I had the pleasure of joining three fellow Hong Kong creatives whom I admire and respect, Julia Besnard (librarian, podcaster and writer), Elle Kwan (writer and digital strategist) and Sophia Hotung (writer/illustrator and TedX speaker) on an online workshop, “How Authors Build Buzz” hosted by the wonderful writing community, Women in Publishing, Hong Kong (WiPS).

Ably moderated by Julia Besnard, the panellists shared candid and practical insights into how to build a meaningful and sustainable online presence for writers at all stages of their writing and publishing journeys. As reviewd by WiPS member, Fang Wei (fellow Substacker):

“Julia began by defining the leading marketing channels available to writers, from Instagram and Substack to podcasts and websites. She then asked the panellists: “What is your goal for promoting your work on these platforms?” Elle, Maureen and Sophia each shared their intentions in building their online presence and described the unique advantages of each platform, illustrating the benefits with on-screen shots of their websites and social media accounts. All emphasized the importance of finding a platform where you enjoy spending time and can connect with like-minded individuals, ensuring that it remains fun while maintaining your own clear boundaries. Promoting oneself is essential if you are looking for work, trying to create an audience, or wanting to sell something. Julia and Elle highlighted the marketing value and longevity of podcasts; Maureen stressed the importance of being realistic about your goals; and Sophia showcased her strategy by focusing on her Instagram account.”

Looking forward to the next WiPS event!