Talk, Talk, Talk: Deconstructing the Criticism of Self-Promotion

Over the last few months, there have been many tweets from various writers who seem dismayed by having to promote their work. At the same time, they appear to want others to enjoy their work. To me, this comes off like a baker who constantly tells everyone they make an amazing chocolate cake, but they also won’t let anyone see/taste it.

They hate everything but the writing itself, but that is not sustainable if you want success. Personally, I love the game of self-promotion, and it is a game. Promoting your work is like trying to scale a mountain. One day, I will try a different approach on social media, but once I figure out it’s not returning anything, I will immediately find another tactic.

One thing I have noticed in the writing community is the platforming of appearance as a way to sell books. This is not sustainable as we all age, but your appearance is fallible. You can get into an accident tomorrow and have it change the way you look. This is why I stopped posting my photo on social media. I want to be something more than ‘pretty privilege’.

Sell books, not looks.

There is also this assumption that the writers who are comfortable promoting themselves are extroverts. That is not true! I am the biggest introvert, but I am comfortable self-promoting because I want people to read my work, and hopefully enjoy it.

The question you must ask yourself is: Do you want your book/work to do well?

If the answer to that question is yes, then you must find a way of promoting that works for you. I believe many think of self-promotion as TV commercials, but any time you talk about your work, you are partaking in the act of promotion. If we look back in time, the first kind of promotion was a person shouting about their product in the street:

“Tomatoes, one shilling each! Tomatoes, one shilling each! Come and get your tomatoes! These are the best in town!”

How do you think businesses get off the ground? They make themselves known to investors and potential consumers. Trying to sell something you were passionate about making shouldn’t make you hate it, unless you have some previous experience with being shot down when trying to show something you’re proud of.

The businesses that fail are the ones who don’t embrace social media as an asset to selling their product. Don’t get me wrong, trying to sell your stuff can be infuriating, but your work should make you want to scream from the rooftops about it.

Contrary to what people have levied at me, I would argue that publicly bemoaning your lack of sales grabs more customers than bemoaning having to promote your book, and that’s because you’re sending the message that you’re ashamed of what you’ve created.

If it’s all getting too much for you, then there is NO shame in quitting or taking a break, contrary to the ignorant remarks made about ‘giving up’. Ultimately, what is important to note is that self-promotion is simply sharing this great thing you’ve poured your heart and soul into, and if that brings you feelings of shame, then maybe there’s something deeper at play.