The M Word

Another new year, another resolution to tell people about my books. Once again, the ‘M’ word has reared its head. Marketing.

Some writers are really, really good at marketing. They build a following on social media. They share their triumphs, troubles and blocks in blogs, receiving messages of kindly support and encouragement. They engage via Booktok and Bookstagram. They take photos of packaging their books in themed wrapping paper and post the results online. They create videos for YouTube as they unbox a pile of books. Their followers watch the videos and make appreciative comments. They reveal the cover design and elicit responses of admiration and awe.

And for some, it really, really works. They have sales figures that evoke envy and amazement in equal measures.

I can do this, I tell myself, ignoring decades-worth of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

I’ve asked myself a crucial question. Why do I want people to read my books?  Lissie Kidds of Forbes Books writes about the benefits of authorship, giving seven reasons why you should seek to publish your work – and two why you should not.

Here are some of the key points from the Forbes Book FAQs:

As a business leader, the driving force behind authorship is the increased visibility of your leadership and your brand. Authorship not only provides an avenue for generating prospects, it’s a powerful trust-building tool.

As consumers grow more sceptical of business, trust is the foundation for increasing your customer base and growing your customer loyalty. Your book offers a straightforward message to your readers—that you can be trusted as an expert.

Beyond this incalculable benefit, there are other reasons you may consider authorship:

• Prestige, you are joining an elite and exclusive group of authors
• Your book provides marketing and promotion collateral
• Your book can be leveraged for speaking opportunities
• PR opportunities

I am sure this information is tried and tested and is absolutely reliable. But Houston, we have a problem. The words that I have underlined are words that make my heart sink. They conjure up a world where I simply do not belong. Once again, I know that if this is the path, I need someone on my side whose heart does not plummet earthwards when they read those words. Someone who is at home in that world, because I am not.

I remind myself that there are many paths through the forest and look for other guides who speak a language that sings to me.

Anjita Ganguly gives us six answers to my question:

One of her six answers brought me comfort and joy:

Writing a book brings to you a wonderful opportunity to share those ideas of yours with the world.

I’m counting down. There’s five reasons for writing on this website:

and here’s my favourite:

Your work…can improve other people’s lives by informing, amusing, or inspiring them.

Easily distracted as I am, another question is now occupying my mind. How do I discover books I want to read?

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