Over the past weeks, as book promotions for my novel You Beneath Your Skin have kicked into gear I’ve been feeling like a hermit crab in a glass shell.
For the last eleven years on this blog and everywhere else, I’ve interacted and made friends, promoted and hosted others but I have never really done a huge amount of self-promotion. For You Beneath Your Skin as well, the promotions are important to me because the proceeds go to Project WHY and Chhanv Foundation, organizations about which I’ve spoken before.
The novel shall go out into the world on the 17th of September. The impostor syndrome is alive and well in my writer brain, even after receiving blurbs from authors I respect, and feedback from readers whose recommendations make it to my TBR pile.
I had sent out a call for Daishik’s–teachers, cheerleader, guides to help with the promotion of my novel–and have had some luck.
Over the next few weeks I’ll appear on the sites of the following bloggers: Shailaja Vishwanath, Mayuri Nidigallu, Shilpa Garg, Roshan Radhakrishnan, Priyanka Nair, D J Cockburn, Alex J Cavanaugh, Insecure Writers Support Group, Jemi Fraser Jacqui Murray, Dan Antion, Pam Lazos, Belinda Witzenhausen, J H Moncrieff, Marian Allen, Chrys Fey, Debby Gies, C Lee Mckenzie, Ronel Janse Van Vuuren.
Since I’m going to be a proper crime author soon, I’ve decided to smother and kidnap my impostor syndrome, and release it only when I need to do my edits!
Here’s a blurb I received from an author whose work I love, and whose book on creating characters has been my bible for a few years now.
How about you? Do you ever doubt yourself as a writer? Do you read or write crime novels? Would you like to help out with You Beneath Your Skin? What advice do you have for a debut author?
The co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantine!
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I tried to send you an email but it bounced.
So sorry about that. Will write to you now, Lynda.
Marketing – an author’s usually most unfavorite thing to do, lol. Thrilled to be part of your book launch promo, and can’t wait to read it!!!! Thanks for the shoutout girl! <3
Thanks so much for hosting me!
No need to worry about Imposter Syndrome. Your characters are rich, your world filled with atmosphere, the plot riveting. I loved this book.
Thanks Jacqui! Coming from you, that’s Very reassuring.
Impostor syndrome!! Well, I too suffer from it, even though I am not a regular fiction writer. My fiction blog is just a way for me to relax my nerves, so I am pretty chilled out there. But, on Metanoia, each time I publish a health post, I wonder if it’s Shilpa Halwe who has written the post and is this Shilpa being true to herself and her readers?
Wishing you the very best for your book, D! 10 more days and your book will be out there, being read and appreciated by so many people! <3
Get out from that glass jar, Ms. Hermit Crab. 😛
Thanks, Shilpa. I have this deep desire to bury myself in the sand and NEVER come out.
I feel your pain, fellow hermit crab. LoL … Right now, I happen to reading a book called “Self-Promotion for Introverts” by Nancy Ancowitz, and so far I’m liking her approach to figuring out your strengths, goals, and making marketing plans to suit your personality. I’ll review it on my blog when I’m doing working through it, but being only half-way through, I can say it might be worth looking into, if for nothing but reminding yourself that for introverts self-promotion is a natural aversion, and you are quite normal for feeling the way that you do about it.
Exciting times ahead, congratulations on your debut. I hope it all goes brilliantly. Best wishes.
Wow, exciting times, and September 17th will be here in a blink of an eye! Congratulations and best wishes. I can feature your book on Oct 2nd if you’d like.
Oh, yes please. Let me write to you, Lynda. Thank you so much!!
I recommend using Books Go Social to help with your marketing. They do great trailers and ads. Also get into their International Book of Reviews. Yes, this will cost you some but their prices are fair and you can get a good ROI on the promotions. I’ve used them and have been happy with them.
As to doubts and writing: Yes all good writers doubt their work. They never think it’s good enough and believe anyone wants to read it. It’s something we all share but don’t discuss. Everyday, I struggle with doubts and fight back depression over my lack of sales, lack of accomplishments, lack of production and everyday I have to put those thoughts aside and push through. You were signed by a major company. Not all of us traditionally published writers get to say that. Smile at your self. You are a writer and a great one. Your work will be your legacy and it will sell well. You have a strong platform and a following. If people didn’t like your posts, they wouldn’t subscribe. Remember that on days you feel overwhelmed with doubts and remember that when you get your first royalty check. Your fans will support you and encourage others to read you. Take heart. You are doing what you were created to do. Keep writing!
I am looking forward to your book being available in the states. I plan to read it when its released here.
I’ll pop by your inbox asap, Julie–thank you for your offer in the form. Thanks so much also for the book promo advice here–I’ll look all of this up. And what you say makes so much sense!!
You certainly have a leg up on lots of other debut authors, because you’ve been interacting authentically with the writing community for a long time. I should think there will be many more cheerleaders lining up to laud you and your novel!
Thanks, Rebecca! Yes, I’m very fortunate to have so many blog friends who have been a huge help so far.
I am looking forward yo your book and your post on my blog. 🙂
My advice would be to enjoy it. You only have a debut once. And to not overwork yourself on the promotion/marketing front. Take breaks, enjoy, and find moments to relax.
Thanks, Chrys–I look forward to the feature on your blog, as well. And your advice makes absolute sense.
Looking forward to hosting you!
I’m sincerely insecure all the time over my writing – which explains why my books are sitting on my hard drive 🙂
Thanks so much for the help, Jemi. I’m looking forward to reading more of you, so crack open that hard drive please 🙂
Take a look at my #meettheauthor feature on my blog https://bamauthor.me Send me a similar format in a word doc. and I will give you a slot this month.
Thanks, Barbara! Would love to be featured. Will write to you soon.
Hi Damyanti – I’ll be there for you … as the form says – cheers Hilary
Thanks so much, Hilary. Will pop by your inbox soon.
I still get it.
Just relax. You’ve done all you can. Just enjoy the ride.
Thank you, Alex. I need to remember that.
Congratulations, Damyanti, as this is a huge achievement. All sparkly energy for your book launch and it’s success. Hugs x
Thanks so much, Jane, and thanks for the RT on Twitter. 🙂
All proceeds go to non-profits, so I really hope it does well.
I believe, you are doing great and shouldnt doubt yourself…ever. I am sure that You Beneath Your Skin will be a big success and cant wait to read more crime stories from your pen. Cheers!
Thanks so much, Shilpa! I hope you can make it to the launch 🙂
Wish your debut book a great success!
Thank you so much!
I always doubt myself, unfortunately. But I have to just grit my teeth and go for it. In other news, hope to start your book next week!
Yes, gritting my teeth and going for it seems to be my only life option these days :). Thanks so much for reading the ARC!
Looking forward to it, Damyanti!
I doubt myself all the time. I blame lack of confidence in myself and a horrible memory. Notes and lists are the only way I get through it all. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Congratulations on the coming release! And as for impostor syndrome… do I ever NOT feel it? Totally feel like an amateur pretty much all the time.
Thanks so much. Yeah–the self doubt never really goes away, does it?
Congratulations and wishing much success. I signed up. Happy IWSG Day!
Thanks so much, Juneta. I’ll drop by your inbox soon!
I’m going to be in Morocco for the month of September. I hope when you send your ARC that i can download it, but if you can get it to me before Sept. 7–yikes!–I’ll be sure to have it along with me.
Yay, Morocco!!! I’ll do my best to get the ARC to you by the 7th Sep! Emailing you now.
I put a teaser on my blog – jttwissel.com – for your book today. Having read the beginning I would say make your next blog posts interviews with your characters. Pick one at a time. Have your followers get to know them and care about them. For potential fans in the West – blog about the differences between legal systems. I have many Indian friends and their concept of time and being on time is so different. How does that affect the legal process?
Thanks so much, Jan. I look forward to your review.
I’ll try and do character interviews or excerpt–that is good advice.
Yes, the difference in the legal process is huge–I’d love to write on that–thanks for the idea!
I’d say you’re on the right track. Ask those two organizations to push the book for starters. If they announce they’re getting some of the proceeds, it’ll prompt people going to their sites to buy. Likewise make use of your social networks. Promote it on your pages and politely nudge others to do the same for you.
Thanks :). I think I’m taking baby steps in all of these.
What’s made the biggest difference for me has been getting hooked up with a debut YA/MG author facebook group, which has helped with cross promotion and learning, as well as pitching conferences. And helped with lots of other things too. Best of luck!
Debut groups are amazing. I’m part of one on FB, but it is more of a mixed group. Thanks so much for stopping by.