One thing that keeps getting in the way of writing every day is marketing my other books. This is, in many ways, a joyful interruption.
But I’ll admit that my early dreams of a writing career included the rather naïve notion that if I became a published author all I would have to do is feed my writing life. I’d be writing, of course, but it would also include reading, attending conferences, learning from others in critique groups and so forth. I’ll always keep working at my craft. But essentially what I want to do is feed the inspiration that leads to better writing. I’m not sure Marketing falls in that category—at least not for me.
But with something like 122,000 titles published every year, how are any of my books supposed to get noticed?
Marketing.
I have a mixed opinion about marketing. I know it’s effective in the hands of professionals, but deep down I’ve always believed that a good book will be published and eventually noticed. Just write a good book and it’ll market itself.
Or you can be blessed with a big marketing budget from your publisher!
But with the Internet it’s far more affordable for authors to reach readers. I do believe it’s important for writers to make an effort to be “out there” for readers to interact with, at least on some level.
So I’ve been doing a series of online interviews, a few of which include book giveaways. That means occasionally looking in on the comment section, to see if I should be responding to anything. I’m an avid reader, but unfortunately a slow reader so even this pleasant little task takes time out of my day, a day that’s all too short to begin with.
As I’m writing this I also have a few booksignings set up, and a short online course I’m offering in conjunction with a conference presentation. I’ve concluded teaching is not my gifted area, otherwise I would enjoy it far more than I do. So I’m co-teaching a workshop with an agent a friend of mine set up. I’m sure we’ll have fun, and I’m sure she’s happy that at least one person at the conference won’t be trying to nail her down to read a submission. I’m happy with my own agent, thank you. But all of this does take time, and like everyone else, time is a precious commodity.
Especially lately. I have two boys, one 13 and one 10 years old. Both bring their own joys to the lives of my husband and me, and of course their own challenges. My 13 year old has Fragile X Syndrome, a form of genetic mental retardation. And while that means he can’t be left alone and needs extra attention, he’s also extremely sweet and easy to be around for the most part. My 10 year old is far more social than either my husband or me, which means kids are in and out of the house while we try keeping track of his safety and whereabouts. Do you know how long the summers are? And during the school year, have you any idea how many holidays there are in one year? It’s a good thing I require less sleep as I’m getting older!
The fact of the matter is I have to find a way to write in spite of interruptions, distractions, demands and responsibilities. Deadlines have a way of reminding me to keep focused and not spend time on marketing that won’t be worth the time spent.
What kind of marketing is the most effective? I’ve been told it’s most effective when there’s a good product behind it, so that’s the first step. Make your writing the best it can be.
I’ve also been told that marketing has to meet two needs—emotional first, then rational. Novels can (and should) provide an emotional reaction. Escape, entertainment, education.
But rational? I think these days reading is more rational than ever, since it’s one of the most affordable forms of entertainment and gets our imaginations going. It’s good for the brain. But that also gets back to the product quality. It’s easy to admit you’re reading a book when it’s so well written you want to tell someone about it. Share a book, tell a friend—which brings me to what I’ve heard is the most effective marketing tool of all. Word of mouth.
And the best way to hope for that is to write a good book.
Speaking of which, I’d better get to work.
Join Me!