Cultivating a Community of Superfans: Tips for Indie Poets

Last year, science fiction and fantasy author Brandon Sanderson launched a Kickstarter campaign for four secret novels that quickly raised over 40 million dollars. While Sanderson's success may seem unattainable to many authors, the key to his campaign's success was not necessarily his millions of followers, but rather the way he has cultivated a strong community of superfans over the years.

Quality over Quantity

It's not necessary to have a huge readership to be successful as an indie poet. In fact, focusing on a specific niche and cultivating a loyal following of a few thousand readers can be just as lucrative. These readers, known as superfans, are willing to buy every book a poet releases and may also be interested in purchasing premium items like signed copies and merchandise. Building a strong community of superfans is key to financial success as an indie poet, and can be achieved through consistently providing value and engaging with readers.

Appreciating Your Followers

As a poet, it's crucial to write amazing books that will captivate readers and encourage them to seek out more of your work. Being prolific and consistently releasing new material can also help build a strong relationship with readers. One effective way to connect with readers is through a mailing list or social media, where you can make them feel part of a community and interact with them. Personal interactions, such as answering emails or engaging in conversations on social media, can also make you more approachable and help build a deeper connection with your readers. In-person events, like book tours and speaking engagements, can also be a great opportunity to meet fans and create a special bond with them. While building a community of superfans takes time and dedication, it's possible to achieve a level of success similar to that of Brandon Sanderson on a smaller scale by cultivating a loyal following of readers.

In addition to writing amazing books and building a relationship with readers, there are a few other strategies that can help cultivate a community of superfans. One way is to offer special perks or exclusives to your most dedicated readers. This could include early access to new releases, behind-the-scenes content, or personalized experiences like video calls or personalized signed copies. By offering these types of experiences, you can create a sense of exclusivity and appreciation that can help foster a stronger connection with your readers.

Another way to cultivate superfans is to get involved with your readers and the broader community. This could involve participating in online forums or groups related to your genre, attending conventions or events, or collaborating with other poets or industry professionals. By being present and actively engaging with the community, you can demonstrate your passion and commitment to your work, which can help inspire loyalty and support from your readers.