Saturation Point

If you have a marketing heart, this post is going to either irritate you or cause you consternation. How could I possibly see it this way? And just who do you think is going to do the work in the trenches if not you? And how exactly do you propose to make even a handful of people aware of your novel if you don’t get out there and promote, Promote!, PROMOTE!!?

My feeling is that if I have a thought or an opinion, there is at least one other person who basically feels the same. And I’m really not so bizarre that there’s probably only one.

In a private e-mail from a friend, this person said he/she was bolder on the internet than in person and felt some intimidation about attending a writers’ conference solo. I’m the same way for the most part. And if you have novel in hand, complete and polished, why wouldn’t you go to possibly make an inroad to publishing, to pitch that thing you’ve worked so hard to finish and were so inspired to write?

I hate being intimidated by another person, regardless of if they’re not trying to be threatening. My husband is not a big man, but he’s a strong man in virtually all ways. Unintentionally, he can be intimidating to some because he’s outgoing, Type A, handsome, and well-groomed even for work. He forgets that about himself, and sometimes I have to remind him when he wonders why a stranger acts a certain way towards him. Intimidation causes those uncomfortable feelings of inferiority, and since I’ve attempted to shed those feelings my entire life, woe to you if you perpetuate them in me (even though I will rarely react at the time).

Anyway, here’s the deal. I’m going to be painfully honest here. I don’t blame anyone for having their blog sites and any other professional references in their e-mail signatures, advertised on those same sites, and incorporated into any mailing involving the business of publishing. I don’t blame any of the professionals for their “tag lines”, their branding techniques, their lists of publications, or anything related to their accomplishments on those sites or in their professional e-mails. However, I have to admit after some passages of time, I tire of them. For me they reach a saturation point. And if an author communicates on a personal level with friends or readers more than a few times on a non-business level, why not have an additional e-mail address that doesn’t spout all their accomplishments, snappy tag lines, and any other professional data and paraphernalia? Do authors really think they’ll be so easily forgotten if they reply as merely themselves without all their bragging rights attached to their signatures?

I suppose there are some readers who rely on writing awards to confirm a novel is valuable to read. Other readers undoubtedly rely on reviews and respond to good ones by spending their money on highly acclaimed novels or those at the top of bestseller lists. It is still maintained that word-of-mouth plays a significant role in selling books. However, for me, it depends upon who is doing the recommending. There are readers who visit their favorite author sites and take those authors’ referrals as definite incentives to purchase an author’s favorites. In many of these cases there is seldom any feedback from the readers. No one actually knows if they really liked the books unless the readers are involved in book clubs, discuss it with the friend or associate who recommended the book, or if the reader himself contacts a forum, an author site, or writes his/her own review on Amazon or elsewhere.

On this site I will only review novels I especially enjoyed or a few that were fairly good reads and might appeal to certain types of readers. I’m not going to bash books here—at least not novels. Subjectivity plays the majority role in make believe. I can’t dictate your tastes, nor can you dictate mine.

Marketing is a ploy to sell books. Necessary? Of course. But the saturation point is getting to me—at times I almost feel embarrassment for some of these authors. It’s unabashed self-promotion amidst attempting to sound humble. Very difficult to achieve. I haven’t figured out how to do it. There are too many weaknesses in self-promotion. Too many requirements of pointing to self. It gets to the point where a good marketing author has to make excuses for that self-promotion which incites a hint of hypocrisy.

An author must believe in his work—otherwise why bother to write? They have to be able to say why a particular story rings true for them, why they enjoyed writing it, or even why it was difficult to tell, and what made it special to them. Each story has a story behind it. A motivation. A point of creation. Some are clear, others barely decipherable—they seemed to just appear and take form before the author could stop to identify the processes leading to the tale. It’s all interesting, sometimes even fascinating. Those of us who love to read and write also enjoy learning the background.

I guess it’s hard for me to generate anything more than appreciation for another person. People have a lot to prove. I love people, but they rarely impress me. I see their marvelous qualities, talents, and I can easily admire their conduct, especially if they exude humility. All of that because of the light of the Lord in them. What really makes someone special to me is their love for Jesus and their ability to communicate it—however that is.

I’m not impressed by their “platforms”, their “trophies”, or their professional accolades. What do those really matter if I don’t particularly like their writing? I don’t like it because it’s not my style or for whatever reason—none of which truly matters. To each his own. I can still respect them for their efforts and talents and their ability to persevere to publication.

It seems like more and more the journey to publication is not so much about real writing as it is about processing a product. Some have learned exactly how to do it and others just have a knack for it. It’s like a contest where the odds are stacked against you.

However, God is always in the journey where a Christian is concerned because we desire to follow Him. What will He teach us along the way? What are we willing to do or surrender in the process?

This is a long and rambling post—I hope you don’t mind. It’s just that sometimes in this business of publishing/marketing there are things that don’t sit right or feel good inside. What then? At the saturation point the best thing to do is sit back and let the Lord direct the next step. We really must be true to what He has for us as individuals and stick to His plan for us. Don’t we?

Father, more than anything else, I want to stick to your plan for me. Mine never work. Keep me on the right path moving forward with you. There’s no better place to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please continue to pray for Kristy Dykes.*

Comments

[Kay]

It doesn't bother me as much as marketing in the church does.
But that's another topic.
I think most authors don't want to self-market. They want to create. But because the publishers now leave the marketing up to the author, (unless, of course it's King or someone) we have no choice. I don't think I will be very good at it. But I have to believe if God wants my book in people's hands, He will get it there, and show me my part in the process, (other than getting off my duff and getting back to actually writing!)

[Nicole]

I think you'll be good at it, Kay. You're clever and your blog is so energetic and filled with your creativity. I think all you'll need is a specific direction and look out. :)

[dayle]

I think that's the key. Understanding what marketing is. It's many things.

In other words, you don't have to be a shameless self-promoter or a Used Car Salesman in disguise. Most people see right through that.

I say be genuine but be accessible.

[Rebecca LuElla Miller]

I'm still playing catch-up from last week! Interestingly, I started a discussion about creating buzz for a book. I think I'll need to devote one day to this topic of "overkill." I happen to agree that it really can be counterproductive.

Usually when a writer who is a friend has The Big Signature at the end of an email, I give then the benefit of the doubt, assuming they have an auto signature enabled.

Becky

[Nicole]

I know, Becky, and perhaps I'm being petty in the respect of signatures, etc. In respect to all the listing of books written and accomplishments, etc., I guess I'd just like to see their "naked" names when it's personal.

I suspect you have some of the same feelings I do about this from reading some of your blog entries.

I guess sometimes, for me, some of it just doesn't "feel" right. I'm not condemning anyone's efforts, ideas, or creative outlets. Can't help but wonder if it's all God ordained, though.