Last updated on January 2, 2026
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Currently, my biggest challenge is promoting my book. If it weren’t for the charity organizations that will (could) benefit from my future book sales, then I would probably say, “Well, WTH, I wrote a book. I published it! Well done,” and pat myself on one of my shoulders and forget all about it.
You see, book promotion is a bit (a lot) like prostitution. It’s all about the exterior, the surface, which has to attract first, to provoke a stranger to stop for a second and look at you. Only then, if the package seems interesting enough, do people stop and ask for the price. “How much does it cost, and what do you offer? Anything special?”
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From now on, or for at least one year, I should stand on a corner—daily—and lure people in, like the singing sirens attracted the sailors in Homer’s Odyssey. Of course, nobody will die while reading my book. Well, at least I hope so. Imagine the headline: Reader toppled over after being bored senseless by a book. Oh my, what a headline. 🙂
Book Marketing! Can you tell? I am a bad prostitute. I just don’t want to stand on the corner—yet.
Book promotions, not just for my book but others as well, that’s my goal for 2026. I need to splash around a bit, to test the waters, to explore unknown territories, and let me be honest and sincere here for a moment, this will be the greatest challenge for me. I need to be willing to market myself a bit, because my book “Losing it All” is me. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t help but think about prostitution, which, of course, was a very strong comparison (which I liked).
I have been worried that my life might not be so interesting anymore. Guess what?
It’s full of adventures. So much to learn, so little time.
So, to sum it up. I am my biggest challenge. I need to step out of my comfort zone and put a toe into this social-media-thing. Turns out there is so much more than just WordPress, who would have thought.
Happy New Year!
What’s it like to have charity organizations depending on your book sales – does that add extra pressure? 🤔
It was something I wanted to do, but I don’t think they will have sleepless nights over it, or depend on me. 🙂
I wonder is there a way to “sponsor” an ad? I know when I shop on Amazon they always listed sponsored products first… is that pricey to do? And is there a way to do the same here on WP so that your page comes up, like on the “recommended” tab on the Reader options? Can you “submit” your blog for that list some how? Or even a particular post where you talk about the book? Just a few ideas… don’t know if they are feasible or even possible. Best of luck!
I hear you, dear Bridget. I think you’re doing a great job…it’s just a slow adventure for many of us. Keep at it and I’ll be cheering you on! 💝
It’s hard work and I am not sure if I have it in me. So far all is new and it’s fun, so I am enjoying the ride.
❤️🥰❤️
Step it up and let it shine! Trust me—it truly deserves the attention and the praise. Promote. Promote. Promote. ❤️
You are so kind. Thank you so much, Dwight.
One tip. Add a link to the picture of your book in this post. I clicked the picture not the link (but we’ll go back and click the link). What I have learned from many years of being online is that people like clicking pictures. Congratulations!! Also, I feel your pain… 🙃
Thank you so much for the tip. Yes, of course, I click on pictures all the time and expect to be forwarded. Why didn’t I think of it? 😢 I have now fixed it. Again, thank you.
Dear friend, Your raw honesty about book promo feeling like “prostitution” had me chuckling—stepping out of that comfort zone in 2026 will unleash your adventures, keep splashing!
I am glad you chuckled. 🙂
It feels a bit odd to promote myself, but oh, well, here we go. 🙂
It takes a village to market a book. We will all help out. xo
You are so sweet, thank you. I saw your picture under “reading it right now” on Goodreads. 🙂
From another author friend, this is the hardest part.
I wanted to look up your books, but there are too many authors with your name. Could you share the link, please? I would love to read it.
Im not the author, its a friend of mine who is and who says the marketing is the hardest thing. Her name is Karen Mulvahill. Her book came put in 2025. The Lost Woman.
She is right and it’s a new experience. One has to make sacrifices to get the word out.
An honest writing ma’am. All the very best you. There’s a Phoenix artist in you♡
You are too kind. I would love to be a Phoenix.
But a good working girl
LOL. Yes, sir. I try my best.
🙂
I found that this was harder than writing them. Good luck.
I am so delighted for you! And I just made a purchase. See? If you don’t promote, we won’t know! You definitely have a story to tell, and I’m eager for my copy to arrive. 😉
That’s so kind of you. Thank you so much, Debra.
feel free to promote away, nothing wrong with that
Thank you, Beth. I am afraid I might just do that.
Absolutely nothing wrong with good, honest prostitution but I don’t think the word is quite necessary ( 🙂 ! ) here as yet! A little ‘word’ here and a little ‘word’ there won’t go astray . . . I repost a variety of blogs et al to a lot of friends . . . shall introduce you for them to take a look . . . don’t have your email to show you when I do . . .
I had nothing but good experiences with this kind of ‘working girls’.
You are so kind and so generous. Honestly, I need all the help I can get. My email address is TheHappyQuitter@aol.com