From Author to Entrepreneur: One Man Band
Learning marketing basics has become my new reality. From crafting promotional emails and social media posts to researching ways to connect with book bloggers and influencers, I’ve had to immerse myself in a world I never thought I’d need to navigate. It's not as simple as throwing a book up on a platform and hoping for the best; it's about building a plan and actively working to get it into the hands of readers who will appreciate it.
Of course, there have been setbacks and moments of frustration. Marketing can feel like a full-time job on top of my already busy life. But through it all, I’ve never lost sight of why I started this journey in the first place: the love of storytelling..
There’s also the task of creating connections with people who can help amplify my voice—bloggers, fellow authors, and marketing professionals. Networking doesn’t come naturally to me (introvert here!), but I’ve come to realize how crucial these relationships are for growing my audience and building momentum around my book.
As a self-published author, I quickly realized that writing the book was only half the battle. Now, I had to transform into a marketer, publicist, and salesperson, all rolled into one. It was a daunting task, especially for someone with limited marketing experience.
When I first set out to write my book, I imagined the most challenging part would be sitting down to put my ideas into words, crafting a story that felt whole and complete. Little did I know, finishing the manuscript was only the beginning. Now that I’ve reached that milestone, I've discovered a new and unexpected challenge: the business side of being an author.
Writing the book may have been the creative journey, but selling the book—well, that's a whole different adventure. As an independent author, I’ve quickly realized that wearing multiple hats isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. I’m not just the writer. I’m the marketer, the strategist, the public relations manager, and the person responsible for connecting with others who can help get the word out.
