Friday, December 28, 2012

Holiday Special- Guest Blog Post by Evan Bollinger

Time 2 Blog is featuring a guest blog post from Evan Bollinger, author of The Followers and Parking Lot Kings on the path of self-publishing. Enjoy!

Self-publishing is as much a process of self-discovery as it is an illumination of those unknown, underground communities of writers. When I first set out to promote myself and market my work, I had no idea what I was doing. I was googling constantly, trying to absorb as much information about the trials and tribulations of a self-publishing as I could. I learned quickly that the freedom provided by self-publishing is quite daunting. Having every aspect of your promotion under your control means that you have to choose the right image depending on the right audience. You have to conceptualize yourself and decide when and where to ‘bare your soul,’ as they say.
 
Fortunately, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing services have given the indie author almost limitless opportunities for growth. You can create your own author bio, advertisement space, and blog and social network links. An important part of increasing awareness of your work begins with your self-presentation through profiles like these. Goodreads is also a great tool for authors. It’s important not to underestimate the perks of social media promotions. More than anything, be earnest. I find that most self-published authors are interested in mutual gain, and will gain readership by expanding their social networks through honest communication. The more times your name or the titles of your work appear on the internet, the more internet traffic you receive—the more potential readers you see.

I’ve learned that blogging is integral to getting yourself out there. You want casual internet-ers to stumble on you. You want focused readers to locate you. You want cyber acquaintances to buzz about you. Help promote others, and they’ll usually help promote you. Encourage people to give honest advice too. You have to get your feelings hurt a little to learn and improve. Not everybody will love what you’ve written—and there’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t be afraid that you’re not good enough (you’re going to continue writing, so you’re going to continue improving). Just keep doing what you love, and keep sharing that love with like-minded people. Write because you want to. Support yourself, pursue your passion; find your outlet, find your freedom.
 
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