Many of the classic authors were considered to be somewhat reclusive.

To see Nathaniel Hawthorne or Harper Lee at a social function, for example, would be an astronomically rare occurrence. To hear some tell it, many of these authors shut themselves inside to do what they did best: write.

The script has completely flipped in 2021. Now, to even have a chance to get discovered, authors must actively seek attention by creating content for their online platform, as I’ve written about before.

Instead of hiding away from the public to create great works, modern authors must embrace celebrity to elevate book sales. Fortunately, technology enables us to do this with ease. Beyond some of the more obvious things such as building a website and social media following, here are more unique ways to stand out as an author in 2021.

Digital Author Visits

We, as authors, are in a much better place today than we were a year ago. For obvious reasons, book signings, conferences, school visits, and other speaking functions came to a complete standstill in 2020.

Now, as we’re opening back up and bookstores are once again hosting signings, more speaking opportunities are sprouting up for the anxious writer. But, just as importantly, we learned the value of remote visits in 2020.

Digital author visits are one of the best ways to extend your brand from the comfort of your own home. In many ways, they can be treated just like a book signing—except, of course, without the actual signing of the books.

By using your favorite digital meeting software, you can share your story, do a Q&A, perform a reading, or whatever else you’d normally do at an in-person speaking engagement. To really sweeten the deal, you can even take orders for signed copies of your book and ship them to the audience.

A few pro-tips for digital author visits: invest in a solid microphone and webcam if you haven’t already done so, advertise the visits on your author website, and be flexible to meet the requests of your audience.

Creating Writing Courses

As a novelist, you’re an expert in creative writing. Many people want to learn how to creatively write.

So… why don’t they learn it from you?

This is not only a great way to enhance your credibility and online presence, but if done well, it can also be a great way to generate some passive income.

There are many great online course creation platforms to choose from so be sure to find one that works the best for you, but the process will be pretty similar:

• Come up with different lessons to build the course
• Create the content, much of which will be video-based
• Assemble the course
• Price it, then advertise it on your social channels and website

Just like that, you’re spreading your love and knowledge of writing with people who share the same interest. And nobody said you need to stop at making just one course. If you want, get into the specifics. Perhaps a whole course dedicated to creating characters, one for plot, or maybe even genre-specific courses. The possibilities are endless!

Starting a Podcast or YouTube Channel

Thanks to social media offering glimpses into the personal lives of the rich and famous, readers in 2021 are often just as interested in the author as a person as they are in the author’s work.

One of the best ways to “put yourself out there” is by creating either a podcast or YouTube channel.

If you decide to make a podcast, you’ll most likely provide some information or learning points to your readers. This could include interviewing your friends who are also succeeding in the industry, offering your advice for writing, or doing anything else that provides value and use. Of course, never be afraid to open up and be yourself. Your readers want to get to know you.

A YouTube channel could be more useful if you want to share more personal information. Sure, you could share writing advice on YouTube, but you could also share a look at your morning routine, updates on your book or life, or even a fun video with your pets. More than anything, this is a way to show all your readers that you’re a fun person they should get to know—not just the mysterious, removed entity behind some great books.

Feeling extra motivated? Make both. While you won’t make any profit from the work (unless you eventually sell ads), it’s a way to reach a new audience while providing relationship-boosting offerings to your existing readers.

Don’t just be an author they like to read. Be their favorite author.

How have you taken advantage of tech tools as an author in 2021? Let me know on Twitter at @authorjjhebert.