Promoting Your Writing

Nowadays most writers can't just be writers. Now that the self-publishing industry is growing, authors are having to promote their own work, dividing their time between that and their passion. I think that it is extremely important to be able to promote your writing, and with the internet it is pretty easy. You just have to be willing to take the time to do so.

There are many social media sites that make promotion easy. Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc. It is an easy way to gain followers and connect with fans. During a class at a Willamette Writer's meeting, someone told me a very interesting method for promoting yourself on social media. Some writers just promote and promote and promote and drive their followers crazy. When you only post things about yourself, it has that affect on people. She told me that you should divide your posts in thirds. One third of your posts should be promoting your work (naturally), one third should be used to promote someone else's work, and one third should be a post on something interesting that relates to your writing. (For example, if you are writing a story about saving the whales you might post statistics on how many whales are dying per year.) That way you're not turning people off to your work.

Another means of promotion is face to face. Going to writing classes or conferences -- or just anything involving other readers and writers -- is a good idea. I have gone to the Wordcrafters conference for the last two years and have found that face to face promotion is very affective. People remember you if you are willing to talk to them. And not just about your writing. Sometimes making contacts and meeting people is enough. Developing those relationships will help you make more important connections later on. Many writers are ready and willing to share advice and try to help you.

The last means I know of is simply getting your writing out there. A writer needs readers. And in order to get those, you must (obviously) give them something to read, whether you submit to magazines or use sites like Wattpad and Inkitt. Inkitt is a particular favorite of mine. It is a great place to get feedback on your writing. And a good place to give feedback of your own. I have found that reviewing other people's work is a great way to promote yourself...and to help out other writers. When you are willing to give of some of your time others are more willing to give you some of theirs.

Any other ways to promote yourself? Please comment below!