Well, it's official. I now have a Twitter account (grand total of one tweet- so proud) and I am absolutely terrified. Why, you ask? What aversion could I possibly have to promoting myself and my book on a public platform that literally anyone could find, and being judged for my rudimentary knowledge of marketing as a naive and first-time author?
Did I answer your question?
True confessions: marketing terrifies me. Social media especially. Publishing has pretty much been a string of foreign new obligations in which Niki Florica has been pushed further and further out of her comfort zone, with no end in sight. Good times. In all honesty I was not prepared for the level of involvement that would be expected of me in the marketing process. I wrote a book, with God's help. My job was done. Right?
Wrong. If this process so far has taught me anything, it's that my job doesn't end with the manuscript, and it doesn't end with a finished hard copy either. I've poured so much time, so much love and thought and dedication into this project with God's help, and now it's time to do my part to make sure it reaches its intended audience. My publisher, Elm Hill, has been amazing in providing support, resources, and suggestions, but it's still very daunting. If anyone out there is feeling overwhelmed by it all, I understand. Trust me. Remember that verse about trusting God from last post? Well, it's pretty much becoming my shield against ever-encroaching PANIC.
For some people, marketing might be a dream come true, or at least one of the most fun parts of the publishing process. After all, it's the chance to talk about your book to anyone and everyone you meet, to promote yourself and your beloved creative work, and to share it with the world! For me, however, and for any other introverts that may share my pain (I feel you), everything I just listed sounds more like a nightmare than a dream.
I can't explain it, but I've always had a hard time talking about my story with people. When I first began tentative marketing for The Heir of Ariad just weeks ago, ninety-eight percent of people in my circles didn't even know I was writing a book. Whoops. I'm sure I'm not the only author out there who's tight-lipped about my writing endeavors, but for all those in the same boat, we need to get over it!
You might not like the idea of bragging, and I totally get that. But one thing I learned from Elm Hill is that I don't have to think of it that way. I wrote a book because I wanted to share God's love with the world, and now I'm telling people about it because I want them to feel that love. I can take myself fully out of the equation. It's God's story, God's calling, God's mission, not mine. If I'm bragging about anything, it's Him! End of story.
The fact of the matter is that it's all new. I'm embarking on a very real adventure, and yes, it's frightening, but it's also super exciting! I don't know how to market a book, but I'm learning one step at a time, and I know with absolute certainty that I am where God wants me to be. What can be more reassuring?
So, loyal reader, I ask you to join me as I step into the vast unknown. Follow me on Twitter, check me out on Facebook, and give me the profound words of wisdom you have to offer, whatever they may be! I'd love for you to join my mailing list on this blog as well, for special exclusive material from yours truly every month. The adventure is beginning, and I can't do it without you.
Hashtag here we go!