In his post, The Illusion of Patronage, Seth Godin points out that we can no longer depend just on our writing for success. We must engage with our fans, our reading public, through speaking and business ventures.
This is one of those good news, bad news things.
For energetic writers entering the publishing world, eager to rub shoulders with their fans at book events, share relevant images on Instagram, be interviewed on podcasts, write guest blogposts, create Facebook Live or other videos, and promote their latest book on a t-shirt, this is good news.
For old-school writers still banging out their manuscripts on a Remington Rand, refusing to blog, tweet, link or friend someone, and who think Kindle is what fuels the fireplace, this is bad news.
Long ago Mr. Rogers told us about the part we play in our success in his song “You’ve Got to Do It”
Actually, someone DOES have your back.
It’s YOU, building, serving, nurturing and maintaining your own tribe.
In what ways are you gathering and serving readers? Tell us.
This is so true, Flora, whether you are the author of traditional books, e-books, courses, blog posts, podcasts, or anything else under the content banner.
You are the one in charge of your own engagement and the building of your fan base. Just ask anyone who thought otherwise and currently have no followers or opportunities to expand their following.
Hi Shirley, Thanks for confirming what we thought is true. Authors must take the lead in promoting their books in as many ways as possible.