I have always been an avid reader of Stephen King's writings over the years, he's one of the few authors that I can safely say I have read everything he has written. Granted, I am a couple of years behind, but I do manage to catch up as I get the time and opportunity to read him. Most of his work is pure fluff or entertainment but some of his writings (Different Seasons comes quickly to mind) is some of the Best Writing America has produced in the last 50 years or so. In the same light, (in my humble opinion) Stephen King is one of the best writers America has produced in the last 50 years. Totally underrated mainly because of the 'genre' of his writing -- he's the perfect example of a 'stereotyped writer' outperforming many of the stereotypes most critics find that brings down his writing. Once you have been typecasted, it's extremely difficult to break out of the mold that many people, rightly or wrongly, have pigeon holed you into. Regardless, whether you're on the '+' or '-' side of Stephen King... I am firmly in the '+' column... you should look at him for his 'list building' techniques! What? Stephen King and List Building? What's up with that? List building is all about building a direct personal relationship with your contacts, prospects, or subscribers. Readers must feel a direct connection with you; someone they can trust and relate to in an one-on-one situation. Your communications should have this friendly, causal feel as if you're talking to a close confident or pal. It must touch your reader on a purely personal level or you will not succeed in building a good relationship. Stephen King, in many of his books' Post Scripts or Author's Forwards, speaks directly to his readers. These communications are friendly, chatty, and intimate -- like direct conversations with a close contact over a cup of hot coffee on a Misty Maine Morning. Constant Reader please listen up, I have something to tell ya! Over the years, no doubt, these 'Direct Letters' to his 'Constant Readers' have built up a fierce loyal readership that probably has more of a direct correlation to his sales than many people would admit or could imagine. His list must be in the 'tens of millions', readers who are eagerly awaiting the next installment of this correspondence. King, whether he realizes it or not (no doubt he does), has built up a large contact list of eager readers who not only look forward to getting their next King Fix but also looking forward to the next Author's Note that touches briefly on the events in his own life. This is a great way of connecting with his readers and one does get the feeling that King 'genuinely' does care about his readers. It's something that's read between the lines and can't be faked! It also has a way of 'fleshing out' his writing; offering a personal view or comments on his take of things. It is also a perfect way of building a more personal relationship with his readers. Probably the only down side for King is the few 'fanatics' that may take this relationship to an extreme level. An unfortunate fact of living in the modern world. In spite of this, building a large contact list has many more benefits and as we see by the King's example, it can take many forms. For anyone in the marketing field, a close study of King's list should be noted for how it builds (over time) a deep loyal following that's ready and eager to shell out for King's latest offering, time and time again. Anyone building a large list should keep many of these points in mind -- making a direct personal appeal/contact and forming a relationship with your readers or subscribers may take years but a loyal readership will pay dividends for years to come. Rewards that can not only result in financial gains, but rewards of a more personal nature which comes from knowing you have helped someone by brightening up their day or putting a smile on their faces -- just with the power of your writing. Powerful stuff indeed and worth a King's Ramson! |
