A writer must be prepared to market his or her own work. Even if a publisher decides to publish your work, the publisher still expects the author to do the heavy lifting. They'll get you into Barnes & Noble (as long as they're around), they'll book you on a tour (which you have to pay for) and they'll hopefully get a review or two printed. Then, you're pretty much on your own.
So, start a blog, they say, collect fans interested in your work, they say, build a buzz, a following, some fans, some connections, some mentors, tweet and repeat. They say all of this. OK, OK!
So I started a blog, but now I find that you're supposed to write about something else besides your writing. No one is interested in what number draft you're on, which agent sent a rejection notice, or how frustrating the whole process is. Or even what the process is. So, what should I blog about that will make people line up to read my blog, when all I really want them to do is read my book? Is that ass-backward?
Any ideas?
Sharon
I think you need to stop listening to what you are "supposed to do" and start doing what you want to do including picking the subject of your blog. Your life is wrapped up in this endeavor now, it is your passion and your obsession. What could be more interesting than that? If there was a one size fits all formula to becoming a successful writer we would all be authors.
ReplyDeleteThat's my two cents on the subject.... I for one am finding your journey through the maze of publishing fascinating so you will have at least one reader!
Janet
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteGo to the info section and get my email address. Get in touch. I have something that I'm going to be using to promote my work, and you might be interested in it as well. It's much more personal than a blog, and appears to have tremendous potential.........Paul Bovino