Over the next few posts, I’ll be discussing the challenges and joys of promoting yourself and your books by listing my clues (after all, I am a mystery writer) to shameless successful self-promotion for authors.
And I say “shameless” without fear because if you don’t have faith in the value of your writing, why should anyone else?
Why should you be ashamed, embarrassed or shy to trumpet—well perhaps just gently toot—your own horn?
Glynne Turner and I recently did by pitching our new multimedia Quillr® storytelling concept via a press release. This resulted in the fun pic below along with a nice newspaper spread.
Photo of Glynne Turner & Nicola Furlong promoting Quillr®. Credit Peninsula News Review
For some reason, self promotion in the book publishing biz is considered distasteful and vain. I have found this attitude particularly vexing, especially since I’ve noticed the complete opposite in the screenwriting/filmmaking industry.
I’ve been fortunate to have a some of my screenplays/concepts optioned for movies and TV series (no, none as yet have made it to the big or little screen but that’s another story).
In the movie/TV industry, advertising one’s product is de rigeur.
The indie writer/producer/director who maxes out her credit cards to make and flog her flic receives accolades for her guts and determination and her work receives attention.
But if an author steps forward to undertake her own publicity, she may be derided and the value of her work tainted.
Why?
I don’t have the answer.
All I can say is this: if readers don’t know about your work, they can’t buy it.
So, if you’re willing to step out into the limelight, even a little, to market the efforts of your hard work, then read on.
And pat yourself on the back.
Tags: self-promotion, writing how to