After Publication

After Publication

One of the first things I learned in the post-writing, post-publication phase of this business is how much work the marketing and promotion phase demands. Being relatively new to this aspect of the business, I found it a daunting road with its own language and sign posts. Social media, branding, platforms, back links, blog tours, websites–yikes!

The die was cast.

However, after I decided to publish, the die was cast. I’d chosen this path and I had to follow through no matter how daunting.

My first sojourns down the marketing and promotion road felt like peddling a tricycle in traffic on a six-lane highway. Experts dish out a wide array of advice, but they’re unanimous about two things: promo should start when you begin writing, and whatever platforms you develop, be they blogs, Twitter or Facebook, should be fed a regular diet of quality fodder.

I’d barely made it out of the driveway and I’d already failed two “should do” tests. Regardless, I’d already strapped on my helmet, so off I went. I’d written a book. Surely I could figure this out–right?

Wrong. I failed miserably. Cases in point (yes, that’s plural). I tried, but failed to:

• get a blog running on Tumblr
• create a Gravatar for my main character
• upload my work onto Wattpad.

I was lost in a maze of on-ramps. Have I mentioned that I’m hopeless with technology?

Writers to the rescue.

With no idea how to get from point A to point B, I reached out to other writers (read crawled, pleading and begging). Some of those writers knew me, some didn’t. Without exception, they stepped up and pointed me in the right direction.

With their guidance, I managed to connect with a web designer who secured my domain name and designed an elegant website. In time, I created a Facebook page; I created a Twitter profile and learned about hashtags; I joined Goodreads and figured out how to get my book listed; and then I spent some time with WordPress and created this blog to add to my website.

It’s now six months later. The first book is under my belt and I have another one in the chute, which means that dreaded marketing and promotion road lies in wait. Again. I know it won’t be a relaxing leisure trip, but this time around I’m better prepared. And when I get discouraged and overwhelmed, I won’t wait so long to ask for directions.

How about you? What do you do when you get lost on the marketing and promo highway?

You can purchase all of my books on the Bookstore Tab.