Bestselling Romantasy Indie Author Bree Granado on Making Industry Connections That Will Make Your Brand So Fire!
Being an “indie author” doesn’t mean you MUST do everything totally alone! Making genuine connections in the biz is easier (and more rewarding) than you think.
In this episode of Write! Grow! Launch! I sit down for an open, honest, and super helpful chat with one of my clients (and new besties), Bestselling Romantasy Author, Bree Granado.
Her dark romantic fae fantasy A Fate of Shadows and Flames has been a hot commodity on Booktok ever since she launched it!
But her success isn’t just based on her fanbase which continues to grow each day or with her rave reviews or even bestseller status.
Putting herself out there and connecting with other industry professionals, including other indie authors, narrators, and event hosts has helped skyrocket her visibility!
And today, she and I will teach you exactly what you (yes…you!) can start doing TODAY to make those genuine and rewarding connections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
· Why networking and attending bookish events must be part of your sales strategy!
· How to reach out to people, even if you’re terrified of rejection!
· The RIGHT way to make those connections and increase your chances of landing them!
· How to act (and interact) at book events to make the most of each one!
· How NOT to approach anyone you want to connect with (and how to nail it instead)!
· What you need to do today to start making these all-important industry connections!
THE CORE FRAMEWORK
Step 1: Get Over Your Anxieties
It’s 2026, and long gone are the days when authors could hide behind our computer screens. And even if you’re shy or introverted, you can do this by simply changing your self-talk. Remind yourself that the people you’re trying to connect with are just human beings like you, and they really do want to support you more than you realize. Rip off the Band-Aid and just start reaching out. The worst that can happen is they say, “no.” Then, you’re no worse off than you were before. Right?
Step 2: Put Your Brand Story First!
Absolutely NO event coordinator, podcast host, or narrator will want to work with you or help you if you try to connect with, “Hi! I’m Author X! And I wrote a great book! Let me come on your show/to your event and tell everyone about it!” Instead, figure out your WHY and your brand story (what makes you and your journey unique?) and lead with that on an organic, authentic level.
Step 3: Show Up in a Professional Yet Relatable Way!
It should go without saying that we should always conduct ourselves like normal, adult human beings. Dress nicely (not in grey sweatpants or leggings). Brush your hair. And plaster on a sincere smile (even if it hurts). Put your best foot forward, but also, the more genuine and relatable you are to those you connect with, either at events or in person, the more beneficial (and lucrative) each relationship will be from the jump.
KEY TAKEAWAY
You can’t stay trapped inside your “bubble” (your online following) forever. Only 6% of your followers see what you post most times anyway. But for every single connection you make in this biz, your visibility and your reach will grow exponentially because you’re no longer relying on the same core group of people to deliver your brand story to. Instead, you’re tapping into and connecting with each connection’s loyal, devoted following, and that is the fastest and easiest way to grow your fanbase as an indie author.
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
• Research events (book fairs, conferences) within driving distance of where you live.
• Research individuals who are in your same niche whose audience would be similar to yours.
• Create a database to track all the connections you’re going to pitch and try to connect with.
• Write a short, concise email template to use (but personalize it each time you send) out.
• Start genuine, honest, and non-salesy conversations with those you want to connect with.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Learn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/
Free Resource: https://shorturl.at/l2LEU
My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4AB
My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com
GUEST HOST LINKS
Find and Follow Bree Granado on most social media apps @AuthorBreeGranado
Check out Her Bestselling Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sUOCHj
Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial
Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial
Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW
If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.
POWERED BY BLUBRRY
