A lot of disabled/neurodivergent writers can't promote their writing in person. Chronic pain might limit outings. Living on SSI/SSD (or equivalent programs) means there are no funds to travel. Crowds could wreak havoc on someone with anxiety.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to promote our writing (and ourselves) on the Internet. Some are cheaper than others, but the right one can be just what you need.
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1. Start a blog or write guest posts on other blogs. (Like this one!) Blog tours to promote a book are a viable option.
2. Vlogging (or streaming) on Youtube, Twitch, or Facebook. You can do readings of your works, talk about the industry, etc.
3. Focus on your Facebook or Twitter. Try Instagram or another platform you may have overlooked.
4. Submit to online literary magazines. If published, you'll have a link to share on all your social media.
5. Start a monthly newsletter.
6. Make a book trailer or a video out of a poem.
7. Offer an online class in an area you have expertise in.
8. Join writer groups online. It will take a while to find the right ones, but it will be worth it if you can find them.
9. Have a traditional author website.
10. Do giveaways (sparingly). Giveaways can be a decent promotional tool, but they can get expensive and not worth it if they don't take off.
11. Make your books available in e-formats.
12. Take interview opportunities.
13. Start a virtual reading series with other writers,
14. If a book club covers your book, schedule a Skype chat to "meet" the members.
15. Schedule a virtual book launch when your book releases.
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Always take into consideration how much time, energy, and money you have to put into promotion.
Your writing comes after your care but before marketing efforts.
Showing posts with label Promotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Promotion. Show all posts
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday, July 15, 2016
Visibly Disabled Writers and Media Gigs
We all know attractive authors get more publicity and there is evidence that better book deals are given to beautiful writers, regardless of what people may say to the contrary. We also know inspiration porn is pretty prevalent in our society. So, where does that leave writers with visible disabilities? I could be wrong, but I'd say nowhere good for most of us.
Disability is considered unattractive (and media is responsible for perpetuating that viewpoint). We are already at a disadvantage then, before we even submit a manuscript. And if we aren't the thin, white, cishet, person who acquired a disability instead of had it from birth? Oh, geez. Even getting published could be an exercise in immense luck, much less finding outlets for promotion.
Society's need for inspiration porn might get certain disabled writers an interview (and again, the "right" kind of disabled) but the focus would shift from the book to the writer. How wonderful that a cripple can write! How much harder is it to write a book as a disabled person? Wow, folks! Your book will now be "that novel written by that gimp who appeared on that show". Don't get me wrong, people might remember your television/radio debut that way anyway, but the focus the segment takes will almost guarantee it.
I suppose some of us, if we want, could attempt to play on media's need for our "uplifting" stories. I'm certain some disabled writers out there wouldn't mind trying to capitalize on their difference. And, while others will condemn them for adding to a problematic cycle of crippled misrepresentation, I'm unsure how I feel. Should we press our every advantage (no matter how slim or unconventional) or are some things just not worth it?
I want to know: If your disability could help you into the spotlight as a writer, would you use it? Would you care if you became another case of inspiration porn if it meant getting your name out in the world?
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And before anyone starts the "but" train: Yes, I know all writers have problems getting media coverage. I know the vast majority of writers wait years to (if they ever) get published. I'm not downplaying anyone's struggles, so no ableist harassment, please.
Disability is considered unattractive (and media is responsible for perpetuating that viewpoint). We are already at a disadvantage then, before we even submit a manuscript. And if we aren't the thin, white, cishet, person who acquired a disability instead of had it from birth? Oh, geez. Even getting published could be an exercise in immense luck, much less finding outlets for promotion.
Society's need for inspiration porn might get certain disabled writers an interview (and again, the "right" kind of disabled) but the focus would shift from the book to the writer. How wonderful that a cripple can write! How much harder is it to write a book as a disabled person? Wow, folks! Your book will now be "that novel written by that gimp who appeared on that show". Don't get me wrong, people might remember your television/radio debut that way anyway, but the focus the segment takes will almost guarantee it.
I suppose some of us, if we want, could attempt to play on media's need for our "uplifting" stories. I'm certain some disabled writers out there wouldn't mind trying to capitalize on their difference. And, while others will condemn them for adding to a problematic cycle of crippled misrepresentation, I'm unsure how I feel. Should we press our every advantage (no matter how slim or unconventional) or are some things just not worth it?
I want to know: If your disability could help you into the spotlight as a writer, would you use it? Would you care if you became another case of inspiration porn if it meant getting your name out in the world?
~~~~
And before anyone starts the "but" train: Yes, I know all writers have problems getting media coverage. I know the vast majority of writers wait years to (if they ever) get published. I'm not downplaying anyone's struggles, so no ableist harassment, please.