Self-Promotion for Writers

Like a dazzling diamond, our writing world has many facets. Sparkle is one. We have to promote our writing wherever we go. We need to spread a bit of that pixie dust among the readers of the world.

Self-promotion is not an easy task for many writers. Most of us were brought up by parents who scolded if we bragged about our accomplishments, or if we tooted our own horn seeming to lord it over others. Promoting your writing is a different kind of  'bragging.' Truth be told, it's not bragging at all. It's a matter of making others aware of what you have written. It's a means for book authors to sell more books. 

So, how are you going to let others know about your writing? Offer to give a program at various organizations in your community, or the surrounding area. You can gear the topic to something that might be of interest to that particular group. A few months ago, I gave a program on writing family stories to a women's group. I read a few of my short pieces to use as examples. A subtle way of letting them know that I am a writer who has sold many short pieces. 

If you have a book published, go to your local bookstore(s) and library to request a time for a book signing. Place an ad in the newspaper to let people know when and where your appearance will be. Book signings don't get huge audiences unless you're a top name author, but remember this--if 15 people attend, more than half of them are probably going to mention you and your book to someone who did not come. Word of mouth works well.

In your own social group, mention any new publication. Your friends are going to be happy for you. They might even introduce to a new person giving your name and then saying that you are a writer. They'll do the 'promoting'  for you. I've had that happen many times. 

Join social media and spread your writing information on every one. We're fortunate to live in an age where social media allows us to reach many people, even internationally. If a writer says she/he doesn't want to bother with social media, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more, they're passing up a golden opportunity. I've met many writers this way, ones who have asked me if they can repost one of my blog posts. What a great way for me to let others know who I am and what I write. 

Join a writer's organization. You'll meet other writers. They'll get to know you and the kind of writer you are. They'll mention you to others. They might ask you to give a program, be on a panel, or offer a workshop at a meeting. It's one more way to let people know who you are and what you write. Rest assured, that, if you participate often enough, your name will be spread by others in the organization to people outside the group. 

Writers who live in small towns have another option. Go to the local newspaper and offer to write a column on a weekly, or monthly, basis that is about reading and writing. If they agree, you have a perfect spot to do some more writing and to promote yourself. The larger circulation the newspaper has, the harder it is going to be to convince the editor to give you a try. If you want to approach the editor, write several sample columns to show him/her. They certainly don't want to give you a job from nothing but your say-so. 

Leave a bit of sparkle wherever you go--'sparkle' equating to self-promotion. Be careful not to overdo it. The suggestions I've given above are going to work better than you constantly telling people about your writing. That can lead to a situation where people begin to avoid you, and that's not the result you're looking for. Be subtle and be friendly, and don't come on too strong. And remember that it's not 'bragging.' It's what you must do to help your writing journey. Leave a bit of sparkle wherever you go.