Let me tell you something you probably didn’t know. Publishing does not equal a feeling of relief, nor is it a “get rich quick” scheme. Publishing actually equals insomnia & eczema.
Being a writer might involve the hard work of writing. But being an author is a different beast altogether. I’ve written Between Each Step, and now I need to become a commercial for that book.
Someone recently noted that there are 600 books coming out in one week in America. With so much competition, you have to SHOUT REALLY LOUD TO BE HEARD. These books don’t just sell themselves. And contrary to what many people think, publishing a book is not a money maker.
“Hey!! Buy my book!!! Add it to your Goodreads list!! Leave me a review!!!”
Fact: I loathe talking about myself. I’m a pro at deflecting a compliment. If someone has something nice to say to me, I can always turn it around to them. Modesty is my modus operandi. Not to mention, I still feel a bit of the imposter syndrome being in the new role of an author.
Does anyone else think self promotion feels gross??? Justin does not. He is the one who can sell sawdust to a lumber mill. He is the first to admit he loves gloating and being bold. He is the one who will flat out ask friends, “have you bought Patrice’s book?”
“Don’t be too humble,” he says! “People are not doing you a favor by buying your book. You are doing them a favor by letting them read about our awesome adventure!”
Pssssh.
Every day, he asks me what I am doing to market my book. I know he has the best intentions, but I’ve started calling him the hammer.
So that’s where we’re at. I have stepped out of my comfort zone. Marketing plans do not happen overnight. And for me, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no perfect recipe for selling books and you have to do what works for you. With the help of the Hammer, it is going smoothly, so far.
I deeply appreciate all those out there who have purchased my book.
Can I entice anyone else????? Here’s the thing.If you’re going to buy one, you might as well do it now and be entered to win sweet gear! (Reminder, the contest is only open for US orders made via our website).
A Gregory Backpack (they will let you pick between a Zulu/Jade or Stout/Amber, depending on the person’s needs)
SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger ($150 value plus 1 month of service)
$100 gift card from CloudLine Apparel
Sport 25 Portable Power Bank from Powertraveller ($59 value)
Sawyer Gift Pack ($50 value includes Micro Squeeze, Sunscreen, Picaridin, Permethrin, Blist-O-Bans)
Not for nothing, but we live in a 300 square foot cabin. There’s not much room for these books!
I love both of your book photos! Having just received the book for my birthday, I can report that I have finished chapter one and I cannot wait to read chapter 2. I am in awe of your prose. It transports me to the trail and puts me in your shoes. I know a number of people on my Christmas list who will be the recipients of your book. Bravo!