Since I’m lousy at verbal self-promotion (as most people are!) I found a way to get the word out about my books and writing business without opening my mouth.
When I ordered these, it felt egotistical. But I did it anyway, knowing I’d never have the courage to tell people I meet casually that I’m an author and writer-for-hire. And I also figured that even if I chickened out and never wore them in public, I’d just like seeing them in my closet! (Now, that’s ego talking, but I endeavor to allow ego to appear ONLY in my closet!)
But when I published these images on my Facebook page, I got a barrage of positive feedback. So, now I expect I will actually wear them when I’m out and about. They might become a conversation starter for people who love to read, or for people who need a writer or editor.
But obviously, readers are my Ideal Audience. It would be nice to sell more books so I don’t have to rely on writing work for my “mad money” (additional retirement savings — which I really need to bolster!!! — with some left over for less-essential things: occasional travel, occasional movie, occasional visits, picnics/meals with friends, etc.).
LOVE MY CAREER, but …
I absolutely love being a part-time (10 to 15 hours a week) semi-retired content and copywriter — don’t get me wrong — but it would be nice to have enough passive income to know that I won’t outlive my savings account even if I become DE-mented (beyond my usual form — “crazy about De”!!!) and have to give up stringing words together… (This is known as, “Prepare for the worst and then forget about it.”)
So, today I feel better about ordering these. I would hate to have spent a precious $75 on something I’d only be wearing at home or seeing in my closet! But I was preparing for that eventuality, had the response to them been crickets/deafening silence!!!
I have the best friends! They are always encouraging me to be noisier than I am as a self-promoter. But I’m such a wuss when it comes to tooting my own horn. I’d rather have other people do that, although it embarrasses me!
“Just Stick Your Toe in the Rug…”
Reminds me of the time Mom and Dad were meeting Carolyn and DeForest Kelley for the first time.
(The following is an excerpt from DeForest Kelley Up Close and Personal: A Harvest of Memories from the Fan Who Knew Him Best)
Mom and Dad had never met De and Carolyn and, because they hadn’t, they were under the mistaken impression that I was over the edge about this mythical couple. Dad in particular thought I was nuts. That was kind of okay with me, because I thought he was pretty nuts, too. I dropped a note to the Kelleys inviting them to share Thanksgiving dinner with us that year. I knew they probably wouldn’t, or couldn’t, but it didn’t hurt to ask. I’d be giving special thanks for them at the table whether they were there or not.
So it was a big surprise—and a relief, and a scare—when the Kelleys called. Carolyn said that although they couldn’t partake of the dinner since they had other plans with another couple, they would like to drive over for an hour or so early in the day to meet Mom and Dad. I hung up the phone and made the announcement; Mom and Dad looked a little like deer caught in headlights. I got goose bumps. This was going to be Really Something: the moment of truth. Mom and Dad were going to be able to proclaim, at the conclusion of this visit, whether or not I was bonkers.
On Thanksgiving Day, Mom and Dad dressed up a little more than usual and Dad jabbed me with the caustic comment, “We’d better dress up for these gods who are visiting with us today!” I could tell he was ready to pronounce me insane well in advance of the event. Needless to say, I was a basket of nerves when the doorbell rang. I went to the door and opened it. De had a lovely little plant in his arms for me. I said, “Thanks!” and hugged him and Carolyn. I made the introductions and we all sat down. I sat as far away from everyone as I could get, hoping they’d settle into couches and chairs close to each other. Much to my relief, they did.
I poured everyone coffee, and they began to chat. Before long, Dad and De were chatting up a storm, and Mom and Carolyn were conversing. Then it became a kind of free-for-all. This occurred rather quickly, the moment the Kelleys decided my folks were comfortable with them and not at all intimidated by the circumstance. They got into a sort of gabfest about me because initially that was their common frame of reference. Instead of Dad’s usual caustic remarks, I heard him saying some of the sweetest things about me! Then I thought that he was probably just following the Kelleys’ lead, since they were being so complimentary. Then I decided, no…I guess Dad really did think I was worth claiming as a kid; he just had an uncommonly weird way of showing it.
Acutely embarrassed by their comments, I finally directed, “Okay, you guys. Knock it off.”
Carolyn grinned and said to me, “Just stick your toe in the rug and take it, like a good little celebrity.”
I laughed. So did De!
(Deep breaths, Kris. Just take deep breaths. You’ll get through the discomfort!)
Self-promotion SUCKS!!! Alas, it’s necessary if I ever want to get ahead as an AUTHOR.
I’m OKAY when promoting my writing services; that’s offering professional help to people who need and are looking for it. It doesn’t sound egotistical or ME-oriented. It’s client-oriented. As a businessman, I can do THAT! (I don’t do much of it anymore because I don’t need a lot more writing work these days. My regular clients keep me busy enough, happily!)
But when it comes to proclaiming, “I’m an author! Please check out my books!” that feels too me-oriented — although it isn’t as long as the recipient loves to read and is interested in the things I’ve written about. BUT I DON’T KNOW THAT WHEN I MEET SOMEONE NEW PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY, SO IT FEELS TOO ME-ORIENTED.
Does this make sense to anyone other than myself? I just don’t like risking coming across like a carnival barker or pushy salesman, you know?
