Networking fears are real. If you’re an introvert like me, talking to people isn’t your favorite thing in the world. In fact, you might even wish you were in the writing or editing processing again. I’d be lying to say if I wasn’t slightly dreading this part of publishing. However, it must get done. I tried pushing past my networking fears yesterday, when a friend brought me to a local book sale, where I advertised my upcoming book through a pamphlet that I whipped up. It was a mild success, as a friend of my friends said they would promote my book on their facebook page group and another offered to let me set up a table in front of their family store. Which means more talking and putting myself out there, but the payoff will be worth it. Let me explain why building connections and an audience are essential to publishing your book.
Talking to people is the only way to get the word out!
How many books have been published? Hundreds of millions! And how many of those books have you heard of? Probably only a few hundred. It’s not because all those books are poorly written or not as great as all the books we know. Romeo & Juliet, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harry Potter, Lord of The Flies, and anything with Stephen King’s name on it. These books are best sellers and famous because the authors conquered their networking fears and marketed them successfully. You can write the most eloquent novel and create the most gorgeous cover, but it won’t sell if only your parents know about it by the time it’s out. So, with building connections and a bit of luck, your book has the potential to become a best seller, just all the other all-time classics. So let go of your networking fears and spread the word of your book!