Marketing oneself as a writer
Writing is not a trade of the faint hearted. Writers reap what they sow.As budding writers we shouldn't write for the sake of it and hide our articles, stories, poetry, memoirs, and novels from the public eye.Light under a bushel cannot be seen. Writers work must be in the limelight, all writers are there to inform, entertain and educate the society,in the process of doing so they must be able to earn a living from what they write.
Writers work shouldn't be a treasure trove waiting to be discovered under the base bed after their death. Writers work should reach the readers whilst they are still alive and kicking. They should not wait to be honored post humorously. Their articles, short stories, poetry, memoirs and novels should not catch a cold, but should spread like veld fire. Their work should touch the hearts and minds of readers, unite the body and sorrow of readers. In reality their work should influence positive change in society. The work should be made available to readers through various means. The time to reach out to the avid readers is now.
Many writers are the eyes and ears of the community, the voices of the voiceless they write to inform,to entertain,to maintain checks and balances in the society,and to off load hidden feelings.All writers dream of being rewarded and sustained by what they write. They dream of getting a living wage from their sweat and creativity.Indeed writers need to earn from their writing. A decent wage from writing does not come from thin air, writers have to work for it and earn it through marketing or self publicity. People need to read what we write - indeed the proof of the pudding is in the eating, let them read our work even for free all what we want is to be recognized first as writers then money comes later. Writers should aim to woe readers.
Give family and friends your articles and novels to read by so doing they will give you positive feedback which can help you to improve for the better. If family and friends are interested in your work they will end up buying your books to support you.Writers can't be noticed, if they don't seek attention.Marketing oneself is the launching pad to doom or glory in writing.In most cases marketing brings success and glory to the writer.A writer can market oneself by writing a teaser bio at his or her website.The more enticing the bio is,the more one gets followers,readers and an influx of traffic to your websites.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating as I said earlier.For me joining Hub pages has benefited me as a budding writer.It has helped me to market myself.I have registered a sizeable and decent number of views for my articles so far which I wouldn't have achieved,if I had not made the wonderful decision to click the mouse to register at Hub pages and start posting my articles for my new found friends at Hub pages and the world over to read. Writers should walk or drive to gatherings with their books that is where they can market them. Don't shy away from interacting with people if you a writer. Put some few books in your bag when you go to church or the local pub give copies randomly. In most cases few good Samaritans would by your books in future.
In this modern age when "Whats App" texting is the talk of the town,marketing oneself has been made easy. If writers have published new articles and books the best way forward is to inform their mates in their contact books through "Whats App" which is a free service as long as one has internet access.One can also inform friends at social networking sites.There are many sites for social interaction.Facebook and LinkedIn are some of them to name just a few.
If you are a writer as well as "football mad" supporter of Manchester United football club or any other team.Why can't you distribute pamphlets of your new book before the game starts? You have something in common with the supporters of Manchester United - you support the same team with them.That alone would bring you sympathy buyers of your book. A good number of them would support you and buy your books because you support the same team - they would buy your books pushed by the adage a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Arranging book signings for new authors can add some cash into your wallets.If you are a serious budding writer who wants to be heard for the first time,it is also advisable to donate copies of your book to schools or elderly homes.School pupils and senior citizens in elderly homes are a good source of readers for your work.By donating the books once,next time when you publish another book they are likely to buy it.It is a matter of give and take.The wisdom of life has taught me that a good turn deserves another.
Arranging poetry reading night at your local pub,pays dividends.You can read your poetry and sell copies as well.The good thing is that you would be marketing yourself.Local newspapers can boost your profile and readership to your books and articles. Equally the same local radio stations have benefited many budding writers.The newspapers and radio stations are part of the community hence they can market your books for a fee,off course.
Volunteering to write poems,stories for a national event,like Remembrance Day or Poppy Day as it is sometimes known would open writing opportunities for you.Writers should not just write for the sake of it.From time immemorial information used to be transmitted by the word of mouth, now is the time to get the written word to the world's attention.One would never go wrong by marketing oneself.Go for it,sooner or later it would be all smiles to the bank - try, try, again if you don't succeed first time try again. Fortune comes to those make an effort and wait for rewards patiently.
