We do have Facebook, Twitter and of course, blogs, which are great for a writer who wants to showcase their book, but it is difficult to find ways to let people know your book is out there without constantly feeling like you're saying, 'buy my book', or showing off in some way. As I said in my previous Hump Day Blog post, writers are incredibly supportive and I've met, both online and physically, many new writers and all of them have been lovely. I'm a member of quite a few writers' groups, especially on Facebook, but being an essentially shy person, albeit a noisy one in real life, I find putting myself out there more difficult than any aspect of writing the actual book.
Someone told me at my first conference about seven years ago that if I wanted to write and for people to notice my book, I needed to move my comfort zone from somewhere within me to being 'out there', and that I had to stop being so shy when talking about my book. I have learnt to do that a bit, but it isn't something that comes naturally to me.
So, can you tell me how do you feel about promoting your book/s and how do you go about it?
http://www.julievalerie.com/june-blog-hop/
I don't have any books yet to promote, but I certainly don't like talking about my writing to people. Something I have to get over I know. Having enough self-confidence to put your book out there is one thing. To spruik its value is another entirely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Sandie.
DeleteI always find it difficult to talk about my writing to people and promoting my books is a horrible necessity and something I've had to learn to just 'do'. Best of luck with your book.
I struggle with the promoting side of things, though it's easier on social media than in 'real life'! I think a lot of writers feel the same. Talking about your book is a whole different ball-game to writing it :o)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a whole different ball-game, isn't it, Karen! Thank heavens for social media and hiding behind a laptop. I'd be far happier staying hidden behind my laptop writing and constantly editing, than having to promote my books. :)
DeleteUgh! I feel the same way! Talking about myself/my books is not something that comes naturally to me either. Even just the post I wrote today talking about sending my ms to my agent... I almost didn't post it. Then I made my hubby read it and asked if he thought I should post it. He said, "Why not?" I dunno... it's just.... I'm not used to "sharing" about myself. Even though I blog and whatnot, I still feel uncomfortable when the talk turns to me/my writing. But, as the above comment notes - at least it's easier to "hide" behind the screen and promote via social media than it is IRL!
ReplyDeleteAs a narrator, I also must share in promoting books that I've recorded. I cringe at having to do this although I am getting better. It works best when the author and narrator work as a team!
ReplyDeleteHi Georgina. I'm new at this myself. I love learning all that people have to share. I know that for me, I'm simply working to keep my blog personable and not to sales-y and learning to interact more with the community - like this. Thanks for asking the question so that we all can share.
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