Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The Painful Truth -- or part of it

So, you want to get published, huh?

Well, I’ve never met Elizabeth Peters.

For that matter, I’ve never even glimpsed Agatha Christie, Rex Stout or a myriad of other authors whose work I enjoy. Do I wish I had? Maybe. Would it have been fun, or disappointing? I don’t know. However, I’m okay with just reading their books.

Pardon the literary equivalent of whip-lash. If you’ve made it this far into my column, you’re undoubtedly wondering if I have a point. Well, of course I do. Here it is: It’s expected these days – meeting people, that is. In person, in social media, in newsletters and especially in large, impersonal quantities. It’s a part of selling books. Does it work? That’s hard to say. Anybody who knows anything about marketing also knows “presence” is required if your “target audience” is to know you exist so they can throw money in your direction.

Does that make you cringe? Yeah, me too. In fact, I don’t know too many authors who are chomping at the bit to go out and self-promote. The “large quantities” are an elusive, daunting goal. Especially for us introverts (read “writers”).
Joyce Yarrow, Jeanne Matthews and me at a recent event.
You should read their books ... and mine. 

Why do we persist in doing this thing that so many of us hate and feel so inadequate in doing? Why force ourselves to think of new, attention-getting activities, and a lot of old ones that publishers used to do to promote their authors? Because we’re trying to reach those people who will smack themselves in the head and declare to their friends and acquaintances, "I've just finished a book that you have to read!”

Word of mouth. It’s the best marketing tool there is, and tapping into it is a bitch. 

Yup. That's THE reason I’ve read all of Elizabeth Peters’ books (including those under her other names), Agatha Christie, Rex Stout et al. It's because someone suggested them to me in the first place, and I took it from there.

That’s what we all try to do, write the best book we can and then pray to the god of mystery readers that people like it – especially that person who will tell their friends. Have you told a friend about a book you’ve read and enjoyed? Go ahead and do it. You’ll be doing the author a favor that costs you nothing, and chances are that initial book you bought cost less than the Thigh Master® sitting in the back of your closet you don’t want anyone to know you have. 


So, those of you who long to publish (indie or otherwise), do you still want to do it?


12 comments:

  1. You should ask those of us so HAVE done it whether we want to continue. I'm not at all sure I do. I love hearing someone say, "I love your books!" I appreciate my readers. But I'm tired, after 6 traditionally published books, of the constant struggle to reach readers. Like most writers, I'd rather just write.

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    1. It is a constant struggle. And something I wasn't prepared for when I published my first book. I thought it would get easier and each subsequent book would simply increase the momentum. The entire marketing process is disheartening on many levels but, like you, I continue to write because I love it.

      By the way, I've read all your books and I love them. Glad you continue to hang in there!

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  3. I agree wholeheartedly with Sandra, though I've never come close to the face to face events she has participated in or probably you either, Susan. I've done a few, that's all. I've finally come to the conclusion that the best way to reach readers is to keep writing my books and putting them out there. Even social media is beginning to rankle me because I find those people who are always pitching annoying. I don't want to be annoying, so I try to limit my posts. Sometimes I read my reviews just to know that people are reading my books. I feel pitiful doing it, but it fills some kind of justification for doing what I'm doing.

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    1. I've found that "doing" events with author-friends helps keep the disappointing times from being quite so disappointing. However, I've reached the same conclusion as you: Keep writing. And forget about social media. I've also forgiven myself for my disinclination to promote myself. In all the years of trying, it's never become easier.

      I've read your books, by the way, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I'm delighted to have two such wonderful authors such as you and Sandra stop by and comment. Keep writing -- I'd miss your books if you stopped!

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    1. Then, William, I shall quote Dorothy Parker; “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”

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  5. Well, I'm not doing anything else, besides writing, and I can't do that 24/7. Might as well keep trying to sell them. I'm not going to quit writing them.

    I love social media, if only for connecting with other writers and knowing I'm not alone in this room at this machine.

    Sandra, Susan, and Polly, you know I love your books!

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    1. Kaye, I wish I had your enthusiasm and your finesse for marketing & social media. I've watched you, over the years, produce one wonderful piece of work after another and be flexible in your approach in getting your work to readers. I know you've worked at it, but ... you also have always returned to the spot where you enjoy it! I am envious! (And I'm also delighted you enjoy my books!)

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    2. You're very much too kind, Susan! But, you know, if it's not fun, why do it? It's way better than cleaning house, doing laundry, cooking, etc. Luckily, I have an excellent house-husband, retired full-time.

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  6. I haven't done any in person promo as yet, but I have gotten more comfortable with social media. In some ways I think it's a somewhat safer way to go. I've met a couple of authors whose in person interactions have turned me off from buying any more of their books. :-(

    I also try to review books I like--but under another name, so as not to run afoul of the strictures against authors reviewing authors. I've definitely reviewed yours Susan!

    Back to writing now.

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    1. I haven't had any unfortunate interactions with authors, but (maybe it's just me!) once I meet an author I have a tendency to see them in the role of their protagonist! I don't believe that's what they always have in mind. I don't want people seeing me as Thea -- I created her, but she's not me!

      Kudos to you for taking the time to write reviews. I'm very far behind on that, and heaven knows I realize how important they can be to an author!

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