How does one avoid becoming a small name with a big ego?

[Courtney]

I’ve only grown really active on GRs this last month; however, have noticed peculiar and polarized complaints around the site. On one side there are self-published authors who want to promote their books and – on the other – are avid readers who are wary about pushy authors seeking reviews.

I’m going to say upfront I’m an aspiring author myself, but it will be months before I even have a novel for anyone to consider reading. My purpose for posting this is to express some bewilderment over how difficult it seems for indie authors to draw attention to their work. I honestly didn’t anticipate the pond would be so big with so many fish of various sizes seeking out nibbles. I admit, that was naïve, but still wonder what polluted the waters.

I’m not going to speculate as to whether some novels are crafted better than others. We’ve all read lackluster books that are backed by major publishers and maybe romanticize how many diamonds-in-the-rough are tucked away in self-publishing. What I’ve gathered is some authors have a questionable, if not discourteous, approach to promoting their work.

For instance, befriending others on GR who have numerous friends but a lack of common interests. I tried striking up a conversation with one of my friends here and she gave me a generic response that was sure to mention her book was on sale and I should check it out. Her novels aren’t even a genre I typically read, which made her response all the more inconsiderate. The” small-name, big-ego” approach is not endearing.

That said, I’ve met some very unique, thought-provoking people who are sometimes writers. I max out my messages almost daily corresponding with those I’ve befriended because I want to discuss novels, authors and any other common ground I find in my friends here. Part of my New Year’s resolution is to read books of my friends on this site because I’ve gotten to know them and feel I might enjoy their stories. I just prefer being earnest and endearing, not sycophantic and simpering.

I’m not in a position to promote and won’t be for a while, but I’m wondering if people can recommend some polite and conscientious ways of doing so without coming across as another desperate author firing a shotgun in the dark? I don’t expect to become a darling author, but can’t bear the thought of talking at people through my teeth. I would appreciate any advice on how to put my best foot forward, not just shove it in my mouth.

In advance, thank you for contributing your experiences and opinions.

- Courtney

[Yzabel]

I'm in no place to promote myself, but I dislike the aggressive/spammy approach, too, and I hope I won't fall into that trap.

Honestly, I don't know. I think what we can do, though, is to "make a name for ourselves" as readers, as contributors to groups—as people, all that simply. Of course, I mean contributing in useful ways; not by trolling, confronting others for the sake of causing ruckus, and various other manners that will only build us a bad reputation.

Again, I don't know if this works as a marketing approach. As far as I'm concerned, I do things this way because it's the natural way for me, and I don't really question it. Maybe others won't agree, or find me naive. I guess that, in the end, I just like being seen for the person I am, discuss matters that interest me, and make friends with, indeed, similar tastes. Which I would do anyway, whether I want to publish a novel or not.

[Bradley]

Well I joined goodreads in a hope that I could share my thoughts with fans and fellow writers/authors. I definitely don't want to seem pushy. I do tend to befriend different sorts of people here, but that's also because I want to follow their interests and develop friendships that might be along the lines of what I write about, or possibly new realms I am interested in.

To promote yourself I always recommend creating QAs, spreading the word of what stories you are working on. I also recommend setting stories for free when you can. The world is pretty harsh when it comes to finding an Agent. I've queried several agents and I have been turned down countless times. But that doesn't really stop me. I have a passion and if you have that passion and the option to self publish, why not pursue the audience yourself? You'll find fans and they will come back time and time again.

[Courtney]

Thank you. I'm in that boat too.

I don't know much about grass root campaigning, but it seems absurd to expect people to jump at the chance to read your book when you're just another person advertizing in a corner of some group? Also, I'm not convinced free R&R is making a huge impression on people. It seems like starving artist are giving away their book and they might not even get a positive response for it.

I know books with high ratings lend to consideration for others to read, but I don't see why someone can't pay .99 cents - $3.99 for a book that sounds interesting enough for them. If I did a R&R for someone I would probably just shell out the whopping four bucks and give my opinion.

It's almost like self-publishing is veering into fanfiction, where people spend all this time crafting a novel without getting paid for their effort or creativity. I want to compensate people for their work, especially if you know self-published authors aren't making millions.

[Courtney]

Brad, you are a classy fellow. I respect your sincerity and savvy around GRs.

Maybe I'm just hoping for good faith to come with the charity I see in self-publishing. I'm not suggesting people buy reviews (ick) but I believe in the philosophy of a band called Cloud Cult "It's not an eye for an eye, but a favor for a favor".

There's nothing I wouldn't do for a friend. If I can help endorse them, I want to do that.

[Bradley]

Well it would be great if we as self published authors did make millions, but that simply isn't the case. I write because I enjoy seeing those random copies purchased and hope that people enjoy the story. Grass roots is a great option, but I doubt you will become rich unless you have a major hit. Granted I'm not saying it can't happen. At times I have as many as over a hundred copies downloaded at a time. And sometimes you find fans that download more than one story. In fact, I had one person download all of the stories I had available once. But those moments are what you live for as a self published author.

[Bradley]

I know what you mean Cour. I definitely agree.