The Business of Writing

Writing the book is only the beginning.

Don't get me wrong.  Finishing a novel, any novel, is an achievement unto itself.  Most people I meet who "want to be writers" don't understand a single fundamental truth: If you want to be a writer, you write; there is no other requirement.  But the reality is that your average "would-be writer" isn't a writer so much as a well-meaning soul who thinks it would be cool to be a writer.  So I have nothing but admiration for anyone with the moxie to sit down, write the first draft, edit the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. drafts and then submit the final product (if there is such a thing) for publication.

But even that is only the beginning.

Great! So, you've got a book on Amazon.  Now what?  How do you draw attention to it, garner attention, garner reviews, garner sales.

Here's the short answer: Any way you can think of.

Lately, I've found myself in the perhaps unenviable position of trying to promote a book that was not published through "traditional channels," i.e. a publishing house.  My newest novel, TORQ, of which I am blisteringly proud, was published in partnership with my literary agency, which opened its own publishing arm.  That's great, and it makes for an interesting alternative to the usual and often frustrating business model of small royalty percentages.  But, it's a method that's also in its infancy, and often leaves the writer, me, with the unenviable task of handling 100% of the promotion myself.

It's been slow going.

I started by setting up my own store, on which I sell signed copies of all my published novels, TORQ included.  You can find it by clicking the BUY BOOKS! link at the top of this page.  It's actually working out surprisingly well, though I'm still ironing out the wrinkles. 

From there I've expanded my social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  I'm currently working on a long novel and, as a means of both self-motivation and, yes, self-promotion, I've been posting daily (or nearly so) word counts.  This keeps me honest from a writing perspective and, I hope, helps generate a little buzz about this project and my writing in general.  Jury's out on that one.

I've been trying to entice book bloggers to read and review TORQ.  So far, there have been some takers, but the turn-around on this can be lengthy as these are people and people have reading lists and reading takes time.  So, on that score, I am both grateful and patient.

For years now, I've been doing school visits to promote my Undertakers Series.  I'm planning a new push for the Fall, 2019 to promote TORQ.  I'd hoped to do one in the Spring, but life is getting in way.

Anyway, that's what I've been up to from a promotional standpoint.  I'd be interested to hear from some of you.  What ideas have you tried, successfully or otherwise, to attract attention and interest readers?

Writing is a lonely business, but that doesn't mean we're alone.  So speak up and maybe we can learn from each other.

And, in the meantime, keep writing!