Channeling P. T. Barnum
Not too long ago, I appeared on panels at a convention. When introducing themselves, some of my fellow authors cited sales figures and dollar amounts they earn from writing.
The numbers were impressive. So much so that eventually I said to myself, “Damn! In the business for decades, dozens of novels published, and I’m the least successful writer at the event. How badly must I have screwed up for that to happen?”
But on further reflection, I’m not so sure it did. Maybe I’m simply in denial, but I suspect some (definitely not all, but some) of my colleagues were stretching the truth. I mean, what were the odds that everybody but me was a consistently bestselling superstar?
I’m curious what others think on the general subject of authors misrepresenting their levels of success. So, if the topic interests you, please weigh in on the following:
How frequently and flagrantly do you think writers exaggerate their accomplishments?
When we do, is that a despicable con and a violation of the audience’s trust? Or is “Fake it until you make it” just Basic Marketing 101? Should we all be channeling P. T. Barnum?
The numbers were impressive. So much so that eventually I said to myself, “Damn! In the business for decades, dozens of novels published, and I’m the least successful writer at the event. How badly must I have screwed up for that to happen?”
But on further reflection, I’m not so sure it did. Maybe I’m simply in denial, but I suspect some (definitely not all, but some) of my colleagues were stretching the truth. I mean, what were the odds that everybody but me was a consistently bestselling superstar?
I’m curious what others think on the general subject of authors misrepresenting their levels of success. So, if the topic interests you, please weigh in on the following:
How frequently and flagrantly do you think writers exaggerate their accomplishments?
When we do, is that a despicable con and a violation of the audience’s trust? Or is “Fake it until you make it” just Basic Marketing 101? Should we all be channeling P. T. Barnum?
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