How to
Recruit New Members for Broad Universe
Are you
interested in participating in the membership contest but don't know
where you start? Below are some ideas to help you find and talk to
potential members.
Places to find potential members:
- Reading circles, especially those devoted to the
genre
- Writing workshops, either online like OWW or Critters
or face-to-face groups
- Writing classes (university, high
school, community college)
- Bookstores
- Other
conventions
- Online forums devoted to
reading/writing
- Readers of personal blogs or website
guests
- Family/friends who write or read
- Authors you
may already correspond with
Enticements to get
people interested:
Start by listing the benefits of each
level:
For $15 a year, you can
- Participate in the Broad Universe listserv. The
mailing list is a good source of market listings and specialized
news. It also offers emotional support for writers, such as
encouragement to submit stories during mailing parties and
congratulations for sales.
- Be a vital part of the
organization as we continue to research the state of the genre,
promote Broad Universe authors, and develop resources to help women
writers succeed.
For $30 a year, you have all the
above, plus you can
- Access the Broad
Universe PR database (with 3,000 addresses)
- Display your
books on our info tables
- Be included in any trade ads
we place
- List your books in our online catalog
- List your stories in our short fiction
catalog
- Read as part of our group readings at
conventions
- Sell your written work at the Broad Universe
dealer's table at conventions.
(NOTE: Anyone can
become a member at this level, but in line with our mission
statement, women exclusively have access to the PR database, listing
in the BU
catalog, participation in group readings, and similar
marketing efforts.)
Don't forget to mention the professional
and personal benefits everyone receives at any level:
- Members can provide a "built-in" readership for each
other.
- All members can attend the parties held at
conventions.
- There are networking opportunities: a way to
learn about publishers, anthologies, contests, etc.
- BU
provides a way to learn about the business of
writing.
- Members belong to a professional writing
organization.
- You can get to know fun and interesting
people.
When you get a chance, please share any
personal experiences you'vehad with the group! Good luck with your
recruiting efforts!
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