It’s
been my experience that authors love to write books, but they are not as happy
to promote them. I think that
feeling just comes to them because something about marketing makes them feel
uncomfortable. Whereas writing seems
like a natural function to the author, promoting those writings puts them in a
position to actually be read – and lauded or rejected. The prospect of actually being able to get
close to one’s potential reader may frighten the writer who feels he
has the world mapped out with his words but risks having someone talk back.
As I
write this, I try to anticipate a dialogue I would be having with writers,
imagining what they would agree or disagree with. As I compose this blog post I also realize
that the conversation is imaginary, that no one is here to applaud or oppose a
single word. When an author puts
himself out there, marketing his book, he certainly exposes himself to the
masses, to the voices of criticism or even appreciation. Is he really ready to deal with any of that?
Of
course the answer is not to avoid marketing a book for without a concerted
effort to promote one’s writings, their book will surely find its way on a
rocket to anonymity.
Though there’s no guarantee of success with the biggest of marketing campaigns, there is almost assuredly a guarantee that one’s book will publish to crickets without at least trying to promote it.
Though there’s no guarantee of success with the biggest of marketing campaigns, there is almost assuredly a guarantee that one’s book will publish to crickets without at least trying to promote it.
You
have to have a thick skin as a writer and tune out the negativity. Sure, listen to constructive criticism and
grow from it, but you should dismiss what others have to say and go about your
business. To reach far, you’ll anger or
confuse people. To challenge assumptions
and shake things up means to be met with criticism. Don’t worry about it.
Just keep writing passionately and seek to improve, but fear not those who don’t understand or appreciate your work. We have a saying from where I grew up in Brooklyn “Fuck ‘em.”
Just keep writing passionately and seek to improve, but fear not those who don’t understand or appreciate your work. We have a saying from where I grew up in Brooklyn “Fuck ‘em.”
That’s
right, deny the haters, fear not those who simply lack the ability to
appreciate you. No one can please
everyone – and you should not try to.
Don’t write like everyone else — write in your unique voice and hope that
at least some will come to appreciate your work.
Some
authors may fear success because they won’t have time to do what they love: to write.
They think they’ll be forced to sell out and continue to create
commercially viable content that readers want vs. just writing what they want
to write about. This concern is nonsense.
You should only be so lucky that you get so successful that you have to
even give thought to such things. It’s a
good problem to have.
Write
what you know and love. Then promote it
with enthusiasm and vigor. Let the
results come in – and then write again.
And promote some more.
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
Authors
cannot succeed without the right attitude
So what
is needed to be a champion book marketer?
Should
You Promote Your Book By Yourself?
The Book Marketing Strategies Of
Best-Sellers
How authors can sell more books
No. 1 Book Publicity Resource: 2019
Toolkit For Authors -- FREE
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