I’ve seen what networking can do
for an author’s books. I know what readers can do for a book when they love it
and want to spread the word about it.
But what if you’re an author with
a full-time job and a long commute and more books to work on than time in which
to get them into ship-shape and ready to sail out the door?
What if you’re really a hermit at
heart who prefers to write, write, write and write some more, rather than make
the rounds on the various networks in the few hours between arriving home and
going to bed?
I know people have sworn by
networking for an hour a day and have it do magical things for their books, but
I’m yet to hit the end of that particular rainbow.
Instead, I find myself lurking at
all the venues where I’m supposed to be a member and when the opportunity comes
to put up a promotional post, I feel like a peanut vendor trying to peddle
stuff at a New Year’s Eve ball.
So I don’t.
Can I tell you what the result of
that is? I noticed today that I haven’t seen a book sale in a couple of days.
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| Photo Credit |
I not only need to be drag myself
from my cave, I also should be more balanced, but it’s challenging. Did I also
mention that I’m lazy? I suppose I could schedule some personalized tweets and
see how that goes, but I gotta wrap my mind around doing that. It’s a place to
start and if I put that promise out in public, maybe I’ll actually DO
something.
We’ll see how that goes.
What are your insecurities today?
It's all about keeping our books - and us - in front of people. I don't know what the magic number is for that either. I just keep trying.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this. I love blogging but I totally suck at networking. I really want to expand my circles and connect with more readers but I haven't done a very good job to this point. I like your idea of putting something out there in public, that helps me be more motivated to actually follow through on doing it too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt's scary when you pull back on the networking and everything starts to sink. Losing those regular connections can have such an impact.
ReplyDeleteAlex, yeah, I guess I should just keep trying. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie, tell me about it. I hope that I actually do get around to writing out those tweets. Maybe when I get home later.
So true, Diane. I kinda feel like I'm drowning. The 9-5 is a wonderful safety net that can also stifle creativity. On we go, I suppose.
Self promoting is just hard to begin with - then you have to factor in not shoving it in peoples faces AND overcoming shyness. I'm a horrible self promoter.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's really amazing at how many of us feel this exact way. Diane's taking a break. I want to. Sounds like you do too. It takes me forever to write the first draft, but lately I feel as if it's my own fault. I've got my foot in too many projects. Thanks for this post, Joy. I think I really needed to hear it. Now what to do about it.
ReplyDeleteI hear your frustration loud and clear. It's hard when we're required to do something that doesn't really fit our personality. I wish you the best and am sending positive thoughts of extroverted encouragement your way! I think your idea of "today I'm doing some tweets" is good. Break this seemingly impossible task into small goals. Smaller bites are easier to chew, after all. Thanks for your honesty. I know this will help a lot of people who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good, co-hosting IWSG this month
Hi Joy! I used to work in marketing, so I get the publicity thing, but for most writers it's cruel and unusual punishment. Then there are the ones who go too far and can't post, tweet or blog anything that isn't an advertisement. There's a fine line and too many people cross it.
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling with some of the same stuff you are--namely, a lack of time. How are we supposed to write our books, rewrite our books, get them published, market them and network? Glah! It boggles the mind. I met one writer who has 11 blogs (nine of which provide her with a handsome living), writes three full-length novels and some short projects each year, and raises two sons. Her secret? She doesn't do anything else. :)
Are you sure you're describing yourself and not me? Or maybe we are twins? I don't know, but I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I dread the day when my book is done and everything non-writing comes into play. I don't like tweeting (period) and I like it less to promote my book. But, people can't read it if they don't know about it...
ReplyDeleteI feel your discomfort. I think there needs to be less "if you don't tweet, your career is ruined" stuff out there. I try to get out there on things that match my comfort level. I don't do Facebook, but I enjoy Twitter. I don't comment much on blogs (present company excluded) but I enjoy writing blog entries.
ReplyDeleteI'm not lazy, but I don't like wasting my time. I've given up on tweeting regularly. I have auto posting set up to send out my blog posts and if I see something interesting I'll share it, but twitter promotion isn't for me. I do a little Faceboook, but even that is secondary to connecting with others in groups, and not just author groups. Making real connections has been the best for me...Oh and email marketing, again not spamming everyone one in my contact list daily or weekly, but sharing things from time to time. Even on my blog, I just share and hope someone likes and maybe shares it.
ReplyDeleteI've watched my sales slip for the last couple of months, way below what they were over the summer. Why? Maybe because I was gone on a two month trip and never got a chance to blog (although I had guest posts twice a week). I also stopped being active on Twitter/Triberr and less active on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteSo now I'm trying to get back into my old promotional routine, posting, tweeting, making blog comments and just generally trying to get my name out there. Sigh...finding the balance is so difficult at times.
Maintaining a presence online is crucial these days--the bestselling authors are all over the place on every platform--I don't know how they do it, but it works! If you ever want help promoting, let me know--I host numerous collaborations and love the chance to help spread the word when I can:)
ReplyDeleteWith all you do for others and yourself it's hard for me to think of you as a procrastinator. And, no matter how you slice it, self-promoting is hard. Particularly for the introverts.
ReplyDeleteI do dither and when I'm not doing that, I can't remember what I'm supposed to be doing. :)
DeleteJumping in here to say that I WILL get back to everybody I haven't visited yet. Had a horrendously busy day. Need sleep.
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented on most blogs yet either, trying my best to make up for lost time. Don't worry J.L. you're not the only one who feels weird doing self promotion but I know I need to step up and do it.
ReplyDeleteHope NaNo is going well. Most of us are non-marketers which is why we feel vulgar when we have to peddle our wares.
DeleteIf only we could be hermits... but then we'd miss out on making amazing new friends, finding connections we didn't have before. Selling books is secondary to that ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Thanks, Lynda, for putting that into perspective. The connections are priceless.
DeleteHugs to you too.
Sure miss the days when someone else promoted the work, huh?
ReplyDelete........dhole
I was never that fortunate with one of my publisher, but the other tries hard to pass on tips that will help with marketing and such. Still, I'm thankful because it forced me to learn.
DeletePretty good post.I respect your well-written and thoughtful content. You’ve really hit the mark with your original and bold views here. I agree with your views. Your readers are fortunate to have such interesting material to read.Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
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Networking and promotion never end if we want the results to continue. You've illustrated this well in this fine post. Never enough time it seems.
ReplyDeleteLee
Special report today on the "Story Sprouts" book launch in L.A.
Lot's of pictures in this one!
Tossing It Out
Been and voted - didn't pick the favourite either time! As I'm late to the IWSG party - had a full on week - have you tweeted?
ReplyDeleteSuzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
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This is tough. I know it takes time to be part of all the social networks, and, of course, we don't want to FORCE our books on people! But I know it's important. We've gotta keep our books VISIBLE. I figure that somwhere like my Facebook author fan page, it's MEANT to be about me and my books. So I'm happy posting all my book-related stuff there :-)
ReplyDeletePS - voted for your covers.
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ReplyDeleteThat's why you have to talk to me more JL. One of the authors whose work I promote was trending yesterday as a result of my pushing her guest posts I hate to brag **year right** but I'm gaining a rep as the blog to be a guest at.
ReplyDeleteI have other writer's whose books I share novellines of my schedulers and it helps keep them remain visible 24/7 (hopefully helps some). In addition to this I also have the other free promo service I give through the book store.
It takes me an hour or two to set up some of these things and that's it for a long time. at least be on twitter regularly and yes, I agree with moregan, nothing puts me off more than those buy my book tweets. Give novel lines and don't necessarily mention your book title although I've heard from authors you must. I always look at things as what attracts me as a reader , in other people's tweets.