Self-Promotion for Writers

March often comes in with a bit of snow on the ground and crocuses peeking through the cold stuff. This year, here in Kansas, March floated in with sunshine and temps near 70. In like a lamb, so does that mean it goes out like a lion? I hope not. However it comes or goes, it's the third month of 2020 and it's here.

The other day, a writer friend posted a photo of a magazine on Facebook. One of her essays had been published by this well-known literary publication. She mentioned that she was happy to share but is often reluctant to self-promote. I'm so pleased she did self-promote this time as she is a fine essayist and deserves the recognition. 

Promoting our writing is recommended, and decidely so. My friend is not the only writer to be shy about letting the world know what he/she has accomplished. Many writers love the writing, hate the marketing and self-promotion. 

Why self-promote? 

• To let others know what you have written
• To sell books, especially those self-published
• To reach out to editors for future publications
• To boost your writing career
• To get your 'name' into the wriiting world
• To help secure future writing assignments
• Beacause you're proud of what you accomplished (It's perfectly alright to be proud!)
• To give encouragement to other writers by showing what you have achieved

How to self-promote

• When you have a new publication, post on social media--Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• Add publications to your resume
• If you have self-published a book, send a press release to local newspapers, tv and radio stations, organizations that might be looking for a speaker
• Tell your writer friends. They will be happy for you and encouraged to keep trying with their own writing. They will also spread the word.
• Offer to give a workshop or talk at a writing conference. Use your own work as examples.
• If you have a blog or website, highlight any new publications you have

Why are we often reluctant to self-promote?

• Blame your mother! Our mothers often told us not to brag about what we've done. That lesson is hard to overcome, even when it's a big part of your writing world to do so.
• Teachers told us to be humble. No 'tooting your own horn' they often said. Get past that because you must self-promote to further your writing career. 
• Perhaps your nature is to be more introverted. If so, it definitely IS difficult to self-promote. You'll need to work at it a little at a time. Don't be embarrassed about doing it. Some other writer is going to step up and pass you by if you stay in the shadows. 

Attitude plays a big part in the way you self-promote. If you tout your writing as a gift to the world and indicate that everybody should be thrilled to read the words you wrote, you're not going to come across very well. Do the promotion with a bit of finesse and humility, and people will accept your self-promotion just fine. My friend is a kind and polite person. She would never come across as a braggart. 

Like all things, with practice it becomes easier to do. Remember that you are appealing to readers and sharing with writer friends. There is nothing wrong with either one.