Just a random reaction - I guess it would be weird to criticize an author for promoting the book they wrote - I’m not sure what else anyone would expect.
But, that is one of my pet peeves about journalism and writers - the promotion of their and others’ books, which strikes me as directly contrary to objective writing and a straight up conflict of interest in many cases, especially when fellow writers for the same publication cross promote each other. My opinion - a writer sounds like a fool when they talk about how great their colleague’s book is.
In an ideal, unrealistic world, writers, particularly journalists, should absolutely not promote their books - it is contrary to their job to tell a credible and straight story, without regard for their self interest.
And also, I assume most writers are not going to say “the book I wrote sucks,” and therefore we need to rely on ratings and other somewhat objective data anyway, where possible.
Last, I do want someone like Ross to succeed, because he does great work, and that’s why I’m here. But the promotion stuff all feels unseemly, and you can often tell the writers who never gave that concern a second thought, unlike Ross, who has obviously considered the question.
I think if you are a literary critic, your goal is to not promote - it's to evaluate, criticize etc. I will say, I only promote stuff I genuinely like and enjoy and want to elevate. And if I dislike something, you'll know about it.
In terms of my own work, it might be unseemly, but there's no other good way. If I don't promote it, who will? Book review sections are dying or dead. The machinery that used to elevate books has gone away. A lot of good books still come out. I'm lucky enough to have this platform so I have to tell people what I'm doing and hope they'll chip in. In a perfect world, I wouldn't bother. It's also my livelihood. If I do a decent job selling books, I get to write more, and that pays my rent.
Really thought-provoking post, and congratulations on the success of your books! I had a similarly positive experience publishing my debut story collection "What The Statue Thinks" with an independent publisher, and have likewise had to overcome some reticence to market it. The tips you offer about attracting subscribers are very interesting, and I may well try to implement them going forward.
And now I'm gonna buy your book because you promoted it here! I can't stress enough using Substack as a book promotional tool and, in general, flogging your wares more. I've had 3 books and I only really promoted one (the only other nonfiction) because it was tied to a news cycle. For this upcoming nonfiction book and my novel, I'm gonna really push my audience to engage. You have to. No other way.
Ross, wow, thank you!! Yeah, definitely a hurdle for me, but if you believe in the work then you have to be its biggest champion, don't you. Am definitely keeping your next books on my radar!
Congrats, looking forward to both!
thank you!!
I continue to be awed by your output, Ross. And congrats on the success of your last book. That’s pretty amazing!
Thank you Anne, you've got the best newsletter in the business!
Awww wow that means a LOT!
All good. Market your stuff here, let us know what's up - do your thing. Get paid. Make it happen.
thank you Douglas really appreciate the support
Just a random reaction - I guess it would be weird to criticize an author for promoting the book they wrote - I’m not sure what else anyone would expect.
But, that is one of my pet peeves about journalism and writers - the promotion of their and others’ books, which strikes me as directly contrary to objective writing and a straight up conflict of interest in many cases, especially when fellow writers for the same publication cross promote each other. My opinion - a writer sounds like a fool when they talk about how great their colleague’s book is.
In an ideal, unrealistic world, writers, particularly journalists, should absolutely not promote their books - it is contrary to their job to tell a credible and straight story, without regard for their self interest.
And also, I assume most writers are not going to say “the book I wrote sucks,” and therefore we need to rely on ratings and other somewhat objective data anyway, where possible.
Last, I do want someone like Ross to succeed, because he does great work, and that’s why I’m here. But the promotion stuff all feels unseemly, and you can often tell the writers who never gave that concern a second thought, unlike Ross, who has obviously considered the question.
I think if you are a literary critic, your goal is to not promote - it's to evaluate, criticize etc. I will say, I only promote stuff I genuinely like and enjoy and want to elevate. And if I dislike something, you'll know about it.
In terms of my own work, it might be unseemly, but there's no other good way. If I don't promote it, who will? Book review sections are dying or dead. The machinery that used to elevate books has gone away. A lot of good books still come out. I'm lucky enough to have this platform so I have to tell people what I'm doing and hope they'll chip in. In a perfect world, I wouldn't bother. It's also my livelihood. If I do a decent job selling books, I get to write more, and that pays my rent.
Will advance review copies be available on Netgalley or via the publisher, do you know?
They should be available sometime after Nov when the book is done!
Awesome. I'll see if I can get on a list.
Really thought-provoking post, and congratulations on the success of your books! I had a similarly positive experience publishing my debut story collection "What The Statue Thinks" with an independent publisher, and have likewise had to overcome some reticence to market it. The tips you offer about attracting subscribers are very interesting, and I may well try to implement them going forward.
And now I'm gonna buy your book because you promoted it here! I can't stress enough using Substack as a book promotional tool and, in general, flogging your wares more. I've had 3 books and I only really promoted one (the only other nonfiction) because it was tied to a news cycle. For this upcoming nonfiction book and my novel, I'm gonna really push my audience to engage. You have to. No other way.
Ross, wow, thank you!! Yeah, definitely a hurdle for me, but if you believe in the work then you have to be its biggest champion, don't you. Am definitely keeping your next books on my radar!
You'll like my next novel more. Hope to get you a galley later this year