Willing and Able
What must a writer do to promote one's book? Well, the answer is a bit complicated. You must do nothing.
Hang on! Don't get your undies in a bunch. I'm saying that, logically, you must do nothing. What it boils down to is what you are willing and able to do, in order to promote your book.
I've been thinking a lot about this lately (as happy news doth soon approach). It's a very personal question. What am I willing and able to do?
I have no physical or psychological limitations, so what I am able to do is pretty broad. I have a wonderful family who supports me and my career without a moment's hesitation. Also, I'm very willing to invest my money into my career, as I happen to think this will be one investment I'll see a return on. (Confidence or conceit? Call it what you will.) I'm able to do just about anything to get this book out there.
But what I'm willing to do is another story. Oh, I'm willing to go to stores, sign stock, mail postcards and fliers, send out e-mail newsletters, participate in chats, do interviews, submit short stories to zines, participate in conferences and booksignings, and spend a chunk of change on the most fabulous launch party known to man. But I'm not willing to step more than four paces outside my comfort zone.
See, the majority of writers are most comfortable typing away at their keyboards, creating worlds for other people to explore. Some aren't willing to step away from this to do any promotion at all. (And that's cool--whatever works for them--I'd never want anyone becoming uncomfortable and unhappy simply to sell a book) Some jump away from the desk in jubilant leaps and bounds, and end up doing some pretty amazing things to self-promote.
Me? I'm going to fall somewhere in the middle. I'm going to work hard to get people talking about Vlad. But I'm not going to bleed for him. (Bleeding near a vampire? Not recommended.) I'm hoping the story will be enough to create initial buzz. Then, I'll do what I mentioned above. But the most important tool that I can use to bring back the readers is another excellent book. So that's what I'm working on.
Hopefully my efforts will be enough.
If not...I'm blaming those darn aliens.
Hang on! Don't get your undies in a bunch. I'm saying that, logically, you must do nothing. What it boils down to is what you are willing and able to do, in order to promote your book.
I've been thinking a lot about this lately (as happy news doth soon approach). It's a very personal question. What am I willing and able to do?
I have no physical or psychological limitations, so what I am able to do is pretty broad. I have a wonderful family who supports me and my career without a moment's hesitation. Also, I'm very willing to invest my money into my career, as I happen to think this will be one investment I'll see a return on. (Confidence or conceit? Call it what you will.) I'm able to do just about anything to get this book out there.
But what I'm willing to do is another story. Oh, I'm willing to go to stores, sign stock, mail postcards and fliers, send out e-mail newsletters, participate in chats, do interviews, submit short stories to zines, participate in conferences and booksignings, and spend a chunk of change on the most fabulous launch party known to man. But I'm not willing to step more than four paces outside my comfort zone.
See, the majority of writers are most comfortable typing away at their keyboards, creating worlds for other people to explore. Some aren't willing to step away from this to do any promotion at all. (And that's cool--whatever works for them--I'd never want anyone becoming uncomfortable and unhappy simply to sell a book) Some jump away from the desk in jubilant leaps and bounds, and end up doing some pretty amazing things to self-promote.
Me? I'm going to fall somewhere in the middle. I'm going to work hard to get people talking about Vlad. But I'm not going to bleed for him. (Bleeding near a vampire? Not recommended.) I'm hoping the story will be enough to create initial buzz. Then, I'll do what I mentioned above. But the most important tool that I can use to bring back the readers is another excellent book. So that's what I'm working on.
Hopefully my efforts will be enough.
If not...I'm blaming those darn aliens.
posted by Heather Brewer at 7:28 AM
8 Comments:
I think self promotion is something that all successful writers learn how to do. It means doing book signings, talk shows, and all manner of public appearances. Never be without a few copies to sign, too!
It's certainly helpful, but I wonder about those authors who do not. Some still manage to find success. Me--I'll do what I can without stepping too far out of my comfort zone. Which is quite a bit, in my eyes. :)
Smart thinking, Heather. The truth is you'll meet authors who do absolutely nothing, and still seem to find an audience for their books. And people who beat their brains out and still the book doesn't do well. I'm a big believer in making your own opportunities, but you have to be realistic about what you want out of this, and what you can expect, and how you envision your life as an author.
Wise words from a wonderful author. :)
I know an author that hates book signings, which surprises me. She's a total introvert and loves being alone with her work, but is terribly crowd-shy. Plus sitting in a bookstore and having no one buy your book on occasion can be a downer too.
On a weird note, I went to Costco years ago and sitting at a table near the door, looking painfully uncomfortable, was Ivana Trump--signing her autobiography. I'm not kidding, it was surreal. No one was buying, and it looked awkward and sad. So maybe there's a reason why some authors are hesitant.
Wow...that's weird, Jamie. If Ivana Trump can't get an audience, how can Joe Blow manage to? Very surreal.
Excellent post, Heather. I haven't been thinking too much about publicity yet for my book, but once we're past the editorial stage, I'm all over this topic. :-)
Appropriately, Jackie, you're book will be on FIRE once it hits shelves. ;)
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