With an eBook put up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, I have entered the world of promotion (which should probably have happened before now). And right now, I don’t feel I have entered that world very effectively. I’m thinking I’m one of those writers who writes because he isn’t very good at talking about himself.
I’m sure many of you have come across books with substandard writing and editing, and yet you marveled at the sales the author was able to generate. You shake your head and murmur: how did that happen?
Darn good marketing and self promotion!
Autheteering
Entering the world of the marketer, one can instantly become overwhelmed. It appears to be a viscous circle of people marketing their wares. Indie authors, if you have spent any time at all studying how to market your work, then you know everyone wants to sell you something in an effort to help promote your work. And as an indie author, you probably don’t have a budget to spend on cover design, editors, advertising, and marketing. Now, not only do we have to be good writers, we may have to be even better marketers.
Get with the program
As authors, promoting our books isn’t a new idea. Even a publishing company expects its authors to self-promote. But it is one thing to answer questions about your work, shake hands, and sign books during an organized event. It’s another matter entirely to learn how to effectively use social media, organize your own events, and create the discussion in the first place. It’s not all that easy to learn. I will say this, though, it sure makes the difficulties of plotting and character development seem easier.
Eric;
Thanks for writing this. It’s really spot-on, I think. The whole reason I wrote a book in the first place was because I kept reading stuff that was not-so-great (read: “I could’ve done THAT!”).
And you’re right about publishers wanted their authors to self-pub: it stinks, because I always thought that was WHY you’d want to go the route of being traditionally published.
But look ahead into the very near future: we indies are going to be continue building platforms, making waves, and writing great stuff–and who do you think the Big 6 are going to call when they’re all out of great authors?
Us. Keep it up–I like your blog and your writing, and I’ll stick around!
Nick
Eric,
I find myself really agreeing with what you’re saying. After publishing my book as an ebook and re-publishing it as a paperback a few months ago, I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to figure out how this whole marketing thing works, and how to do it without being an obnoxious self-promoter.
I hope I can get an e-reader soon. You’re book looks really good. I wish you well with it.
Thank you, Marty.
I wish you well with your books, too. I also think you’re starting out really well. I certainly like your bio, and the Web site is looking great. Whether the boat is big enough as far as marketing goes, it looks as thought we’re both in it. So welcome.
Eric