This is a wonderful post about the importance of networking for indie writers. Also, G.R. Thomas’ Instagram is lovely.
Reality slowly sets in. No one calls, not one sale blips on the screen and no one shares or likes your enthusiastic social media posts. Radio silence kicks in like a bolt of lightning…
You press “publish” as a first time, unknown indie author. For a second after your book begins uploading, the world stands still, you wait for the phone to ring with congratulations and sales to start ticking over. You sit, holding your breath with excitement. Your heart thuds heavily and the adrenaline rush of this achievement is equal to giving birth. It’s monumental.
Reality slowly sets in. No one calls, not one sale blips on the screen and no one shares or likes your enthusiastic social media posts. Radio silence kicks in like a bolt of lightning…
This is the moment you realise that writing; the actual nuts and bolts of a story; the narrative and world building is…
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stacy benedict 
Terriffic post, Stacy! Full of helpful advice for those that want to boost sales of their books. In the end, it is all about promotion & networking. I have found that for me, Twitter has really helped my cause.
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Thanks Susan! I agree. It’s easy to forget how important networking is. I’m glad Twitter works for you. I have a long way to go to build my platform on Twitter.
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Great post, Stacy. It’s never been more challenging for writers. The field is filled to the brim and overflowing. Every day I read posts from despondent authors who, after a year working on their ‘masterwork,’ are now out there begging people to read their book. It can be discouraging.
Networking is important, but I also feel many writers are stuck in the trenches of social media feeling certain it is their only outlet. I believe this to be a huge mistake.
I enjoyed your guest post.
I’m always open to reading new and inspiring marketing and networking ideas.
Take care!
Mark
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Thank you T.E. Mark. You make great points, especially about wasting time begging for readers on social media. I have been researching publishing for over a year now and have learned that most authors do sell well (or much of anything/less than 1000) with their first novel. Authors usually gain more readers and sales with the release of their 3rd or 4th novel. That is with steady marketing, networking and promoting for each novel up until the 3rd or 4th release. The key to success seems to be part luck and part the number of books you have out. Unfortunately new novelist thinks they are Stephen King and will get 1M readers with their first novel. While I don’t think networking will solve everything, it’s part of a long game that writers have to take part in. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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