Just a heads up, this post is going to be a rant. Either grab your coffee and strap in, or go find something more amusing over on twatter or the clock app or whatever. I need to vent. Thanks in advance.
So…first off, I only joined Snapchat a few days ago, and I have already had to fend off several pervs. I also blocked three spam accounts that were sending me unsolicited nudes. Isn’t social media just lovely? I’m no prude, but unless I actually ask to see your bits, don’t show them to me.
Secondly, although I staunchly refuse to hire someone to advertise for me or to review my work, I can understand why some folks choose that route. Fucking hell, it takes a lot of effort to get the word out these days, and with very little return. Away from the day job, I spend more time than I care to admit creating reels and posts to advertise my books. If I am lucky, several hours of effort might result in one sale. One. This isn’t a money thing; I make practically fuck all from selling a book. It is an exposure thing. No sales means no one is reading my shit. Likes and comments are great, but authors (particularly self-published ones) need reviews. We need 5 star ratings. We need feedback. Sales are a part of that. Trust me, none of us self-pubbers are making bank. We all have regular jobs and we try to chase our dreams on the side. Who knew that writing the goddamn book was the easy part? Getting anyone to pay attention, that is the real torture.
I guess my point is, if you know a self-pubber and you care about them, take time to actually help them out. You don’t have to buy anything; just share a link, post about their books, or share their ads. If you do buy a book, take a second and leave a review. Yes, likes on social media can help. It gives the author a better chance against the never-ending algorithm battles. So like their posts/stories/reels. Share their content. Tell people about them. It’s easy and it’s free. In this economy, free is a wonderful thing, no? Love your authors. Help us. Support us. Trust me, we are constantly struggling to chase these dreams. Not for fame or riches, but for the love of creating and entertaining. In a world prone to chaos, writers are striving to give you a delicious escape. So show us some love.
Until next time…
Dancing Among the Remains 