I met an author recently who expressed a problem some of you might have. She said that she knows marketing. She understands how to promote a book or anything else. But she can’t bring herself to talk up her own book.
Does this describe you? Are you hesitant to toot your own horn—to tell people about your marvelous book?
I give advice about publishing and book marketing all day long, but this problem has me stumped. The only thing I can think of is to suggest hiring someone to promote your book. Sure, it’s done all the time—authors hire publicists to get the marketing ball rolling. The only thing is, some of the marketing efforts bring the focus back on the author who must make appearances and talk about his/her books. I guess you could limit your promotion strictly to online efforts, that is, if you are okay with typing promotional material.
Or you could even hire a qualified friend who could use some extra money. If, by chance you were to meet someone just like you—someone who finds it rather pushy to tout his/her own book or another product—you could trade products and responsibilities. The other author could promote your book and you could promote his/her product.
The only other obvious suggestions are to forget about publishing a book or going into any business where you must market yourself or your product, or you could seek help. There must be some sort of mindset going on that, with work, could be changed.
I’d like to hear from others with this hang-up and learn how you have overcome it. Leave your comment here.
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I’m not trying to sell a book right now. But, my comfort level is only so so when it comes to pushing things on other people – b/c I know I don’t like it. I think there is an obnoxious way to try and sell your books, which would quickly get annoying; and then there is the organic way where you let it come about in conversation. Or you where a tshirt with a slogan from your book on it. Really word of mouth is the best way! As in other people reading your book, loving it and spreading word.
Hi Laura,
You are so right. Bookselling should be subtle–as you say, organic. In fact, it is more about finding your audience and letting them know about your book than it is going out and selling your book.
Thanks for reminding us of this.
Patricia