While not every writer is an introvert, even the most outgoing authors may be reluctant to appear as if they’re bragging about their accomplishments. But at Web Design Relief, we know that sharing your literary achievements and marketing your novels, poetry, or short stories can mean the difference between total obscurity and building name recognition. Unless you’re Toni Morrison or David Sedaris, you will need to actively share your news, create a solid author platform, and take advantage of marketing opportunities to sell your work. Here’s how writers can utilize self-promotion to get the word out.

Self-Promotion Tips For Writers

Traditional publishers no longer invest a great deal of time or money marketing new authors. And as more writers turn to self-publishing, “getting the word out” falls more heavily on the author’s shoulders than ever before. It’s something today’s writers have to accept as part of the process.

Accept that creating buzz is part of being a writer. Most writers are proud of their work, and even more proud (as they should be) when their work is published. But how should you handle self-promotion so that you don’t feel self-conscious about it? Substitute the word “marketing” for “bragging” in your internal vocabulary, and decide what steps you will take to promote your writing, build your author platform, and engage your fan base.

Avoid becoming overwhelmed by self-promotion. There are many ways you can promote yourself and your writing: press releases, book signings, reviews, and interviews are just a start. An author website is a must-have, and it’s a great way to build name recognition and readership. Your loyal fans will turn to your author website to stay up to date on announcements, and new readers who have finished reading your story, poetry, or book will have a place to go for more information about you and your writing. If you’re ready to build an author website, the experts at Web Design Relief can help! Check out our portfolio and schedule a free consultation today.

You can also link your author website to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms—all perfect for connecting with readers and offering real-time news related to your writing.

But just because all these opportunities exist, it doesn’t mean you should use ALL of them. Pick a few of the marketing options that appeal to you, and put the rest on the back burner. Give yourself permission to not do everything—just do what you can. You’ll find it less stressful and easier to maintain over the long run.

Remember: There’s a fine line between smart self-promotion and obnoxious self-promotion. We’ve all encountered people who are really, really good at talking about themselves and their awesomeness—ad nauseum. Don’t talk incessantly about your book or your writing. Be careful not to come across as too pushy or overexcited. The key is to relax and be yourself.

Don’t bombard every person you’ve ever met with emails, social media posts, and tweets full of desperate pleas or high-pressure demands to “Buy my book! Buy my book!” No one will want to interact with you, much less buy your book. Only one-fourth of your tweets or posts should be gentle sales-pitches. The rest of your communication should be to connect and interact with your audience.

The bottom line: Some authors are shy about talking up their own good points. And that’s okay!

But, if you’re building a brand, remember that marketing your work is part of the publishing process. You probably have an audience who would love to hear your good news or read your short story or buy your memoir, so it’s important to let them know where they can find your work. Never be ashamed of building your author brand. It is a necessary part of the publishing process.

Question: How have you promoted your writing?