Writing takes a lot of time and dedication. Have I enlightened anyone yet?
Yes, I’m being facetious.
I’m sure all writers, new and seasoned alike, know painfully well just how much time and dedication it does take to write cohesively. If you’re a writer through and through chances are you will spend a lot of time, no, make that a great deal of time writing, editing, rewriting, and just plain obsessing over every little word and if you’re anything like me, you’ll even have nightmares about run-on sentences :)
Okay so writing takes effort, and writing is not a bowl of cherries or a walk in the park, we get that, but what are you really getting at? Indie support. Indie support??
Let me explain…
Most indie (independent) authors have chosen an alternate path to publishing, that is self-publishing. And while self-publishing leveled the playing field by giving new authors opportunities to get their books in front of potential readers, the trend came with its own set of challenges, the lack of promotional support being one of them.
Today’s indie authors need to take promotion and advertising into their own hands. For some promotion comes by word of mouth, others by way of family and friends while others have developed a network of like-minded individuals (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.). This is where the indie support fits in. We need to promote each other's work and we need to pat each other in the back. The honest truth is that there’s just too much to do as an indie author to even gain modest recognition, so supporting each other is one simple way we can help the indie industry as a whole.
In closing, I want to say a big thank you to all those already doing promo work, I appreciate you :)
Encouraging others is good karma too so pass it on!
That’s all. Until next time!
Maria
Yes, I’m being facetious.
I’m sure all writers, new and seasoned alike, know painfully well just how much time and dedication it does take to write cohesively. If you’re a writer through and through chances are you will spend a lot of time, no, make that a great deal of time writing, editing, rewriting, and just plain obsessing over every little word and if you’re anything like me, you’ll even have nightmares about run-on sentences :)
Okay so writing takes effort, and writing is not a bowl of cherries or a walk in the park, we get that, but what are you really getting at? Indie support. Indie support??
Let me explain…
Most indie (independent) authors have chosen an alternate path to publishing, that is self-publishing. And while self-publishing leveled the playing field by giving new authors opportunities to get their books in front of potential readers, the trend came with its own set of challenges, the lack of promotional support being one of them.
Today’s indie authors need to take promotion and advertising into their own hands. For some promotion comes by word of mouth, others by way of family and friends while others have developed a network of like-minded individuals (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.). This is where the indie support fits in. We need to promote each other's work and we need to pat each other in the back. The honest truth is that there’s just too much to do as an indie author to even gain modest recognition, so supporting each other is one simple way we can help the indie industry as a whole.
In closing, I want to say a big thank you to all those already doing promo work, I appreciate you :)
Encouraging others is good karma too so pass it on!
That’s all. Until next time!
Maria
I used to think that writing a novel and getting it published was the greatest challenge I'd face as an author but little did I anticipate that the marketing side of writing would consume a much larger slice of my resources.
ReplyDeleteEven with the backing of a publishing house, I am still required to do much of the leg work of marketing both myself and my work - and I don't mind doing it - but it requires as much work and commitment as writing does.
I try to help out where I can, especially with authors who are emerging - because I know now how overwhelming the marketing journey can be.
Hi Dean,
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing the same for a couple of years now: once the hurdle of finishing the book is over the next one begins, the selling :))
Thank you so much for your insight. Now following your blog!
Take care, Maria
Oh wow! I just saw this reply - thank you for adding my blog to your roster :)
DeleteThough people tend to cringe a little at it, the trio of a Blog, Facebook and Twitter are still a great way to begin your marketing journey & connect with an audience. Once one has that in place, it isn't so daunting to add building blocks (aka other networking tools) to the mix.
The 'trio' as you say is VERY important and writers need to understand that social media networking is pivotal. As indie writers we need to market ourselves every which way possible and Twitter & Facebook are important mediums to help us do that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for staying in touch :)