Write the Next Book or Promote the Current One?

You may have heard authors say that the best way to market your work is by writing the next book. It's no secret, I love to be drafting a new book. And after I signed my first book contract, I did exactly that. I wrote the next book. I've continued to do that, but what about promotion?

Yes, having more than one book out is good because people who like your writing can purchase your next book. But how will people know about your first book if you don't promote it?

Well, I think I did a lot to promote Touch of Death, and early on too. But as the release date for Stalked by Death approaches (August 13), I realized that I haven't done nearly as much to promote this book. And now I feel guilty. What have I been doing? If you guessed writing the next book, you're right. But is this the right move? Should I be spending more time marketing?

I think the answer to both questions is yes. I should be writing another book, but I should also be marketing more. It's about balance. So I'm making a conscious effort to spend more time marketing while I continue to work on new projects.

What are your thoughts on the best way to market yourself as an author?