Promoting my books has always been something of a dilemma with me. Going to book fairs, giving talks, book signings, not so much; I always assume people are there because they want to be. They want to chat, to look at my books, to discuss the way I write – sometimes they way they write. It’s fun, I love meeting people. I love talking about my books, why I wrote them, how I came up with ideas, what they mean to me. The reviews readers have given them. I’m always grateful.
But how to talk about my books with people I just have met, casual acquaintances- even perfect strangers? It’s not something I do. It even makes me uncomfortable if I’m in the company of someone who does this, especially in public places, spaces that have nothing whatsoever to do with books, reading or writing. Although I admire that writer’s ability to pluck the subject of their work out of the air and present it to someone they have just met, or engineered a meeting, it’s not something I could do. After all, would I want anyone to feel cornered into buying a book, to be pressurised? Well, no, I wouldn’t. I’ve seen it happen, I’ve seen the reactions of the ‘cornered one’.
It’s a fine line in talking to a potential reader, to presenting my books to someone who might not be interested at all – who escapes with relief, albeit having had to buy a book!. Embarrassing!!
Social media, I know, is different in that there is no real life face to face appearance – it’s one step away. Even so, having followed many writers of all genres on the various platforms, I’ve seen those who singlemindedly try to sell their work, and those who use social media in it’s true sense (as a friend once said to me ” the clue is in the word ” social”). And there are those wonderful people who, so generously share the work, the promotions, the blogs and reviews of others. I’m grateful to those I have ‘met’ and become friends with in real life, as well as on social media.
And there’s another predicament for me when it comes to promoting my books – which platform am I most comfortable with. Which platform can I share general news and chat with, as well as publicity for my work … and which not.
Lately I decided to delete my Twiiter/X account. When the name changed I wondered why it had, what would be the difference, how would this formerly named Twitter be used. I have/had many friends who used and still use this platform in the way I did – to chat about life in general, to talk about books, reading, and writing.
But, gradually I saw something change on the feeds I received on Twitter/X. I’m not talking about all the “retired Generals/ Government Officials/ Admirers of our profiles etc. Bots, eager to get to ‘know’ us, that anyone on this platform (and other platforms, of course) receive. I mean the constant barrage of race/gender/political hatred, that was suddenly there. People, real people, eager for (bullying) us to join in, to follow whatever drum they are so fanatical about. For me (and I stress this is only me), it all got too much. I retreated – with a sigh of relief.
In a way it’s made me sad. Through the years I built up a moderate number of followers on Twitter; people I followed, who shared my passion for writing, for books; a lovely community. But the insiduous invasion of nastiness became something that affected me, my moods, my emotions. Perhaps I need a thicker skin? I was told by some of my real friends to ignore the constant chatter of predudice. But I couldn’t, and disn’t want to. It was too much. Circumventing these things in real life can be difficult enough, why did I need to be confronted with it on the screen? The screen where I write stories that I enjoy writing, where I chat and share emails, enjoy other social media platforms? So I made the decision and left Twitter/X.
I’m hoping by joining Instagram/Threads, and continuing on other platforms I will, eventually, connect again with the writers I got to know over many years. But, for my own peace of mind, it will never again be through Twittter/X.
Because I write about family dramas, family situations, I’ve always been aware of the relationships between people, between family members: the love, the loyalty, the friendship, the instinctive support. But also, I’m aware of and write about the dislike, the jealousy, the rivalry, the misunderstandings, the battle for control.
I don’t need it in the surreal world as well.
And so, a footnote: I’m not going to try to promote my books here. But … I do have links!! If you care to look for them…
Just a plug for my publisher: https://www.honno.co.uk/
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Judith Barrow 
Sad that it was an end of part of it for you Judith, but you have to enjoy a ‘thing’ to want to carry on with it.
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You’re right, it took me quite a while to decide to leave Twitter/X, Rosie. I’ve met and made real life friends through that platform, as you probably know, but it became a drain on me in so many ways.
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I think it’s more a case of drowning not waving on social media these days Judith. I scroll past very quickly!
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It’s a difficult one, Linda. As an author social media is needed these days , I guess ( though how effective it is at selling books no one seems to know), but so much time can be wasted scanning through what is positive and what’s not.
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I know just what you mean about promoting our own books. I bailed on both Twitter and Instagram, and I haven’t missed them a bit. I did start a Substack newsletter a few months ago, and I’m seeing an active and supportive writing community there.
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Thank you for this, Liz. I saw the Substack but not sure what it is and how to start it. Sounds good though so something to investigate. x
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You’re welcome, Judith. I don’t think Substack can take the place of an author website, but it seems to be doing well with the blogging function.
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Thanks, Liz, checking it out. x
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You’re welcome, Judith.
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I agree with you on the hatred that is Twitter X. I avoid it by only going to notifications and engaging with other Twitter X folks there. The general feed is now covered with Hamas supporters and left wing crazies plus a few Russian bots thrown in for good measure.
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Thank you, John. I tried that for a while but the nastiness intruded all the time.I thought long and hard about leaving but it was a relief when I did. I appreciate you dropping by to comment.
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I only have Facebook now and it means I can keep in touch with friends – and also turn down offers from attractive-looking men with impressive qualifications, cute pets, plus a love of sweet mothers and their country… The account-hacking worry grows, I’m afraid.
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Thanks, Trish, social media can be a time stealer when we could be writing. And yet, these days, authors are expected to promote their work. Bots – the lot of them – they are to be avoided at all costs. You probably have the right idea. xx
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As others have commented, I’m staggered by the volume and vehemence of opinions expressed on social media. Not sure what the answer is, but like everyone else I’m looking for it.
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Thanks for being here to comment, Barb. I’ve got to the stage of self-protection, so shutting out all the nastiness on social media. I’ve reached the point where I really don’t know how and where to talk about my books. I’m trying Instagram and a couple of other platforms – see how it goes. Guess I’m old-fashioned and just want to chat with people in real life at real events.
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Hi Judith. I love your subtle way at driving to the point that you feel forced to advertise. You aren’t alone. It’s a rare occasion when I mention my books. Thank goodness for Sally, lol. And as far as Twitter goes, I know many an author who’ve left. I so agree with you, and honestly. I send blog posts to Twitters of blogs I read and books and check once in the morning to give thanks to those who’ve shared. I don’t read the feeds for all you’ve mentioned.
Don’t forget to share your new book with us when it releases. 🙂 ❤ xx
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Debby, thank you so much for your understanding and comment. I’m sorry I’m late replying, we were away in North Wales for a week’s walking (and I was editing the next book!) – in the middle of the mountains with no internet. I’m glad to have come off Twitter/X even though I’m sorry to have lost touch now with so many lovely people. xxxx
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Hi Judith. We all get round eventually. No worries. And welcome back. Hugs xox
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😘😘😘
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It’s all about what works or doesn’t work for you, isn’t it? And about knowing yourself and where you do or don’t need to be. I am sad that you’re no longer on TwitteX (!!), but we have blogs, emails, and the odd trip to THAT PLACE…!!!
I haven’t used Twitter for book promotion much at all lately ; I don’t know why, a couple of months ago I just got so I couldn’t be bothered to schedule a load of tweets, get in touch with book bloggers, etc etc. And yes, my KDP sales report reflects this. As I don’t use any other sites, though, I’m staying, because I like the site anyway. I love the political debate and information, and keep up with many independent journalists on here, but don’t interact with anyone who can’t act like an adult – I just mute them, so they’re screaming into the wind.
Facebook won’t have me and Instagram won’t let me log on, so I’m kind of stumped, really! I tried bluesky, but it seemed to be just authors posting about their books; they’re wasn’t much social interaction.
You can actually manipulate the algorithms by immediately muting anyone you don’t want to see, but that does take effort better spent elsewhere in life, of course! I think it was me who said to you that the clue is in the word ‘social’??!!! And there’s so much upset going on in the world now that people are bound to talk about it. I know it’s different for me because I actively want to, but I appreciate your position!!!
Do not, on any account, be a stranger, and remember to let me know about that ARC!!
T xxx
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Hi Terry, I’m late coming to this because, where we are staying at the moment seems to go offline for days at a time, and then, suddenly starts up again. I suppose that’s normal for the middle of nowhere, and up a mountain, in Wales. It was you who said about the clue in ‘social’, I’ve always remebered that and tried to go by that thought. Yes, I’m sad we can no longer connect on TwitteX (fabulous join-up there, by the way) – it’s where we met. I thought long and hard about leaving, but with everything else going on in our lives at home, the stuff that was coming through on that platform just depressed me. I did mute/block/ignore for a while but the words still stuck in my head ( I guess as writers that what words do with us, isn’t it!?) Anyway, you’re right, we have other places to meet – especially THAT PLACE!! There have been hold ups with the book, but I’m grateful, my lovely friend, that you are still happy to see the ARC. Chat soon. J xxxx
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Yo! Finally someone said about this. It’s actually understandable what you think about, but glad that you spoke about it. Definitely will read your books , it’s not at all embarrassing. No one cares what we think and do, More power and love to you.
I hope you’ll like my content too. Visit my page once😊🌷Hehe promoting myself here!!
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Thank you. I appreciate you dropping by to comment.😊
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