Adventures in Self-Promotion.

[seanan_mcguire]

This morning, I politely removed myself from six new groups that had been created on Facebook while I was sleeping. All six of them were "buy my book" groups, created by people I don't know personally, telling me about the exciting opportunity I have to purchase their brand new book. Four of them were for ebook-only editions (which is relevant

Comments

[mariadkins]

amen

[seanan_mcguire]

We try.

[lots42]

Wait. What?

I know there are books where a good guy tries to -stop- a rapist...

[seanan_mcguire]

Yes, and then there are books where the "good guy" is one.

[lots42]

So is this 'self publishing has a dark side'?

[elialshadowpine]

Who the hell is talking self-publishing? Stephen Donaldson, I am looking at you.

[zombiefruit]

I love that you're using your platform to give out valuable advice. Self-promotion is such a tricky path to walk, too...

[seanan_mcguire]

It's hard and it makes my head hurt.

[zombiefruit]

I basically give copies of books I'm in to my mother-in-law, and rely on her to forget them on buses and in cafes all around the north-west of England.

It's, erm, not working so well. Especially because she thinks writing horror stories is a sign of a deeply sick mind. I love letting her read something and watching her face as "I think my daughter-in-law is an amazing paragon of sanity" wars with "but this shit is fucked uuuuuuup" once again...

[seanan_mcguire]

Best conundrum ever.

[la_marquise_de_]

I haven't had as many of the 'opportunities', but yes, I can't see how this practice can work well.
Mind you, I am rubbish at self-promotion to begin with, so...

[seanan_mcguire]

Most of us are.

[pointedulac]

That's frustrating. When I follow an author on social media, I expect some amount of book promotion because it's part of the job, but I have unfollowed people who do nothing but link to their book.

I loathe being added to groups with my consent though. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I think authors forcing groups or newsletters on people who didn't sign up for them are doing more harm than good.

[seanan_mcguire]

Agreed, on all counts.