Reading it, I smiled, a little sheepish. “Not quite,” I admitted. “I was planning to tell a few friends and colleagues and maybe post a link here and there…”
“No, no, no,” he texted back, with an unmistakable undertone of seriousness. “Tell everyone and threaten dire consequences if they don’t buy it.”
Marketing? Dire consequences? I knew I’d struggle with this part of the journey.
He realised he had stumped me. His final text that night read: “Why did you write a book if you’re hesitant to market it?”
His question hit me like a cold splash of water.
He wasn’t wrong. I replied that while I loved writing, selling was another story. “I can write and publish,” I said. “But selling… that’s different. I’m just not wired that way.”
My Struggle With Self-Promotion
When my book was released, a former colleague asked if I’d scheduled any book readings. I hadn’t. I wanted to see how people responded first.
“I will do it once I am convinced the readers enjoyed reading the book,” I replied.
“Well, that’s a noble thought,” she replied, “but how will anyone know about it if you don’t publicise it?” She paused. “At best, your friends, family, and colleagues will hear. But what about everyone else?”
She was right. They both were. A book doesn’t sell itself, no matter how proud you are of its contents or how much it might help others. It needs a little nudge. And in this case, that nudge has to come from me.
But where to start?
The thought of pushing and promoting feels like stepping into a world that’s out of character for me. You know how it is—after half a century of being a certain way, suddenly, it’s hard to change.
Still, I reminded myself why I wrote it. Every story in this book stems from experiences that many of us face daily. Each story isn’t just a piece of my life—it’s a reflection of shared human moments and lessons. It’s written for anyone needing a dose of motivation, a fresh perspective, or even a laugh in their day.
So, maybe I can do this. Perhaps the promotion doesn’t have to be a hard sell. It’s simply about believing in the message.
As I lay down that night, I had this funny wish: wouldn’t it be great to download a mental “update” to rewire myself for marketing? You know, like those automatic updates that fix bugs on your phone? But here I am, the same old me, stepping into the world of promotion with baby steps. Sure, it’s all out of my comfort zone, but that’s precisely why I must try. I have self-published the book. If I am not going to market it, who will? What’s the point of writing something you believe in if no one ever gets to read it?
The book wasn’t just written for me; it’s written for the person who needs a reminder that they’re not alone, for someone looking to find some clarity or comfort in the mess of everyday life.
A Little Help From You
To anyone who’s read my work in the past, shared a post, or given my stories a “like”—I’m asking for your help. If this book resonates with you, if you believe it might help someone else in your circle, would you share it? It’s as simple as passing the link to someone who could use insight, comfort, or inspiration.
Your support could mean the difference between this book quietly resting on a shelf or reaching someone who genuinely needs it.
Here’s the thing: these aren’t just stories—they’re lived experiences, lessons learned, and reminders of what matters. And if this book can give one reader a moment of clarity, a spark of courage, or a dose of resilience, then every effort to share it will be worth it.
So, if you’ve enjoyed my past pieces or found something useful in my reflections, consider sharing this book with those who might appreciate it, too. It’s not about sales or numbers. It’s about reaching people who can find something valuable in its pages.
A Little Reflection, A Giant Step Forward
Promoting my work may never feel natural. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes the steps that feel least familiar are the ones most worth taking.
So here I am, ready to step forward, hoping to share this book’s journey with you—and maybe, through you, with someone who needs it.
About Me
I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.