The task I enjoy the least (I actually don’t enjoy it at all, to tell the truth), is marketing. Every time I post an ad for one of my books, either on my blog, newsletter, or social media, I feel like I’m annoying readers/subscribers/followers and I run the risk of losing them. Readers do subscribe to my newsletter to receive a free sample of my writing, and will occasionally unsubscribe, about 1 in every 10.
But, people know I’m an author/ writer, right?
I have books that I hope people will read and enjoy, and If I make some money along the way, even better. I’d like to at least break even, meaning my advertising, platform subscriptions (that includes you WordPress), and editing costs are covered.
So why do I feel guilty posting this?
I don’t know. I just do. I subscribe to other author newsletters, and they advertise, so I shouldn’t.
Right?
From my blog this week:
Free Book Friday June 24: In Conversation with Dane Cobain
Thursday Thoughts: Book two finished. Kinda.
Weird Wednesday: Cartoons / It’s all downhill from here.
Tuesday Tirade: A sequence of unfortunate events.
Music Monday: k.d lang
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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Lines by Leon 
I feel much the same way. In fact, I haven’t posted my published works for fear of annoying people.
But I have a new strategy now. 😉
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I saw this post this morning. Coincidence? https://linesbyleon.com/2022/06/25/7-reasons-why-you-should-market-your-book-guilt-free-sara-flower-kjeldsen-writes/
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Very timely. I think I saw this before, some of it sounds familiar, but it’s a good reminder. Thank you for sharing, Leon.
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I wrote a guidebook about a singular place with the simple thought of helping visitors discover it from a different viewpoint. I expected sales to be meh so I didn’t set up any fancy marketing strategy. I lowered my own expectations. Occasionally I allude to it on my site. I don’t feel guilty when I promote it, just ashamed that it costs so much.
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