I just submitted the last book in my Recon Marines series to my publisher. I'm giving myself a little breathing room before diving into the next series. During this time I'll be preparing my posts for April's A to Z blogging challenge, doing some promo for my friends here and also doing bits of promo for my latest releases.
Promotion stresses me. I don't like the time it takes away from my writing. I'm not comfortable with blitzing Twitter or Facebook. (Won't mind if you like that page) I feel like I'm imposing on my friends when I ask them to promote for me. And I certainly don't like spending money to do it. I've been trying a different approach lately.
Little things. An appearance here and there. A mention now and then on Facebook or Twitter. Today, the very generous Michelle Howard is hosting me on her blog. I'll be talking about dragons to promote my latest fantasy release, First Dragon. Two weeks from now, I'll be somewhere else. Is it enough? Maybe not but I feel comfortable and less stressed. During this month, I'm trying to find one new thing to try each week. I have long lists of ways and places to promote.
My advice today is find your comfort zone. Take charge but don't stress yourself. Please visit Michelle Howard today. She's also running a giveaway during the week with an entry for all comments.
Does promotion stress you out? Any little thing you advise to do? Did you join IWSG blog or Facebook yet?
There are times to leave your comfort zone and times to stay in it. Once March 10th rolls around I can get back in and let it all ride. Until then, I'm outside of it.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of trying one new promotional thing a week. It's challenging, but not stressful. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteA successful business man I know always said it was just a little bit every day. If we can do that, then it's often enough.
ReplyDeletePromotion is a pain in the butt as it takes away from writing time, but as to be done
ReplyDeletei feel the same way! don't like to beg & hate to pay! ha ha
ReplyDeletei like to go and do too. it's tough, but we're tough, right?
and congrats!!
Ugh, I hate promotion. I wish there was a way to be a writer and NOT have to do it - and still sell books, of course ;) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm facing promotion these days too. I made a Facebook author page and don't post much promo stuff on my regular FB page. I liked going to a book fest. I would do that again. I also like library visits. I don't mind going to conventions. Internet promotion is the new frontier for me. I will try stuff and see what works.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about promotion. I like your idea of trying one new thing each week. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeletePromotion isn't fun for me either. I prefer to spread it out with little things here and there.
ReplyDeletePromotion seems to be the thing that makes every author nervous. I think that no one has successfully figured out the best use of time and energy. Part of the problem is that the landscape of social media keeps changing. I hope that you figure out what works for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm suddenly on the fence on the A to Z challenge because it's so much work. I usually do all my planning and posts weeks prior but I have other priorities. I suppose it's time to block out time to do what I need to do, it is a fun challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe promotion stuff seems to work differently for each author. I think you're wise not to bomb your friends with promo because even they have a limit! :)
i have no experience with promotion in the literary world but it does sound very stressful!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call promotion stressful, but it is a lot of work to create fresh and original material about a release.
ReplyDeleteWahoo! Following. Promotion does stress me out a little, just because I'm still figuring out my system. I imagine eventually I'll take it all in stride. For now, well, it is what it is. =)
ReplyDeleteIt is tough for me too. In general I find it hard to ask for things, so certainly I find it difficult to ask anyone to check out my novel (which of course is a time commitment on their end. Not that I'm an expert at all, but something I trying is what I like to call "subliminal promotions." So I take quotes from the book or make artwork inspired by it and tweet or post it on pinterest. It seems like that may be helping, and then it feels like they became interested in the content on their own, rather than me being salesy. =-) Keep me posted if you think of more ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhen (if?) I get to that point, I know I will be right there with you in the struggles to self-promote. The necessary evil in today's publishing world. I hope you find a lot of success in your efforts!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you again Susan for responding to my request to host at my site. I'm nervous about promo things as well (as evident by setting your post for 7pm instead of 7am) :o( I'm always worried about whats the right form of promo and what's too much
ReplyDeletePromotion is stressful and it does steal a lot of writing time. When I first started promoting Hurricane Crimes, I didn't write for two months because it was all I was doing. And you're right, doing what you're comfortable with, without becoming overly stressed, is most important when it comes to promoting your book.
ReplyDeleteI have to make it through the edits before I worry about promotions. I'll see if they kill me first. =P
ReplyDeleteI thought you said you were taking some breathing space? You still sound uber busy!
Promotion takes some boldness. I find it fascinating though.
ReplyDeleteLee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
As in writing, with the promotion, do what works for you. Otherwise, it will work against you.
ReplyDeleteMarketing and promotion does stress me out. I think you have the right of it with one thing a week. I always wonder if I'm doing enough too. Just keep writing and putting yourself out there. Perseverance is the key!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not alone in stressing about promo. I'm really trying not to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your huge achievement, Susan. Accomplishment is right! Promotion is like going to the dentist. You know you have to maintain good teeth/sales, but oy vey, the pain.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Hope it's a best seller.
It's not one of my favourite things to do, but if well managed, then it doesn't have to eat up all our time.
ReplyDeleteHey Susan, I had a bit of trouble finding which blog your post was on, lol! I've liked your fb page. Yeah, promo can suck, but you have to do it.
ReplyDeleteI've never been one to "sell myself" (maybe because I've grown to detest the "hard sell"), so I can understand other's being hesitant in pitching their products.
ReplyDeleteSometime, though, you just have to get out there and plug away...especially if you have something worth buying :)
The promotion is tougher than the writing...and it seems to take even more time. It wish there was one right way to do, but there doesn't seem to be. There's a lot of trial and error...and luck involved. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the series! What an achievement. Promoting does sound stressful but doing it at a constant pace seems like a good idea instead of stressing yourself out. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on subbing your book! I agree, promotion is a bit stressful sometimes. Great idea to try something new every week.
ReplyDeleteI think the trick is to get 95% out of your comfort zone, to do what you need to, but keep a toe or two still inside so you feel anchored.
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm new to IWSG. I love the cover of your new book. I love dragons too. No advice here. I'm writing my first novel, so have not gotten to the promotion part. I do twitter and blog some, write vignettes, flash fiction and short stories. Good luck with the new release. Liked your FB. Happy promoting & writing.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit IWSG post
Sometimes promotion stresses me out too. So I try not to think about how weird it feels to blow your own trumpet and just do it.
ReplyDeleteanna @ Deeply Shallow
Love blogging? Join us for the A to Z Challenge this April!
I haven't done promotions yet, but dang I imagine it is mind numbing! you will do great though!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done promotions yet, but dang I imagine it is mind numbing! you will do great though!
ReplyDelete