I received a question via email today from one of my loyal readers and I thought I would answer it here on my blog.
Question for you: You’re a published author. And you keep a blog. Has an editor or potential publisher ever objected to your keeping a blog about your work, not liking the way you promote it and/or yourself, for example?
Has anyone ever said “Kill the self-publicity, and leave the PR to us?”
Just wondering…
My answer:
Oh, how I wish someone would say, “kill the self-publicity, and leave the PR to us.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works these days. It’s all about building a platform. A platform being a website, a blog, a fan page on facebook, a subscribers list of followers, et al. From everything I hear and read, editors/publishers/agents see an authors’ self-promotion as a necessity. Some agents even ask that you send a marketing plan with your query letter. I would guess this really cuts down on their submissions, but it also is a sign of the times.
The rub for me, as well as a great deal of other writers, is that I am an introvert. I thrive off of the creative process of writing, the coming together of a story, and having a rich inner life. But if you actually want to put your creations out into the world and get read, you have to promote yourself. Unfortunately, I think this weeds out a lot of excellent writers who aren’t willing to play the game and do their own self-promotion and marketing.
The good news, however, is that the world wide web can actually be a haven for introverts. You can do a lot of marketing online now, even book readings via web cams, all in the privacy of your home office. It is a paradox. As an author, you can be both hidden and exposed.
I will admit that the extroverted tasks of marketing and self-promotion are a growing edge for me. But it’s been a good exercise. I’ve made a lot of friends online, from all over the world, and we try to help each other out. I am also accessible to my readers. I get emails weekly from someone who has enjoyed my book. So I guess the situation is however you perceive it: a blessing or a curse. For me, it is both/and.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice blog, Susan. I agree, totally.
Thanks for commenting, Nadine. Yes, some days it’s a blessing. Some days it’s a curse. But mostly it’s a grand experiment.
I am in complete agreement with you, Susan. Those of us who write and have other creative outlets must employ that element of self promotion.
That one was not easy for me at first but I have forged on and LEARNED.
In so many areas of our lives, we truly have to be our own best advocate. Good friends/family certainly help at times as well.
Peace and blessings to you.
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Holly. You said it very well: “we truly have to be our own best advocate.” Excellent!