How do writers become
bestselling authors? Publicity seems to be one crucial element or factor. To
get fans, writers have to become known in the first place. Donald Trump has
said outrageous things thereby drawing attention to himself and it’s worked for
him so far. Trump has observed that there is no such thing as bad publicity,
only publicity--which draws attention to an individual and his or her work. In
the case of writers, publicity traditionally would be accomplished through the
efforts of a publisher who has a PR staff that solicits significant reviews and
promotes an author through numerous channels. But nowadays, this is often not
the case. Also, many writers are currently self-publishing their work. This too
changes how publicity can be obtained.
Trump is an example of
someone who breaks the rules. He promotes himself as a maverick in
politics. Perhaps what Trump offers to
writers is the idea that we need to free ourselves. We have to look for
creative ways to promote and publicize our own work--just as writers shouldn’t
feel it necessary to write to any pre-conceived formula. We need to express
what is unique to ourselves in our own way. By writing exceptional work that stands out from the
herd, I believe we can get recognition and acclaim. It will be interesting to
follow Trump’s Presidential bid. Much can be learned from his techniques.
As for me, I have books
published that I hope to publicize to readers:
The digital release of
DARK MOON RISING, my paranormal romantic mystery from Luminosity, occurred on
July 24th. It has already received positive reviews:
My well-reviewed YA novel THE DEVIL AND
DANNA WEBSTER from Astraea/Clean Reads Press will soon be available in print as
well as the current digital editions:
store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-devil-and-danna-webster
THE BAD WIFE, 4th
in the Kim Reynolds mystery series, has collected very good reviews as well and is available both in
digital and print editions: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6PCKVW
There have been great reviews from PW and
BOOKLIST for DEATH LEGACY, romantic espionage mystery thriller now an ebook: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGTMGLM
Publisher
Novel Fox brought out the e-book version of DEATH LEGACY on Amazon, Kobo, Apple, and Google, and plans to publish
an audio version very soon as well.
"This thriller keeps moving from its very
first pages, while the palpable sexual tension between new cohorts Daniel and
Michelle fortifies the story's intrigue with romance."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Getting back to the
subject at hand, Donald Trump is a performer who makes outrageous and insulting
comments. He shoots from the lip. But ultimately, it will be his actual ability
to convince us that he can serve the country with good sense and integrity by
which he will be judged. That is true of everyone including writers. The key to
success is having something of quality to offer. Authors need to be unique and
original, not merely imitative in their writing. Hopefully word-of-mouth will follow
and help build a readership. However, promotion and publicity won’t hurt either.
What are your thoughts and
opinions on this topic? Is there anything you recommend in particular in regard
to promoting your own work that has worked well? Readers, what would like to
see more of from writers?
