Does Drinking with Fellow Authors Count as Marketing? - by Matthew Greene

 What is the best money you ever spent on promotion and marketing?

The rudest of rude awakenings I experienced as debut author was the realization that marketing was going to fall on my shoulders. Coming from the theatre and film worlds, I'd grown accustomed to fading into the background, letting my work speak for itself. Little did I know, the world of publishing doesn't take kindly to "vanishing" unless you're literally J.D. Salinger. And I, sadly, am not...yet! So, I had to get used to the subtle and not-so-subtle art of selling myself.

That being said...I'm not claiming to be good at this whole marketing thing. But I will get better. Watch this space.

To get back to the question, though, I will state proudly that I don't regret a single dollar spent on travel, events, or conferences. It may seem contradictory, since reading and writing are seemingly solitary acts, but nothing sells books (or authors!) quite community. So, of course, I leapt at every opportunity to connect in-person with readers and fellow authors at events like Malice Domestic and Bouchercon, as well as signing and events I planned myself.

More than the practical output of moving books and engaging with readers, these events offered the opportunity to build my network, which I'd argue is the most important thing a debut author can do. I happen to be working in a genre that is full of the kindest and most generous people I've ever met, which makes the "work" of networking a joy. Sharing drinks and meals, chatting between panels and signings, and staying up late for cocktails and disco dance parties (you know who you are)...it all adds up to the kinds of relationships that enrich your professional and personal life. 

This would be my strongest advice to new authors: find every possible chance to connect "irl" (as the kids say) with this fabulous community of new bookish friends. It will help get your books in front of people and feed your soul at the same time. And it's all tax-deductible!*

*Not legal financial advice. Please consult with an actual accountant. But...probably?