Introverted authors

Are they destined for failure before they’ve even started?

Hey there, fellow ink slingers!

I’m an author. I’m also an introvert who hates blowing my own horn or competing with digital creators on social media platforms for likes and followers. Since I published my first non-fiction book through Europe Books in 2024, I often wondered if I was destined to fail even before I’ve started this author’s journey. I felt like a wilted quill compared to other authors I saw on social media platforms – promoting their books, making how-to videos or just posting joyous book signing photos. If you’re nodding along, feeling like a kindred spirit, then let’s dive deeper into what it means to be an introverted creator in a world which often seems to favour the extroverts.

The Elephants in the Room

Let’s talk about the two elephants in the room: the publishing industry’s love affair with networking and public appearances and the introvert’s nightmare made up out of the post-publishing world where you’re supposed to become your own hype machine.

Elephant #1: The publishing industry’s love affair with networking and public appearances.

For introverts, these can feel like insurmountable hurdles, the kind that makes you want to retreat back into the comforting solitude of your writing space. But here’s a little conspiracy for you: the industry is slowly waking up to the power of our quiet voices. With the advent of online communities, virtual book launches, and the significant rise of indie publishing, there’s a new era dawning where you don’t need to be the life of the party to make your mark. Now, you can engage with your audience on your own terms, through platforms where your words can speak louder than any crowded room ever could, allowing introverts to shine in environments that resonate with their natural inclinations.

Elephant #2: The introvert’s nightmare is vividly painted by the post-publishing world where you’re suddenly expected to become your own hype machine.

Every author is, without a doubt, their own best cheerleader, but this scenario feels like a personal hell for many of us who cherish the peace, quiet and introspective nature of writing. The idea of having to promote your book through endless social media posts, public readings, and interviews seems not just daunting but fundamentally at odds with the very essence of why we write. It’s like being thrust onto a stage with a megaphone when all you ever wanted was a quiet corner with your thoughts and words.

These challenges also offer a unique opportunity to redefine what promotion means, to find or create spaces where the quiet strength of an introvert can be just as compelling as the loudest shout.

Let’s look at a few ways we could adapt before we die…

Facing the (Marketing) Monster

The thought of having to shout from the rooftops about your new book can feel like a personal hell for us introverts. Been there, got the T-shirt. You see, shortly after my book was sent out into the world, my heart sank. How on earth was I going to convince people to read it when the very idea of self-promotion made me want to crawl back into my writing cave? Sure, the publisher would provide a little bit of exposure but what about the other ten odd books I still want to publish? I’d have to do this alone and, not being a professional marketer or social butterfly, my excitement for the author’s life went poof!

The Social Media Dread

No matter your preferred platform – Facebook, Instagram or YouTube – posting on social media can feel like standing naked in Times Square. You’re exposing your work and ultimately your soul to potentially harsh lights of public scrutiny. There are grumpy characters in every industry and profession, not just ours, and receiving snotty comments or dodgy advice is inevitable.

But here’s a little secret – you don’t have to do it the way everyone else does. Instead of trying to be the loudest voice, focus on being the most genuine. Share snippets of your writing process, your doubts, fears and triumphs. Remember the secret to a good story – people connect with real stories, not just polished book covers! Go slow and take small steps, like starting with platforms where you feel comfortable. Maybe it’s a quiet corner of Reddit or a blog where you can write long-form posts like this one. Perhaps an Instagram story where you share the view of your garden from your viewpoint on the porch, laptop and java at the ready. Creative visuals always make for less interaction pressure.

The YouTube Conundrum

Not everyone needs to be a vlogging star but, if you MUST do video, start with something simple. Maybe show your writing space, talk about your inspirations, or do a Q&A where you control the pace.

If you still feel some form of personal media exposure is required but a video is too much, how about a podcast where you’re just a voice? Why not collaborate with someone who loves the camera while you provide the expert commentary? Starting a podcast as an author can be a great way to connect with your audience if you’re considering platforms that are free of charge. The most notable free podcast hosting platforms available in 2024, along with their estimated user base or following are:

• Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor): It’s completely free to use with no limits on episodes, storage, or distribution. It also offers tools for recording, editing, and monetization. Spotify for Podcasters is part of Spotify which, as of 2024, had over 6 million podcast titles, but specific numbers for Spotify for Podcasters users aren’t directly disclosed. It’s one of the most popular choices for new podcasters due to its integration with Spotify’s extensive user base.

• Buzzsprout: It offers a free plan with limited features (2 hours of content per month, episodes go offline after 90 days) and it’s excellent for beginners to test the waters. Buzzsprout has grown significantly, hosting over 100,000 active podcasts by 2024. While the free plan might not give you access to all features, the platform’s popularity means your podcast can still reach a substantial audience if shared correctly.

• Podbean: They provide a free plan with 5 hours of storage and 100GB of bandwidth per month. It includes basic statistics and distribution to major platforms. Podbean boasts over 600,000 creators on its platform, making it one of the larger communities for podcast hosting.

• Acast: It offers a free plan with basic hosting and distribution. It’s particularly noted for its monetization tools even on the free tier. It’s a well-regarded platform with a global reach, especially in Europe.

• Spreaker: Spreaker allows for basic podcast hosting with up to 10 hours of content per month on the free plan, including distribution to major platforms. It has a community of over 100,000 active shows, with millions of listeners worldwide.

When choosing a platform, consider not just the size of the following but also the tools and features that align with your podcasting goals. Remember, the success of your podcast will largely depend on content quality, marketing, and how well you engage with your audience, regardless of the platform’s user base. While these platforms are free, they might have limitations or offer enhanced features with paid plans. Also, the following size can be somewhat nebulous as it includes both creators and listeners, and direct numbers for free-tier users specifically might not be available.

Post-Publishing Blues

Let’s get real – the journey doesn’t end with you typing “The End.” After you’ve poured your heart into a book, the idea of marketing it can feel like betrayal to your introverted self. Every author, introverted or not, has this moment of “Oh crap, now what?” It’s a normal, human reaction. Once you’ve caught your breath, head straight over to your writing community for support. If you haven’t joined one yet, find or form a support group of writers. There’s strength in numbers and within these communities you can share the load! Swap marketing ideas, do joint events where you can be less in the spotlight or just post a pic with a hashtag in the following communities:

• Instagram:

-Bookstagram: A dedicated community where writers and readers share book-related content, including writing snippets, book reviews, and author interviews.

• TikTok:

-Booktok: Similar to Bookstagram and every bookstore nowadays stock their books!

• X (Twitter):

-#AmWriting: A hashtag followed by many writers for sharing writing tips, seeking advice, and networking.

-#WritingCommunity: Another popular hashtag where writers connect, share, and support each other.

-Posts on X suggest that communities like Goodreads, Storygraph, and Fable are among the most popular for book-related discussions and networking among authors and readers

• Reddit:

-r/writing: A subreddit for general writing advice, critique, and discussions.

-r/writers: Focused on the craft of writing and personal experiences.

-r/FantasyWriters: Specifically for those writing in the fantasy genre.

• Pinterest:

Writers use Pinterest to share inspiration boards for their works, writing tips, and to promote their books through visual content.

• Specialized Writing Platforms:

-Wattpad: Known for its community of writers sharing stories, especially fanfiction and original works, with a huge following.

-Archive of Our Own (AO3): A fanfiction platform with a strong community aspect, where writers can engage with fans of various media.

-Goodreads: While primarily a book recommendation site, its author program allows writers to build communities around their books.

-Storygraph: An alternative to Goodreads, this platform has a growing community of readers and authors.

-Medium: Writers share long-form content, with communities forming around topics or through publications.

-Substack: Writers can create newsletters, fostering a direct subscription-based community with readers.

• Niche or Specialized Communities:

-She Writes: A community for women writers, offering support, resources, and networking.

-Absolute Write Water Cooler: A forum with sections for various writing genres, critique, and publishing advice.

-Writers.com: An online community with forums, critique sections, and writing resources.

-Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Offers a structure for posting and critiquing fiction work.

• A Human Touch to Marketing

Marketing doesn’t have to be a loud, brash affair. It can be a conversation, a shared journey. You can shout from the rooftops or you can whisper from your favourite quiet spot. Both can reach the right ears and I remain a firm believer that those who are meant to cross your path (creative work) – will! Just keep on believing in divine protection and guidance on your journey.

Remember, every author’s journey is unique. Your introversion isn’t a barrier; it’s a nuanced part of your creative process. It might mean you take longer to recharge after social interactions, but it also means when you pour your energy into your writing, it’s with unmatched focus and passion.

So, are you destined for failure? Absolutely not! You’re set up for a different kind of success – one where your words speak louder than any networking event ever could. Here’s to embracing our quiet strengths, writing from the heart, and connecting in our own unique way.

Let’s keep on writing for the love of it and let’s get our authentic selves to continue making our brilliantly creative, albeit introverted, marks on the literary world.

Until next month, keep slinging!

Wink, wink,

Zee