In every author's life, there comes the moment when you have to face the dreaded M-A-R-K-E-T-I-N-G of your work. I spell this word because I can barely bring myself to say it out loud. I'm a writer, not a business-person. I use a computer to write, not to navigate websites and other tools for getting my name known. When I Google my name, up comes a doctor in Britain, another author who writes non-fiction, several like-named women on Facebook (I assume they are women and not boys named Sue--haha), and someone with a webpage name similar to mine. Urgh.
I wish I was the only Sue Armstrong in the universe.
So I have to network and promote beyond the confusion of the internet. I send out emails and notifications on FB whenever I update this site or if there is other news about my books, author fairs, book signings, etc. I ask questions of my potential readers using the same tools. I get a lot of "hits" but it's not enough.
I carry a set of paperback copies of my two books (Chaos and Alleycat) in the trunk of my car. I had out my business card to anyone who will take it. I mention that I'm a published writer every chance I get.
Now, these things don't come naturally to me. I am a shy person, uncomfortable with self-promotion, especially with a creative product. Who am I to say anyone should buy/read my books?
But, doggone it--everyone should buy/read my books! I have something to say and I want people to know that. My poetry might make a difference for someone in pain. My story of a young woman trying to figure out how to stand up to someone who is controlling may help another young woman or man in a similar situation. Or maybe somebody just wants a book to read while sitting on the beach watching the surfers. Alleycat is perfect for that!
I enjoy sitting in a coffee shop with my computer and spending a couple of hours writing. Sometimes I get into conversations with fellow computer-workers. The other day a fellow next to me was searching for an outlet and we began talking about the frustration of trying to work in a coffee shop--lack of outlets, noise, distractions of other people, hard chairs, small tables. But of course, we were most interested in what the other was doing on our laptops.
"I'm writing a novel," I said. "My second one."
"I'm marketing an app I made for the iPhone and iPad."
We quickly exchanged business cards, looked up each other's websites and discussed the travails of marketing. I went home an hour and half later feeling positive and energized. The result is an update of this website! Thanks, Jon!
I wish I was the only Sue Armstrong in the universe.
So I have to network and promote beyond the confusion of the internet. I send out emails and notifications on FB whenever I update this site or if there is other news about my books, author fairs, book signings, etc. I ask questions of my potential readers using the same tools. I get a lot of "hits" but it's not enough.
I carry a set of paperback copies of my two books (Chaos and Alleycat) in the trunk of my car. I had out my business card to anyone who will take it. I mention that I'm a published writer every chance I get.
Now, these things don't come naturally to me. I am a shy person, uncomfortable with self-promotion, especially with a creative product. Who am I to say anyone should buy/read my books?
But, doggone it--everyone should buy/read my books! I have something to say and I want people to know that. My poetry might make a difference for someone in pain. My story of a young woman trying to figure out how to stand up to someone who is controlling may help another young woman or man in a similar situation. Or maybe somebody just wants a book to read while sitting on the beach watching the surfers. Alleycat is perfect for that!
I enjoy sitting in a coffee shop with my computer and spending a couple of hours writing. Sometimes I get into conversations with fellow computer-workers. The other day a fellow next to me was searching for an outlet and we began talking about the frustration of trying to work in a coffee shop--lack of outlets, noise, distractions of other people, hard chairs, small tables. But of course, we were most interested in what the other was doing on our laptops.
"I'm writing a novel," I said. "My second one."
"I'm marketing an app I made for the iPhone and iPad."
We quickly exchanged business cards, looked up each other's websites and discussed the travails of marketing. I went home an hour and half later feeling positive and energized. The result is an update of this website! Thanks, Jon!
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