Marketing is difficult. Marketing oneself is a real challenge.
A self-published book means it’s self-marketed as well. It The Stephen Kings and other big names have big bucks behind them to buy ads. Lucky for me, I have Derek and Erin and Kevin whispering in my ear to get over my reluctance to self-promote.
Me Me Me Me Me
When I recovered from sepsis, I got some nasty emails from people who were sick of me writing about it. “You got sick, we get it, get over it,” I recall from one of them. They didn’t change my mind about spreading awareness but they did make me pause and ask myself, is it too much? I think only a narcissist wouldn’t assess themselves, just in case these detractors had a point.
I’m not so concerned about criticism as I am about fishbowl-itis. Sometimes, someone gets so immersed in themselves that they forget other people have lives. If someone subscribes to this blog (which I hope you do! It’s free forever!) I take that seriously and pledge not to take advantage. So, how far does that responsibility go? Especially when I have a new project I’m excited about. This blog is about authenticity and that’s what’s authentic at the moment.
The Point of the Post
With all that in mind, I want to announce that Pieces of Us – Felicity and Mitzi Book One is now available in paperback, right here on this website. It will ship in a couple of weeks or less. If you’re an eReader person, it’s already out for Kobo and Kindle. Many people prefer the experience of reading an actual book, and I get that. I do some of both. It costs a little more to print a paperback and ship it so that option is here if you want it.
But if the thought of reading a debut novel in the genre of Women’s Fiction is about as appealing as using a cheese grater on your elbows, I get that. I’m asking you to bear with me as I slog through the first-time-indie-novelist’s ritual of shouting, like the Whos in Whoville, “We are here!” And by “we”, I mean Felicity, Mitzi, Donna, Louis, Kelly, and the rest of the crew in my books. (Fair warning – there will be more!)
Lisa,
We all have a choice to read or not to read your blog. If you write something I’m not interested in, I would move on (hasn’t happened). People like to have something to complain about, it’s easy to do on-line, could they do it in person, I think not.
It is hard to self promote, we were brought up not to ‘boast’. But you are here every week, not just when you have something to promote. Toot your own horn, writing a book is hard!!
Roberta
Thanks, Roberta. I appreciate you!
You are a phenomenal author. Finally, you’re tooting your horn. It’s about time, Lisa.
Exited to read Pieces of Us – Felicity and Mitzi.
Thanks so much, Nancy. I appreciate your support.
Pieces of Us – ordered and paid for. Can’t wait for this reading experience. Thanks Lisa!
Thanks so much, Terry! They should arrive next week and I’ll send ASAP.
The book’s title alone has my eyeballs.
And gee it’s from someone in that
‘Drumroll’ soon to be (dream on)
51st state! Can’t resist but we all
know our great orange man lives
in a fantasy land. Okay gotta go
and buy your new book. Hope it’s
on Amazon. Bill Diehl, ‘Flea market
confessor’
I appreciate you, Bill. This novel might not be to your taste. It has some naughty bits in it! You’ve been warned!
Lisa, you are a kind, hard working woman. I enjoy reading your written words…I trust your written words…therefore I will always support anything you write.
Pieces of Us – Felicity and Mitzi will be at the very top of my book pile. Looking forward to it.
Claire, you are a gem! Thanks for ordering the book. I hope to get them and send them out next week.
Wow. Who the hell complains about someone talking about something that almost killed them? I read your sepsis book and it was an eye opener. Maybe it’s time to start promoting that book again since sepsis awareness is becoming a thing. Anyway, I get how you feel about self promotion. It can feel narcissistic but you’re selling something so go for it. And do take notes from Erin. She is very good at self promotion without being obnoxious about it.
It’s kind of funny because now I think I’ve created an environment here where someone wouldn’t dare. It’s a supportive place and although I wouldn’t censor negativity, I don’t think anyone who would think that way would bother to come here. But there was a time…
And thanks. You’re a gem.