It's been just over three years since I started my novel. I'm sure some of you can relate - working, family, etc. Sometimes, it was just hard to fit writing time into the schedule. I stuck with it and when I finally finished the edits and the rewrites, I was relieved - that was short lived though. Choosing to self-publish seemed like a viable option - one that offered control to me. What I didn't realize was the hard work that comes with that choice.
Anyone can self-publish a novel but what we all want is to have our efforts recognized - and by that I am referring to "sales." I have spent hours scouring the internet looking for information regarding self promotion and marketing. Time and again, so many offer the same advice: offer quality content, build your platform, and increase your online presence.
Quality content - I offer writing tips and updates on my journey in self-publishing. The problem...I bet you do too. It's like being a diamond among diamonds - I can only hope that my post glimmers enough to cause a reader to choose it out of all the other possible choices.
Build your platform - I've got a website and a blog. I joined online communities. I have an author page on Facebook and I'm on Goodreads. My question is this: Short of hiring your own social media specialist, how does anyone find the time to do it all? I understand that "working social media" increases my online presence but like many of you, I work a full time job. I come home and prepare dinner for my family. I pick up my son from practices and attend his games. I help with homework. You get the picture - it's probably very similar to your life.
It would be wonderful to stumble across the directions guaranteed to make my novel a must read...but as of yet, I haven't found them. Instead, I'm trying to put together a marketing plan - starting with sending out media kits to area newspapers and magazines. I've created a book trailer which I'll post on Facebook and my website and I'm looking at virtual book tours. While I recognize the questionable use of both book trailers and virtual tours - I don't live in a metropolitan area and for me, a chance to increase my presence is worth it.
