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Marketing Tip Sheet #3 for
Introverts
The Behind-the-Scenes-er's Guide to
Getting Published
As an introvert, you may find that writing comes easily to you. Probably you would rather scribble in your journal than pass the time of day with acquaintances at a bar. So you may assume that writing for publication is a cakewalk, given your preferences.
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Because I have worked with hundreds of people over the years who were hoping to get published, I can point out
five aspects of the process that can trip you up. You will need to pay attention closely to avoid
these challenges. |
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Getting Published for Introverts: Challenges
to Overcome
1. Understanding the Reader
Comes First principle. If you started
writing because of an irresistible inner drive,
sooner or later you come face to face with the
problem that what you believe you said isn't
what others understand while reading your
work.
To get published, you must
mature beyond sheer self-expression and make
your peace with the fact that published writing
communicates. If the reader doesn't understand
it as you meant it, you must revise and edit.
Seek out and value expert feedback as you master
the craft of writing.
2. Getting feedback in public. While learning
to improve your writing, you might be tempted to sign up for a writing class, workshop or conference. As an introvert, however, you may be vulnerable to feeling devastated when your work is torn apart in front of a group. So choose a learning environment where the atmosphere is supportive rather than cruel and destructive. Even better, arrange for one-on-one feedback with a mentor or coach.
After you are published, you may have an inordinately hard time brushing off negative reviews. Dreaming up brilliantly cutting replies to critical comments saps your energy and doesn't help your reputation. Simply let
go of the nastiness, knowing you cannot please everyone.
3. Reaching out to editors or agents. Somehow the longest distance in the process of getting published is the space between a submission that is ready to go and the mailbox or the "send" button. Ask a friend to take care of that step for you if you keep procrastinating on it.
And because you undoubtedly feel more comfortable writing a letter or email than making a call, rely on written communication
when you can.
4. Pitching to agents. Some writing conferences create a mixer-type setting containing opportunities to
introduce yourself to leading literary agents. Since you are less aggressive than extroverts in elbowing your way to the front of a crowd or breaking into an ongoing conversation, this puts you at a huge disadvantage.
Instead, seek out conferences that pre-arrange short one-on-one pitch meetings between aspiring writers and agents. Then practice, practice, practice
a 30-second introduction to your book!
5. Stepping into the spotlight.
Introverts enjoy holding back and sharing their
lives mainly with those who matter most to them.
To promote your writing, however, you need to
get comfortable with media coverage, interviews,
approaching well-known people for blurbs and
various kinds of performances.
Take promotion one step at a
time and discover which activities you most
enjoy (or dislike the least). Remember that the
goal is attention for your work. Resolve not to
be an Emily Dickinson, cherished now but
reclusive and obscure during her lifetime.
Become respected and read while you're around to
take pleasure in the acclaim!
Your marketing mentor,
Marcia Yudkin
P.S. Did you take a look at my upcoming Marketing for Introverts seminar on Maui? Imagine learning about your introvert marketing strengths, better communicating your value, and improving your pitch in a tropical paradise.
Marketing for Introverts
seminar details.
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