How One Introverted Author Successfully Markets His Work

Kitty Cornered: How Frannie and Five Other Incorrigible Cats Seized Control of Our House and Made It Their Home, released this spring.

I don’t think you keep it a secret that you’re an introvert. Lots of writers who are introverts tell me they are bad at marketing (or dislike it) because they’re not extroverted. Thoughts on this issue?

For me the introvert-extrovert thing doesn’t apply a whole lot to online activity. What’s more introverted than sitting alone in a room and typing with the shades down? The reason that I have trouble with online marketing is a remarkable lack of self-confidence. If my sales ranking tanks on Amazon on any given day, I think, well, that proves it. My stuff isn’t any good, and I’m a despicable person. As a self-disrespecting neurotic, I wrestle with these feelings constantly.

Well, your stuff is pretty awesome. You had some stellar reviews and coverage for your first book, Kitty Cornered does as well once it gets a more exposure. The novelty of writing a pet memoir about ducks has to be a big factor in its success. And so is the humor. There are lots of great pet books out there, but few that come from the perspective of a clueless, bumbling soul like myself who is outsmarted by his animals at every turn. Despite the jokes, my huge love for our pets comes through, and people respond to that.

I think it’s mostly been word of mouth that’s taken Kitty Cornered, and they came up with the terrific idea of having the six cats from my book write a monthly advice column for other cats. So “Ask Six Cats” will be a regular feature on the Algonquin Books Blog.

We’re also using Twitter in a really fun way. Each Friday from 12:30-1:00 p.m., a different cat from Kitty Cornered. I also found it was perfect for quick little quips that didn’t fit into a book. I was surprised at the level of response I got, and I began to really enjoy the process. Three years later, I’m inching toward the Kitty Cornered and she gave me the names of the recipients in case I wanted to friend them on Facebook, too.

I’m just starting out with Twitter (@BobTarte), and I’m still figuring out how to use it. Pinterest baffles me, but I’ll give it a go.

I get a ton of questions from writers about how to balance writing with marketing. Is it something you even think about? Has marketing taken up more time with each new book? Does it eat into your writing time?

It definitely cuts into writing. I’m not in the right mental space right now to start working on another book, because I’m putting so much psychic energy into promotion. I’m good at it when it involves creative activities, like guest blogging. Despite my painful shyness and winning humility, I do well at book signings and workshops, especially when more than three people show up. But I’m a miserable failure at forcing myself to perform repetitive tasks such as e-mailing all the vets in the country and letting them know that I wrote book about cats.

If you’re a pet owner or pet lover, check out Bob’s website, where you can find out more about his books, podcasts, and other offerings. And anyone with a cat should be sure to visit the Ask 6 Cats blog.

Or, take a look at each of his books on Amazon:

•Enslaved by Ducks