Another fabulous article. You’re right, it is credibility that big publications bring. What a great way to put it. I hadn’t thought of it that way.
It was discouraging to discover the work of marketing is also ours. At least it felt that way until I discovered marketing is engagement with like-minded readers around topics Im excited about— once I figured that, it became less scary and more enjoyable.
I’m really looking forward to reading more on how to do that well.
Oh, Kerry, I want to hand you the golden ring on the carousel. The stars from the sky, even. You said that so well. Marketing isn't all that horrible hawking, fake scarcity stuff. It's just engaging with like minded readers about topics that you enjoy. So well said. We are going to talk so, so much more about this. Thank you. This is why I write!
If you want your house to last, you have to have a proper foundation. That means loads of digging and learning the fundamentals. And these are never seen.
Credibility, not marketing. You've nailed it again. When a writer's article is accepted into a hard-to-get publication, it increases their credibility. They should market the sh*t out of that. Thanks for yet another great article. I look forward to the next one.
You're very welcome. I feel like there's a story behind those two words in all caps. I confess I'm curious. This is what I love best about writing... the times I can tell I connected. Connection is powerful soul food.
There is absolutely a story. So burned out on marketing. Marketing as in PUSHING and pushing and pushing and pushing. And dreaming and yearning to 'make it' and feeling like a loser in the meantime. Only very recently have I decided to let all that go and focus instead on connecting with writers on Medium. Connecting by reading, commenting, submitting and sharing my soul.
I consider myself to have learned the story about big publishing houses NOT providing marketing budgets - from a good friend who first self-published (not Kindle then) but then accepted by Tarcher/Penguin. Big win? Well, yes - for credibility. And if you're in it for the long haul, that's worth a lot. But she did the marketing, traveling, arrangements all herself, with some help. She already had her own website and biz, but still a lot of work. IF you aren't in for a long-haul business, self-publishing does make sense. And depends on your chosen genre. I read other authors who've had success, lots of it, by first self-pubs then getting an offer from a publisher wanting to cash in! So there's that.
You are SO right about print publications. I haven't chosen a publication on Medium, but I should. There are so many, and hard to choose. Throw a dart??? When I see a new one, I think that might be a good bet. Thoughts? I like what you write, Linda. Down to earth, practical, and yet pulls us all up a notch or two or three!
I agree with you. I take publication acceptance as a wave of encouragement and sometimes a source of self-love where I can refuel upon needs. I don’t believe they offer a granted audience but, yes, it’s all about credibility.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about growing your own audience. Agreeing with Kerry that it’s all about finding common interests with readers. But the how/where remain unclear to the beginner I am.
Thanks for the great insight you provide every week. I love reading your letter.
Another fabulous article. You’re right, it is credibility that big publications bring. What a great way to put it. I hadn’t thought of it that way.
It was discouraging to discover the work of marketing is also ours. At least it felt that way until I discovered marketing is engagement with like-minded readers around topics Im excited about— once I figured that, it became less scary and more enjoyable.
I’m really looking forward to reading more on how to do that well.
Oh, Kerry, I want to hand you the golden ring on the carousel. The stars from the sky, even. You said that so well. Marketing isn't all that horrible hawking, fake scarcity stuff. It's just engaging with like minded readers about topics that you enjoy. So well said. We are going to talk so, so much more about this. Thank you. This is why I write!
If you want your house to last, you have to have a proper foundation. That means loads of digging and learning the fundamentals. And these are never seen.
It's so true, Margie. And so many people who peddle bad advice to further complicate it all.
Credibility, not marketing. You've nailed it again. When a writer's article is accepted into a hard-to-get publication, it increases their credibility. They should market the sh*t out of that. Thanks for yet another great article. I look forward to the next one.
Thanks, Tree. I miss seeing you every day. Hope you're well. It's a crazy time out there. :)
THANK YOU
You're very welcome. I feel like there's a story behind those two words in all caps. I confess I'm curious. This is what I love best about writing... the times I can tell I connected. Connection is powerful soul food.
There is absolutely a story. So burned out on marketing. Marketing as in PUSHING and pushing and pushing and pushing. And dreaming and yearning to 'make it' and feeling like a loser in the meantime. Only very recently have I decided to let all that go and focus instead on connecting with writers on Medium. Connecting by reading, commenting, submitting and sharing my soul.
Oh, Jen. You and so many. What's your profile on Medium? I'd love to come read and follow your work. We're all in this thing together, you know? :)
@jeninebsharahbaines - I'd love to include you among my readers
I consider myself to have learned the story about big publishing houses NOT providing marketing budgets - from a good friend who first self-published (not Kindle then) but then accepted by Tarcher/Penguin. Big win? Well, yes - for credibility. And if you're in it for the long haul, that's worth a lot. But she did the marketing, traveling, arrangements all herself, with some help. She already had her own website and biz, but still a lot of work. IF you aren't in for a long-haul business, self-publishing does make sense. And depends on your chosen genre. I read other authors who've had success, lots of it, by first self-pubs then getting an offer from a publisher wanting to cash in! So there's that.
You are SO right about print publications. I haven't chosen a publication on Medium, but I should. There are so many, and hard to choose. Throw a dart??? When I see a new one, I think that might be a good bet. Thoughts? I like what you write, Linda. Down to earth, practical, and yet pulls us all up a notch or two or three!
I agree with you. I take publication acceptance as a wave of encouragement and sometimes a source of self-love where I can refuel upon needs. I don’t believe they offer a granted audience but, yes, it’s all about credibility.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about growing your own audience. Agreeing with Kerry that it’s all about finding common interests with readers. But the how/where remain unclear to the beginner I am.
Thanks for the great insight you provide every week. I love reading your letter.