This year I am all about the writing. I'll do fewer promotional blogs, fewer workshops and conferences, and spend more computer time writing and less schmoozing. That's my new way of thinking. I have too many stories and not enough time to write them when I'm trying to make people take notice of what I just released or just re-released, or just co-authored.
I'm giving promotion a rest this year. Which will give me a rest. I'm not jumping on every FREE promotion that comes along. I'll stick to the easy, less time consuming ones and write.
Most writers don't like the publicity side of things. I kind of did, the creative side of it, coming up with fun, new ways to get people to notice my books, writing up blogs about my research. After all I had plenty of information to give. But over the years it has taken up more and more writing space. And right now when I want to keep my name and books up in the standings, I need to produce more material.
My writing goal for 2014 is five books. Three will be between 80-90k and two will be 50-60k. Wish me luck!
Is there something that you've decided this is the year to drop?
www.patyjager.net
www.patyjager.blogspot.com
17 comments:
Wow! 5 books is quite a goal and you certainly have my luck!
I'm kind of just starting out, so I don't know what I should drop. I do know I won't go crazy with the promotion. I see so many authors bust their butts on blog tours and such, and not see any profit from it. I'm kind of taking the slow and easy way through it. I still have books I want to write and like you, can't do it if I'm promoting all the time. Besides, I really hate that portion of my new career.
I'll go the the conferences I want to go to because they're fun, not particularly because it will do my career good (that would be gravy). If I can't have fun, then why am I doing this? I'd have made more money staying with the accounting job I hated.
I agree with your post! I, too am focusing on the writing this year and not so much promotion! Thanks for sharing.
Your post certainly got me thinking.
I always disliked the promotion! It felt like so much hard work and expense, often frustrating, while the writing process was fun and relaxing.
After publishing six books in six years through Kensington, I'm not writing any new ones at the moment, so I don't know what I will be doing in 2014. Time to contemplate . . .
Paty, We Bend, OR, writers consider you the Queen of promotion! You're blog is right on, if you don't write more books what are your fans going to buy? Good luck with your 5 book goal. My goal is to get my two short stories edited and into the Anthology, "Love & Magick". Finish my contemporary and submit, write two more short stories and two Novellas. Good luck to everyone!
After reading Author Marketing 101, I'm planning a sane year promotion-wise. So many successful authors warn of getting too bogged down with promotion.
Like Stacy, I write because it's fun and satisfying.
Stacy, Only do the promotion you like and don't get sucked in by others. That was my problem last year. This year, I want to enjoy the writing process.
Mindy, We can stick together.
Shobhan, Congrats on the six books for Kensington! I'm sure something will strike you for 2014.
Thanks Diana. I know that has been my moniker. I walked in to do a presentation at a conference several years ago and introduced myself to the person who was picking up stuff from her workshop and she exclaimed, "Oh, I know you. You're the Queen of Promo. Your name is everywhere!" If only all that promotion felt like it had garnered more sales. So I am writing this year. Looking forward to hearing how all your projects go!
Sarah, I need to read the whole book. I've only been to their workshops. I've decided the key is to do what I feel like doing, not what I think I should be going.
I forgot to click the follow-up button.
What do I plan to drop this year? At least 50 lbs. haha (no, really)
Five books is quite an ambition!! I'm lucky to finish a book in five years! *sigh* Best of luck, Paty! Keep us posted on the developments.
It's easy to get lost in promotion, but I think most authors write because they love getting lost in their characters. I know I do. My goal is to finish the two in progress. Good luck to you!
Terri, I like what you plan to drop! I could do the same. LOL
Five is more than I've done before but with focusing on writing it is very doable. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Lisa. I agree we love to write so this year I am doing what I love to do not what I feel pressured to do, Thanks for stopping in!
Yay, Paty!! You already know how I feel. Writing is first and foremost. As for you getting five books done, I have no doubt at all that you will make that goal. You are one of the hardest working writers I know.
Wow Paty,
You have certainly raised the bar, but I am sure you will accomplish all your goals.
Regards
Margaret
Hey Maggie! Thanks for the vote of confidence and stopping in.
Hi Margaret! Thanks. I plan to get this books done or go crazy trying! ;)
Sending positive writing energy your way, Paty. I've no doubt but that you'll be successful!
My Grand Plan includes me resigning from the contract I have with Multnomah County (been doing the After Hours Program for going on 18 years now) with my last day being 10/31/2014 (18 years and 1 month).
Otherwise my year has me picking up more things - attending Desert Dreams in April and Emerald City in October (missed ECWC in 2013), spending a few weeks in Ohio visiting my friend (but also doing promotions and a book signing or two), and following up on those shops who've said in the past that they want to carry my books - well, in 2014 there will be books for them to carry! I will not get bogged down in promo because I love to write but it is important to have some visibility - we can't get discovered if no one can see us.
Thank you for the positive energy, Judith. I'm going to need it? So far 2014 had done everything it can to thwart me working toward my goal.
Congrats on the resignation. I know your heart is in the job but it takes a lot of time and emotion.
You are going to have so much fun in 2014!
I'm with you on the writing and promoting! However, I'm off to my first SciFi convention in August and hoping to spark some interest in my books and those of my fellow SFR Brigade authors. It'll be my first con ever an author, and my first as a visitor in 25 years!
Pippa, Have fun at your conference! I've only been to writers conferences so it sounds like you picked a fun one.
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