There, I said it.
I don’t want to be that guy joining forums, groups, discussions just to pimp my wares, a naked ego clothed only in my latest’s back-cover blurb and a Smashwords coupon code. Drive-by marketing is obnoxious, transparent, tiresome at best. And what with Mark Driscoll’s “Real Marriage” dust-up, the last thing I want to do is use ResultSource
I know advertizing and promotion is essential; a good book never read is the same as a bad book. The question is how to carve out the time to invest rather than impose? To locate places of genuine potential interest rather than spin up the hype where it’s unmerited? And contribute genuine support to other members of those online/physical communities?
Time is a precious commodity. With everyone already busy enough, it’s tough to maintain already established connections. And it’s getting more difficult to wade – to even want to wade – through the sludge these days. With ‘The Barrow Lover’ up next, I’m seriously struggling with how I’m going to honestly and earnestly promote it.
Any thoughts here?
Hot Space Station Justice 
Amen, brother! I hate talking about myself and about my projects during promotion periods. I wish I didn’t have to ’cause most of my days doing that I could be spending working on something interesting. Thankfully it’s only for a short time and after that period I can move on for several months doing what I like best. Very insightful post, Patrick!
Good to hear from you, bro. Hope all is well.
One of the reasons I never sign my glass work is I prefer to let the piece speak for itself and gain it’s own identity. The fact that I’m the artist comes out anyway. I just don’t like to lead with my face.
However, I believe the key is long-term consistency, not only for commercial success in this market, but a clean conscience. I actually want to form good relationships and support other artists/writers. A rising tide… and all that. The challenge is finding the right forums and balancing the relationships with work and other obligations.
Take care.
The art you illustrated your article with says it all about why we have bad feelings about marketing! I understand your reactions. But . . . If you hate marketing, you can hire someone who loves marketing to do it for you; or you can reframe your concept about it—as in, you’re doing it for your own good (and for the good of getting your work out there). You can also try doing your self-marketing in a less sleazy way, like Austin Kleon recommends in his newest book, Show Your Work. As for time, I have no insights to offer. Time is precious. Hard to find time to do something you hate, isn’t it? Hmmmnnnnn, maybe that’s another blog topic — thanks for your post. Got me thinking.
Thank you for commenting, Jann. I appreciate you taking the time.
*sigh* I have to rein in my attitude. This post was prompted by recent visits to Goodreads – where I used to be far more active – and the deluge of one-shot self-promos I got smacked with. It was like a swarm of mosquitoes. Hugely annoying.
I’ll also say Goodreads has been subtly different since Amazon gobbled it up.
I do search out appropriate venues for my work. I’ll do the same with The Barrow Lover. It’s the specter of the Time required that shivered me. But there’s noting to be done about it.
Hiring a marketing company is an excellent suggestion but then we have the Time/Money trade-off. And of course to find a reputable one…
End of the day, I’m just praying for God’s help and improvising as I go along.
Thanks again and take care.
Appreciate the chance for the dialog. It strikes me that blogging here about your book might be a great way to find people interested in reading it. As in, now you’ve piqued my interest! Didn’t know Goodreads was bought by Amazon, that kinda sucks. Thanks for the insights, too.
I’m dreading the (what I assume to be) inevitable marketing that will come with publishing. I’m not at that stage, yet, but I have friends going through the process, and they share many of your sentiments. But, as another commenter said, it’s like the grunt work. Getting through the tediousness of it so that your books (and thus you) can prosper because of it. And, additionally, you have the chance to forge long-lasting relationships with all sorts of people. That’s one benefit, at least! Best of luck to you!