Promoting myself, boasting about my successes, really doesn't come easy to me. Believe it or not, every time I schedule or send a tweet/Facebook update etc, I feel like a fraud. I wonder if I am really just a small fish trying hard to stay afloat in a substantially large ocean. As an independent author, I am my own boss. But that doesn't mean I have no one to answer to. People buy my books and I want them to be satisfied with their purchase. Of course, this won't always be the case and some people will wish they hadn't bothered. But on the whole, my latest book, Nightingale Woods, is getting excellent reviews. Even people who didn't enjoy it that much have left a review, and that can only be a good thing because the book provoked a reaction.
As an indie author I wear several hats; researcher, author, editor, publisher, promoter, marketer, the list goes on. I am my own PR consultant and that in itself is hard work. But when I find a little confidence and pop my book on various social media groups, ones I feel are relevant (I mean, after all, there's no point promoting a romantic comedy easy-read on a group that discusses knitting...) and then get told off for advertising, it makes me feel like an idiot. Yes, I got told off like I was a naughty school girl because I pimped my latest book in a Facebook group where we talk about holidays. The book has been described as 'a holiday read' and 'a duvet day read', so I naturally thought "what have I got to lose?" assuming one or two people might be interested - which they were before I was shot down in flames for being so magnificently shameless. Those who know me will know how I lack confidence. In order to promote and market my book I have had to crash through my confidence barrier and get out there like the best of them, making my presence felt. It's not easy. It really isn't. It's hard work, bloody hard work. Marketing your book is almost a full time job in itself, as any indie author with tell you, not to mention many traditionally-published ones, too.
I know I've been tweeting excessively recently, and updating Facebook with reviews and excerpts, but I'm doing that because I've achieved something; I've written a book that I'm extremely proud of. If I hid away and told no one, where would I be? Where would any indie author be? I'll tell you where, at the bottom of the pile whilst all the represented authors got the publicity and the PR and the constant stream of marketing. An indie author has to do that for themselves. Maybe on that occasion I pimped my book in the wrong place. I'm learning as I go along. But I wonder if there were no adverts on TV or social media, what would happen then? I've worked damned hard on my books, and I'm working extremely hard to get it out there and be noticed. Sometimes people just need a break. We all just need a break. Maybe the person who told me off for advertising should think about that next time they knock someone's confidence flying. I've picked myself up again of course, but it's attitudes like this one that stop hard working (and talented) people get on in life.
p.s. My first book, Discovery at Rosehill, is currently on free download on Amazon Kindle, HERE.
I still haven't got round to reading it yet. I read Discovery at Rosehill and loved it. I've just been so busy with work and catching up on my Business Administration Course, that I just haven't had the time to read! I miss my reading. I will try and get round to it at some point this week!!! Hope you're ok. Take Care x
ReplyDeleteThere are always going to be those who will have a go, don't I know it! But I am with you totally on the self-promotion bit, you have to get your book noticed otherwise how else will it sell? You have to put yourself out there, and if in the process you advertise the book in the wrong place, well lesson learnt I suppose, but don't let it stop you! Have you trawled round any shops within a ten mile radius perhaps, are there any touristy places?
ReplyDeleteDamned if you do, damned if you don't. Some people are far too up their own backsides hun xxxx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Denise on this one - and sadly if you're an Indie you have to have a hide like a rhino. I haven't developed it yet, even though you'd think my skin would already be at least a foot thick and tough as leather since I've spent all my working life as a journalist. But I hesitate before every bit of self-promotion, and wonder if I'm doing the right thing or if I just should just skulk in my ivory tower. But when it comes right down to it - Indies are doing it for themselves - because we have to. If that means getting it wrong sometimes - so be it.
ReplyDeleteDenise is right. You're damned if you do, damned if you don't. And it never ceases to amaze me why people can't offer feedback more constructively. Manners really does seem to be dying a painful death.
ReplyDeleteI haven't found your promotions overwhelming and they have been very transparent.
Admittedly, last year I did feel a bit overwhelmed by a blogger who sent me countless emails a day regarding the book; would style blog posts in such an interesting way and, invariably, it was another plug for the book. This went on for months. Thinking about it, I wouldn't have minded if the promotions were more transparent.
The learning you will get from this experience will be invaluable. Take only that from it and walk away with more than someone tried to leave you with.
Do not let it diminish your confidence. That is an order. HMSx
Good for you getting your book out there on your own. Of course you should be proud and wanting to show it off. I'd ignore those who can't be positive and carry on as you are.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's all a matter of balance, but while your book is new and creating a buzz you naturally want to keep that going as long as possible, so go for it! You would be crazy not to. Even those of us who do have big publishers behind us are on our own once the publicist moves on to newer titles, so no need to feel awkward or different. Make the most of it, and well done on your achievements!
ReplyDeleteI could Never do what you've done! EVER!! Geeez Girlie! Be Proud of yourself!
ReplyDeletePush, push and Keep pushing...Don't stop! You're right...You only have You to push your book, so make it count! When people followed you they Knew what you did...write...so they can suck it up or shove off.
Grrrrr....I Hate when morons try to tell others what they can or cannot do...
Okokok....shutting up now...
hughugs
I think it depends how you do it. Some people don't send out other tweets or interact with people so you don't get to know anything about them. I like to get a sense of who the author is and what the book is about rather than just a link. But that's just me; other people might like a more straight forward approach.
ReplyDeleteYour tweets I'm really enjoying, particularly the extracts from your book; its making me engage with the characters before I've even downloaded it. Don't worry about tweeting excessively; you have a good style and there is a buzz around your book. Its great to see and you should enjoy your success.