Putting Yourself Out There

The process of marketing one's book is sometimes thought of as fundamentally at odds with the solitary act of writing. Writers often feel more comfortable being alone with the page, and safely cocooned in the world of the story they are creating, than promoting that world out in the real one. The "sales" side of being an author can feel strange indeed, since all writers have the same desire: write the best thing you can, have the guts to send it out into the world, then watch as people flock to it. Things aren't that simple, of course, especially in today's publishing landscape. I've always felt that marketing one's work requires a shift in mindset whereby you force yourself to split into two people - one the author who writes the stuff, the other the person who promotes it. I've found that adopting this intentional dual personality helps me in being willing to provide an answer when people say, "So, what are you working on?" There is an instinct to clam up and say nothing. But people ask because they want to know. And what you've written might be of benefit to them, for enjoyment, entertainment, information or inspiration. Don't be shy about talking about your writing. You work hard at it. It isn't easy. Not everyone can do it. Be a champion of your own efforts.