Launch Day was busy. That evening's Launch Party was a fantastic way to celebrate what I had finally done after so long, publishing a novel. Earlier that day, I had posted to TikTok and to several self-publishing and fantasy genre-based Facebook groups, sharing my success with perfect strangers. The hope, of course, was and is to connect with other readers and writers and to promote my book. I received many congratulations, and several promises to buy or otherwise check it out.
And then I received this comment: "Welcome to the advertising struggle bus. I've saved a seat in the back for you."
I remember seeing some statistics purporting to illustrate how many books are written but never see the light of day because, in part, their writers are too intimidated by or cannot afford the publishing process. I feel them. Publishing a book is a lot of work and expense, whether you choose the traditional method or do it yourself. Writers want to write. Especially for those of us with full-time day jobs, it can be hard enough finding time not just to type prose or poetry into a text editor but to do all the research, plot and character development, and self-editing necessary. Then, unless you are one of a very lucky few with the weight of a reputable publishing house's marketing arm behind you, you have to take your published work and tell people about it.
Or not. For some, publication itself is a worthy goal. They have a legacy, and if only their friends and family know about it, so be it. Fame and riches are in limited supply.
I wrote my book for my friends and family, at least those who share the same love of reading and roughly the same genres of fiction. But I want to aim higher, perhaps not for the stars, but perhaps for near-Earth orbit. I like the idea of people I don't know, in different countries and walks of life, reading my book and, hopefully, enjoying it. I love the idea of them telling their friends, perhaps discussing its plot and characters, or theorizing about unanswered questions. In my wildest dreams, I imagine someone sketching my characters or even writing fan fiction based on my work. Steady on, Gareth!
This doesn't just happen. Word of mouth is important. Reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads etc. are invaluable. But this is a crowded space. There are a LOT of really good, entertaining books available in the urban and paranormal fantasy genre. Why should someone choose mine? How would they even hear about it? The good news is that there are many marketing ideas, tools and strategies that an author can employ to promote their book, and I've already received plenty of good advice to get me started. The problem, where I earn my seat on the Struggle Bus, is knowing what to do, when and where to do it, and finding the time (see above).
It isn't my intent to wallow in self-pity here. I had an idea what I was getting into once I published my book. But writing, as with any hobby, can take on a life of its own, and demand far more of our attention and time than we ever expected. That can be a good thing, an opportunity to learn new skills. My Dad, who spent his entire career in marketing, likely thinks it's high time I learned these.
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