If
you follow my blog with any regularity, you might have noticed that
I’ve personally been a bit scarce lately. Instead, I’ve been
showcasing the books of my fellow authors. I hope you’ve been
taking advantage of the chance to meet new writers and find out about
their books. Quite a few of my guests have been offering giveaways,
too. I’d love to see some of my regular visitors win!
But
what about my own work? Shouldn’t this blog be focused on marketing
Lisabet Sarai?
Well,
I suppose so. It gets a bit exhausting, though, to keep shouting,
“Buy my books! Buy my books!” Don’t get me wrong, I am very
proud of my sexy stories. Still, I suspect you’d become bored if
this blog offered nothing but my own promo.
The
recent density of guest posts is partly due to my having made an open
announcement on my writers’ lists that I had guest spots available.
I got an enthusiastic response. More than a dozen of my colleagues
contacted me – you’ll be seeing more of them in the next few
weeks.
I
really enjoy reaching out to my fellow authors and helping them get
the word out about their new releases. This is especially true for
writers who are relatively new to the publishing game. I’ve been
doing this a long time. I’ve learned a thing or two, and I’m
happy to share what I know.
I’ve
also built up a small but loyal group of fans, most of whom are
voracious readers. (In a survey I did a few years ago, I learned that
several of them read more than a dozen books per week!) If I
can introduce them to new writers, and vice versa, then it’s a
win-win situation. Everyone benefits.
Meanwhile,
it’s hellishly difficult to be an author these days. There are too
many books, and too many scams, people trying to game the system and
get rich quick. You can easily spend 100% of your time (not to
mention money) on marketing, and even then there’s no guarantee
anyone will pay attention.
When
are we supposed to find the time to write? And how are we supposed to
muster the creative energy, when promotion is such an all-consuming,
mind-numbing, soul-sucking effort?
So
I help, when I can, and trust that I’ll receive help in return.
This is not a tit-for-tat transaction; it’s more like karma. The
universe rewards you in unexpected ways for being kind, generous,
polite, friendly and reliable. I’m personally grateful for all
sorts of advice and assistance I’ve gotten throughout my twenty
year career. It’s only right that I try to pass it on.
So
– if you’re an author, especially a newbie – consider this an
invitation. I’d love to get to know you and give you the chance to
showcase your work here. I know how you feel about your books. I feel
the same way about mine.
Let’s
share.
2 comments:
I for my part, Lisabet, think you're a blessing to emerging writers/authors like me. You've assisted me in so many ways and even designed the lovely cover of my Book 3 of the Golden Shana series. You're doing a great job of the proverbial Love Your Neighbour... Keep it up, lady.
Dear Akinyi - we each have to do what we can. If I've helped you at all, I'm really glad. And I've received the reward of your friendship and support.
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