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Flagrant Self-Promotion

I have attended the University of Wisconsin Writer’s Institute each spring for the last twelve years.  Each year I have one major take away and this year’s was – it’s ok for writer’s to flagrantly self-promote.  The keynote speaker for the conference provided the example by having copies of his most recent book available for sale.  He lugged a box of books from room to room throughout the conference and he would interrupt his speech several times with, “Oh by the way, did you know that I have copies of my book for sale, they’re on the table over there in the box.”  After repeating this several times the line got a laugh. 

His message was clear, it’s ok to let folks know that you have work for sale and what better place than a writer’s conference.  We devote your time to writing to have readers – plain and simple.  For some writers it is the only motivation they need.  The simple fact is that in today’s publishing world, no one is going to sell books for you.  Even well established authors like Richard Russo make the circuit of TV, radio, magazine and blog interviews when a new book is published. 

New authors like me are expected to develop our own marketing plan and finance about 98% of the cost.  It’s clear that if I want readers to buy my book, I’m the one that needs to promote it.  That actually makes sense to me.

 I’m proud of my book so when it’s launched later this year – get ready world, I’m going to promote in from sun up to sun down where ever I go.