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.

Seven Ways To Sell Yourself To Readers

Note:  This is a repeat of an article meant to help writers sell themselves to readers. It can be more difficult than writing. Hope these suggestions may be of some help. 

Writers know that the first person in line we need to impress is an editor. Without him/her, our work never sees the light of day. But selling what you’ve written is only one step to being a successful writer. You also need to sell yourself to readers. They’re the ones who will come back for a second helping if they like what they read the first time.

It’s not easy to constantly promote yourself, especially if you don’t have a balloon-like ego. Quiet, introverted writers find it difficult to sing their own praises but it’s almost a necessity if you want to make it in the writing world. Even social extroverts aren’t always aware of what they can do to make readers seek them out nor are they completely comfortable in doing so.

Maybe you’re a writer who prefers solitary confinement, spending your time doing what you do best—writing. There comes a time when you need to raise your head and make a concerted effort to promote yourself. You’ll see results, although they may not be immediate. So, what can you do to sell yourself as a writer?

1. Share Your Published Work
When you have an article or story published, don’t hesitate to send it to all your friends and family. They, in turn, will probably share it with others and your work and your name spread to untold places around the globe. I had a hard time doing this in the early days of my writing life. I feared that people who meant something to me would look at me as a braggart but I’ve learned that it is a benefit to me and truly liked by many of those recipients. I try to add an out for them by saying they should hit the delete button if they have no interest. That makes it guilt-free for any who aren’t interested.

2. Submit to Ezines As Well As Print Publications
There are benefits when you submit your work to ezines, better described as online magazines. They can reach many thousands of people while a print magazine may only have a circulation of 5 or 6,000. There’s value in keeping your name in the cyberspace of the writing world regularly, as readers begin to recognize your name.  Print magazines are normally published in one country but ezines reach across the seven seas to multiple countries.

3. Capitalize On the Electronic World
What better way to plug your work than on Facebook and Twitter? I have a Facebook account which I use for social networking but also to let others know when I’ve had something published or when I have a blog posting that might be of interest to writers and also non-writers. I post the same information on my state authors’ organization Facebook page and other facebook pages that are for writers. Consider a personal website. You may need to hire someone to help you design and set it up, but it’s probably money well spent. Like all things, you can start with something basic or go for the Cadillac right away.  Leave comments on other websites and blogs with your website/blog address. Curious readers click on links.

4. Join Local, State and National Writers’ Groups
Become active in writers’ groups, the face to face kind. I’ve entered my state authors club contest ever since becoming a member years ago and I’ve placed many times. More than once, when I’ve introduced myself at a state convention, someone will say, “Oh, I’ve seen your name before.” It works in small groups or large. Make your work visible in every way you can and your name becomes recognizable. If the group has a newsletter with writer news, make sure you send in your publishing successes. Let your name appear as often as possible.

5. Accept Speaking Engagements
If you have an opportunity to speak to a small group at your church or a civic organization, accept it. It can be nerve-wracking at first but it gets easier each time and more people in your community will label you a writer whenever they see you. One
appearance may lead to more invitations to share your work. And again, your name becomes familiar. People in your community and surrounding area will soon know that you write great science fiction stories or that your travel articles contain insight and humor. They’ll remember you when seeking a program for some other organization. It’s not necessary to wait until asked either. There’s nothing wrong in letting groups know you would be willing to speak. Don’t do it meekly either. Tell them you would love to speak at one of the meetings, that you have a couple terrific programs that would be informative and entertaining. Sell yourself to get your foot in that first door.

6. Be A Blogger
Another way to sell yourself is to become a blogger. Starting a blog connected to your writing is not enough. You need to let people know about your blog. Leave comments at other blogs and sign with your blog address. Use your blog address as a set signature on all your e-mails. Advertise your blog on Facebook and Twitter. Add as many labels at the bottom of your blog as possible. The more keywords you have, the better your chances of a search engine zeroing in on your blog. Take time to study all the gadgets and stat tracking that your blog host offers. The more extras you use, the more visible you’ll become.

7. Take Advantage of Publisher’s Press Releases
Publishers often send press releases to TV and radio stations in your area, also newspapers. I’ve appeared on an afternoon TV show several times because of press releases sent by the Chicken Soup for the Soul publishers.  I’ll admit the initial appearance gave me butterflies in my stomach all day long but the host of the show put me at ease once we were on the air as he interviewed me and discussed the process of getting a story into an anthology. I’ve read several of my stories from other Chicken Soup books on this same show, and now I enjoy doing so. No more butterflies. I’m helping the publishers but I’m also selling myself. If you receive an invitation to do something similar, remember that it’s up to you to accept and it’s a terrific way to become known to the reading public. Don’t pass up a golden opportunity like this.

At this point, you may be thinking that selling yourself amounts to bragging. You might remember your mother teaching you to be humble, to not blow your own horn. That’s still true in some instances, but when your writing career is the subject, it’s more than okay. Go right ahead and inform the world about you and your writing. No one can do it better than you. Believe in yourself and go for it!