It is my own fault that I did not fully comprehend that my dream of being a published author would include taking a huge step out of my comfort zone and into the alien world of SELF PROMOTION.
I firmly believe in my book but the idea of PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE is a concept I am more than a little uncomfortable with.
My two hour window of opportunity, when my twins 'nap', used to be my quiet time; my opportunity to slip into another world and furiously channel my thoughts into a chapter, a story. Now, instead of spitting out pages of suspense, drama and romance, I am reading, researching, learning and attempting to promote my story (without being obnoxious).
Becoming an e-book techie includes learning the intricacies of social media, designing cover art, determining my novel's price point, accepting why I should give my book - my baby - away for free, finding websites to promote my ebook, researching successful indie authors, building my website, tweeting, blogging and facebooking.
Now, I am not complaining but I have come to the realisation that being an indie author means spending as much time on the business and promoting end as it does on the writing end which means my two hour window is no longer adequate, which means frequent forays into the wee hours of the morning are becoming commonplace.
But to me, all of this is worth it. My goal was to get my novel published and find people to share it with. So far I am on track. I am getting some great feedback. I am home enjoying my children and for the most part doing what I love.
So I will continue to find those golden moments of silence when stories take shape in my mind and words cascade from my fingertips. And I will continue to promote my work, learn the business of being an indie author and be grateful for this opportunity I've been given.
I'm right there with you on the lack of comfort. It's one reason I haven't actually published yet; I don't know if I *can* go that route, as I am seriously asocial. (Not anti-social. Yet.)
ReplyDeleteSo I'm going to try the traditional route first. Yeesh.
Not having little ones around, I do at least have more time to write-- that I'm grateful for.
It's not easy, Devlin. I am not a get-in-your-face kind of person so I feel like I'm saying 'look at me, look at me'. This will take some getting used to. I did try the tradtional route for 6 months but my novel has been in the works for over 10 years and I got impatient - so here I am. Good luck to you.
DeleteI think it's important for writers thinking about self publishing to think just as much about online promotion. I loved reading about your journey with this here. I think it's also important for writers, who oftentimes feel they are a bit odd or different than everybody else, to know that it's uniqueness that actually attracts others. It's a whole new world of promotion.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John.I didn't give enough thought to self-promotion prior to launching my book but I am certainly catching up now. I think I've felt 'a bit odd' my entire life. I hope you are right about this uniqueness attracting others :)
DeleteIt's taken a lot for me to get past the "Don't draw attention to yourself and your accomplishments" way I was raised. I do try not to be in-your-face about things, but at the same time, I want to attract readers. It's not an easy line to walk.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that Facebook and other social medias can take a lot of time, or a little, it depends on how you choose to manage it.
I agree, Melissa! There's a thin line between self-promotion and ego-boosting. I've spent a lot of time in the past week on social media but I think I have a handle on it and it's a matter of maintaining a reputable presence now. Thanks for your thoughts.
DeleteAs a business owner, though not an author, I totally understand that uncomfortable feeling of "look at me, look at me" that needs to come with successful self-promotion. I also agree with Melissa's comment above about being raised NOT to draw attention to yourself and your accomplishments. Being out of your comfort zone will hopefully in a short time become - "in your comfort zone". I agree that it does take time and feels less "in your face" as time goes on. When you have such an awesome product to share....it's worth the effort!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! I think some of us are just born with an innate sense of humility that makes drawing attention to ourselves difficult. Your words are very kind but you are correct, if I want to share my 'awesome product' I will definitely have to make the effort! Thanks so much for your comments.
DeleteWell Megan, if it's any consolation, those of us who are traditionally published have to do virtually the same amount of promotion.Publishers do very little these days. I have to be prodded along by my partner, especially when it come to public speaking. Meanwhile I'm wondering whether I will ever find time to finish my work-in-progress as social media takes up so much of my time. Mind you, I have met some delightful people so there is an upside!
ReplyDeleteYes, Pauline, I am hearing this again and again. I guess we are all going through the same thing to some degree. My second book is awaiting my attention as well. I have to agree with you wholeheartedly, Pauline, I didn't take into account the lovely people I would be chatting with, many, like yourself, on the other side of the world. It's definitely a positive aspect of this road I've chosen. Thanks for your comments!
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