This is my seventh post for IWSG (Insecure Writer’s
Support Group) founded by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. IWSG is a support group
for writers, where we talk of all our writing insecurities, fears, problems and
help and support each other. We post on the first Wednesday of every month. To
read the other posts, click here.
IWSG had completely slipped my mind, so when I read
about it on Donna Hole’s blog last week, I received a shock, as there was no topic
in my mind. I probed the depths of my mind, as a worry wart like me would surely
be having several worries and insecurities stacked inside the corridors of my
small mind.
Instantly, one of my most fearsome worries raised
its ugly head. Book marketing worries. For the life of me I can’t market my
books. I am not at all good at these things. I would not just be clueless, I
would also not be able to ask my friends (read blog buddies) for help in
promoting my book.
Seriously, it has been like that right from
childhood. My mom often scolds me for never asking her for things. Even when I
was a kid, I never asked. Asking, even requesting for something has never been my thing. I am
too shy that way (I know that I don’t come across as shy). But appearances are
deceptive.
I am always amazed when writers I don’t know
approach me for critiques, book reviews, guest interviews and other promotional
activities. I know for sure I won’t be able to do that. I also know for sure
that my close blog buddies (you all know who you are) will bail me out and rush
to my rescue without me even asking.
I am working on getting rid of this block (the
inability to ask for help). Are you all like me? Do you think ten times before
asking for help? Any advice on how to get rid of this habit? I am looking
forward to reading your IWSG posts.
So am back to my old slot! Yes there are fears when asking but over the time I have realized that seeking help is far more advantageous than remaining silent:)
ReplyDeleteI'm the same. It's something we both have to get over. Besides, I'm more than happy to help you any way I can, Rachna!
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet got a book out there to market but I can imagine I will feel exactly the same as you! On the plus side there are lots of lovely people out in blogland who can help :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so lucky, Rachna, my friend in Atlanta, 3000 miles away, or here in my study every morning on Skype, keeps me writing. :0)
ReplyDeleteThink of it like this - You help them with something they want and they in-turn help you with something you want. It can be a win-win situation.
ReplyDeleteBut what turns people off is the 'I want everything but I will give you nothing' attitude shown by some people. Being aggressive/pushy will only alienate people.
People want to read good stories to relax/forget their worries/be happier/learn something new, and you help them do it. That's the crux of marketing! (IMO)
Destination Infinity
I worry about this too. And I worry about being able to handling the marketing with working and writing deadlines. Don't worry. I'll be one person glad to help you promote your book.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind asking for help in general, but I think I'll be nervous and maybe a little shy when it comes to book marketing. It's not like asking for help painting your kitchen or requesting a ride to the airport. Your book is a big piece of you. So I'm sure you're not alone being nervous asking for help with book promotion. But writers and readers are some of the most generous people I know. Good luck, Rachna!!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
Well, I have taken one step to market my book ahead of time, and that has been to ask for blurbs. I'm delighted at how generous other writers are. I agree, though, it can't be one way. You have to think of how you can help others if you want help from others.
ReplyDeleteI get nervous about asking for help too, but then I just bite the bullet and do it!
ReplyDeleteI don't like asking for help either, but we all need it. When the time comes, I'll help you :)
ReplyDeleteAsking strangers is really tough - that's why I've tried to make as many friends as possible.
ReplyDeleteAnd you know we will help you when the time comes. Done deal!
I have such a tough time asking for things, too. Like you, even as a child I didn't ask. Book marketing is tough for many people. Mostly I just put up a notice and linky on my blog and if they want to sign on to help, they can. But I don't push. You'll be fine, Rachna. You can count me in when you need help. Just email me :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a worry, I agree. There's nothing fun about any stage of marketing as far as I can see.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've been shy about asking for help, but the writer community is so generous. You'll be surprised at how many people will come to help. :)
ReplyDeleteI can relate... I always want to do it ALL myself. But this community of such caring souls took my shyness away. They OFFERED! Which was SUCH a shock to me.
ReplyDeleteIn my life I had ALWAYS been there for other who needed my help... as I am sure you do ... but over the four years of my blogging and writing, If i need the occasional "helping hand" I feel I can ask.
Rachna.... WE ARE ALL HERE for you. If you need a host for your future promoting, we all will help. That is how our community works!
Also, if you saw my last post featuring L, Dianne Wolfes newest book.... YOU should pick it up! She explains all the ways on how to GET YOUR BOOK out there! She is a marvel at networking and promoting!
This is one business where you will need to ask. There is so much to learn. I used to be afraid to ask questions when I was young, and then I'd do something wrong because I didn't ask.
ReplyDeleteI'm horrible at asking for help too. I'm going to use you as inspiration when it comes time for me to up my marketing-ante.
ReplyDeleteRachna, I just want to give you a big hug! I love how you found something to write about that so suits the topic of insecurity! Brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteWould be much easier if we could just put a book out there and let people find it, but not really the most effective way. I sorely wish it was though.
ReplyDeletemood
I think writers are made that way - that is, wanting to do it all solo without feeling that we're inconveniencing someone else. We just want to write. If we wanted to be self-promotional, we'd have taken a different route. Now, we're forced to do it, so we do, one step at a time. You can conquer this one, and you will.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
I feel for you Rachna. Though I'm not nearly as fearful as you, I do have those moments that mostly I overcome.
ReplyDeleteI pray that you will see yourself as God does - someone who's worthy of having others support you, a valuable person whom people would love to help and feel privileged to do so. Try and see it as blessing others by allowing them to help you. For us bloggers, it's a two-way benefit: You let us share you on our blog, and you get to get marketed! :) Writer’s Mark
I don't like asking for things, but I found I don't have to too much since people have approached me with promo opportunities. The same way people ask for reviews and posts, they'll also ask to promote you. Also, you can do a Google form or linky list for people to participate in promos, and you'll find that many people sign up since bloggers are generous.
ReplyDeleteI don't know... I guess I don't have a problem because I've helped a very many bloggers through the years. :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel the way you do! But, in the current book selling climate, I think I'll have to get over it. Ugh. So, for now, I'm collecting as much info as I can about how it's done. I've asked a few already published people how they approach ebooks, promotions, etc., and they are eager to share information. It's very comforting.
ReplyDeleteIt can definitely be hard to ask for help- especially when it comes to marketing. I think I am in the same boat as you- but I also don't mind when people approach me, so I am trying to learn from that and realize it is okay to take risks and go outside of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you! :)
~Jess
It can definitely be hard to ask for help- especially when it comes to marketing. I think I am in the same boat as you- but I also don't mind when people approach me, so I am trying to learn from that and realize it is okay to take risks and go outside of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you! :)
~Jess
I think it's something you get over with time and practice. When I first had to ask people for help (with my first book release), it was kinda scary for me. Kinda felt like I would be wasting people's time! But so many were willing to help, and since then I've helped so many others, that now it's becoming a lot easier to ask for help :-)
ReplyDelete