I have been thinking a good deal recently about book marketing and, in particular how best to market my forthcoming book, Samantha. It is often remarked of the English that we are self deprecating, that we have an aversion to blowing our own trumpet. Obviously this is a stereotypical observation, however it does, in the case of myself contain a kernel of truth. I find it incredibly difficult to tell people in a face-to-face context about my published collection of short stories, The First Time and my forthcoming book, Samantha. When I open my mouth to talk about my writing I can feel my face turning red and yours truly suddenly becomes rather reticent. The perception that self-publicising is not the done thing, dies hard in me.

I do not feel the same disinclination to promote my work on the internet. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I have never met any of the people who read my blog. I don’t have to face my blog’s readers, the computer comes between you and I. Distance helps communication. Ironically where I to meet any of my blog’s readers face-to-face the fact that a relationship of sorts (as regards my writing) had developed over the internet would make talking about my books relatively easy (at least I think this would be the case, it hasn’t happened as yet so I have no way of knowing for sure)!

Still on the subject of marketing, I have read a number of posts which suggest that authors should listen to their readers to ascertain what they like about their work and then go on to employ this knowledge to improve their craft. Obviously it is good to learn what one’s readers think of one’s writing and writers can learn from constructive criticism. However I can’t agree with the view that authors should ascertain what readers appreciate in order to provide them with more of the same. As a writer I write about those issues which interest me and about which I feel strongly. If readers disagree with my perspective then, of course I respect their views, however I am not prepared to tailor my writing in order to gain fans and/or sell more books. Naturally I hope that people will buy (and more importantly like) my books, however there is no value in selling books in large quantities only to sacrifice one’s integrity.

Sorry for a somewhat rambling post.

Kevin