Authors: How many times have you wanted to chuck this whole writing thing?
C’mon now, I see you hiding in the corner. Fess up.
Maybe it’s the bleak weather, but right now anything to do with writing is the last thing I want to do. Writing has become a chore instead of a passion.
Having a novel published has been the number one thing on my bucket list since long before bucket lists were a thing, and for me, self-publishing feels like a cop-out. Before you get your panties in a twist, I realize that for some people, the self-publishing route is far preferable to putting your baby in someone else’s hands. But I want to know that an industry professional thinks my writing is worthy. I could self-publish, but how do I know my work is good enough?
It’s not just the writing that’s giving me second thoughts. It’s all the other things that go along with being a wannabe published author these days. Social media—keeping up with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, writing those captivating blog posts. Marketing myself and my work feels more painful than childbirth (and let me tell you, that was no joy ride!).
I’m an introvert to the extreme. Interacting with people online or face to face is exhausting for me. Let me say it loud and clear:
I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HATE SOCIALIZING!
Yes, really, and the thought of having to venture out of my cozy nest to market my writing is giving me the heebie-jeebies. The idea of engaging—REALLY engaging on social media—is not my idea of a fun time.
Why can’t I just do what I do best and leave the publicity to the pros?
Marketing: It just might be a deal-breaker for me.
Sigh.
Susannah Willey Writes 
It’s true: the rise of social media and, really, the internet as a whole has drastically changed several industries: publishing, tech, music, animation…What is a boon for the creative types who like networking is becoming an obstacle for us introverts.
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I feel your pain and frustration. I also want to go the traditional route instead of self-publishing. We will see how that goes. Two tips – I’ve started to read the opening of a chapter at my book club meeting to give me more confidence about talking about my novel in front of a group. They’re my close friends, but presenting your own work is still terrifying. Starting with a group of friends helps. Second, I just found a friend’s daughter who is going to take on helping me with the social media stuff as an intern project. Unpaid, but I told her I would pay her for performance – get me x number of followers and I’ll pay you x. I’m hoping she dives into the project very soon!
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I’m an extravert – love to socialize; hate to be alone. I agree with you that going the traditional publishing route makes it official – you are a writer! I hope to be that person, soo.
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