - and shouldn't! - sell your book while networking.
• Basic author networking tools.
• Evaluating public speaking opportunities.
• Using social media for building your fan base.
• The one group of potential fans that authors mistakenly ignore.

Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, is a nonfiction book editor and author. Prior to pursuing her writing career, she was a trade newspaper editor for over 15 years, taught at the college level for five years, and had a long career in sales and advertising. In her books, blog, and online resources, she shares her publishing and marketing experience to help authors avoid embarrassing and expensive mistakes when self publishing.