Promotion Q&A

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I have to take a moment to be honest about something that’s been weighing heavily on me of late and that’s promoting my books. I love my books and I’ll happily talk about them all day long, but I don’t like selling people on the idea of buying them. I’m structuring this particular article in a Q&A Form so we can have a little fun with it. Some of these are based on emails that I have received in other areas.

“Good Lord Man, what are you thinking?”

It’s a very simple proposition to me. I write them and then let the world know they are out there. The way I see it, if people like my work well enough, they will leave a review and tell their friends. At least that’s how I’m given to understand how things are supposed to work. I’m not a salesman and I personally don’t enjoy being beat over the head with Book Ads. It’s not fun and definitely a turn-off. I prefer to get to know the author and then check out their work. Or at least get some really good recommendations from people whose opinion I trust.

“You’re self-published. How do you expect to make any sales if you don’t put out the effort?”

Honestly, I really try to care more about selling my work, but the cold hard reality is that I’m not a salesman. I mean, I’ll do it but most of the time writing promotional material is like stumbling around in the dark with a flickering flashlight. Sure, you’ll get there eventually but you’ll stumble over a lot of crap in the meantime.

“You do realize that writing articles like this doesn’t reflect well on you or ‘The Community’?”

I didn’t realize that I was part of ANY community. I’m just one guy writing stories and working to make his mark on the world. I speak for no one but myself. If you need a hug, the line starts behind the creepy guy in the back who smells like rancid butter. Just kidding…hehe.

“Well, if you don’t like to promote your work, maybe you should go back to the Traditional Path?”

Who says I ever left it? Self-Publishing (I won’t be using Indie or Independent Publishing anymore.) for me is an experiment, one that’s worked out pretty well over the past 10 months (Even 1 sale a month is a good thing because someone out there is enjoying my work), I enjoy the creative and functional control it affords me and it’s fun so I see no reason not to continue doing it. I simply have a little issue with pushing my books when I already promote myself every time I have an online interaction. This blog is proof enough that I’m willing to put myself out there for the sake of my craft.

“Are you venting?”

Okay, you caught me. I’m venting just a bit, but a little airing of the Soul now and again is a good thing. I also have a touch of the Monday Grumblies so putting on the Curmudgeon Suit is par for the course. Thanks for your time. 🙂

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4 thoughts on “Promotion Q&A”

  1. Took the words right out of my mouth. It’s hard to do something your not too kean on doing. But good work will always fall into the right hands no matter what.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Oh yes. I relate completely. I keep hoping someone famous (like Oprah) will accidentally follow me on Twitter and boom! change my life forever! Because the sales/promotion part is exhausting with little result for a lot of hard work.

    Liked by 1 person

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