Three weeks ago, I sketched out a few of the challenges facing self published authors looking to build their brands in the digital marketplace, and I made specific note of how great social networks can be as tools of self promotion. Last time I blogged, I looked at the second and third of my top five points to keep in mind regarding self promotion, and recommended cultivating your physical network as well as developing physical promotional materials. This week, I’m going to wrap up my top five points with a few words that count both as caution and encouragement––simultaneously!
To get right to the point:
4. Self promotion of any kind takes time. And energy. And constant attention.
Perhaps this is my caveat. As I mentioned earlier, you’re not just in the business of self-promotion––as someone who’s interested in self-promotion, you’re actually in the business of writing. So when weighing the pros and cons of starting a Twitter account or creating a blog on Tumblr specifically with the goal of promoting your book, consider the learning curve. Consider the fact that the time it takes to establish a presence and reach your audience through social networks is directly proportional to how much time you put in, and that there’s a considerable element of pure luck involved. Most tweets languish in the ether unread, and most Tumblr posts are not reflagged, and most Facebook followers are dormant, or run by bots. So while all of these networks have potential to launch you into instant and global success, they are often high-maintenance and low-reward. And they are habit-forming.
As with all other forms of promotion, you must be deliberate about your use of social networks, carving out time on a regular basis to devote to building your brand. Thirty minutes a day, three days a week, or every day during your fifteen-minute break between work shifts––whatever it takes, but not much more. Because let’s face it: As someone who’s interested in self-publishing, you have other things to do. You need to not just leave time for the other facets of your life––writing, working a job, working three jobs, family, and so on––but be able to throw yourself into them with passion and energy.
5. Everything changes.
If the rise of self-publishing and the ebook has demonstrated anything about the publishing industry, it’s that nothing can stand still for long. This may be a disquieting fact for traditional publishing and the markets that rely on it, but opening up one’s options to change can also be a diversifying, enriching, and rewarding experience. The digital and self-publishing revolutions are beginning to reach maturity, but on the whole they’re keeping a weather eye out for new changes, and new opportunities. Perhaps the most key feature for success in self-publishing (and self-promotion) is a willingness to take advantage of them. Keep asking questions. Figure out what options work for you, and what feels comfortable for you, and what is too frustrating or too complicated or taking too much time––and adjust your daily practices as necessary. Keep interrogating your options. If a new technology becomes available, or a new acquaintance walks into your life, or a new story drops into your mind, don’t hold back. After all, this is a business built on dreams.
This was just a primer! You can find the first and second posts of this series here and here. Check back every Wednesday to read more about the art of self promotion. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into the how-to details of managing both social and physical networks. If you have a question about any of these tools for self promotion, would like to hear from me about something specific, or have other big news to share, please comment below!
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 ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com. |
