Do authors cross the line when they recommend their own books?

[Catlady]

Is this thread about the propriety of self-promotion, or the effectiveness of self-promotion? I think it's perfectly proper, but probably not very effective.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Is this thread about the propriety of self-promotion, or the effectiveness of self-promotion? I think it's perfectly proper, but probably not very effective.

However you want to see it.




Don

[BeccaPrice]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Is this thread about the propriety of self-promotion, or the effectiveness of self-promotion? I think it's perfectly proper, but probably not very effective.

well, then, what *is* an effective way for a self-published author to promote their books?

[avantman42]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

well, then, what *is* an effective way for a self-published author to promote their books?

That question is debated/discussed ad infinitum in the writer's section here, at KBoards, and probably everywhere that you find two or more indie authors in one place.

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

well, then, what *is* an effective way for a self-published author to promote their books?

The best way is to be attacked by a large, powerful, unpopular organization and have the opportunity of fighting back.

I.e., "Walmart seeks to ban BeccaPrice's latest book; says it is 'too exciting' for their elderly patrons and 'too sexy' for their religious customers."

[LovesMacs]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

The best way is to be attacked by a large, powerful, unpopular organization and have the opportunity of fighting back.

I.e., "Walmart seeks to ban BeccaPrice's latest book; says it is 'too exciting' for their elderly patrons and 'too sexy' for their religious customers."

You've piqued my interest. Where, pray tell, might I procure this book, kind sir?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by LovesMacs

You've piqued my interest. Where, pray tell, might I procure this book, kind sir?

Becca, if you have any sense, you'll post a link and say nothing.

[BeccaPrice]

I say nothing....

Note: this link is NSFW/NS13.

(and sorry about the affiliate link - thank you for removing it)

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Is this thread about the propriety of self-promotion, or the effectiveness of self-promotion? I think it's perfectly proper, but probably not very effective.

If it's a college professor requiring his own book for his course, then I'd say it's very effective.

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

If it's a college professor requiring his own book for his course, then I'd say it's very effective.

Depends upon the prof. I've had a couple who gave students permission to copy the relevant sections of their book. It did ensure that everyone could afford to read their book, but it didn't help their bottom line.

[BearMountainBooks]

I'm really quite stunned at the majority of answers here (okay, and pleased too.)

Although from my standpoint, a sig line or avatar can serve as a more discreet way of letting people know I am an author. It is very uncomfortable to be unable to recommend my own work on appropriate threads. It also does make me feel unwelcome. I GET it. I know why it can't be allowed. But I still have this feeling of not belonging and of not being wanted as a contributor. Any other profession you can mention what you do. If you're a writer on just about any forum (and I mean sewing forums, gardening forums, soap forums and ESPECIALLY reader forums) you have to be very careful about how you mention it. Some forums are okay with it and don't think anything of it. Other forums assume it's advertising just by the mere mention of your career choice.

What is very strange to me is that on one of the soap making forums over half the participants sell the soap. It's ASSUMED you sell soap so people posting about new soaps or recipes are just part of the regular posts. It's one of the few places where the attitude toward selling is a little more open. On the sewing forum, it's kept to a special spot and sig lines are monitored pretty carefully so that links don't go to sites that sell fabric/products/etc.

[M.T. Miles]

This is a tough question to answer. Of course, an author needs to believe in his/her work and the same author is unlikely to meet with success if she/he is not willing and able to promote it. But ultimately, when it comes the recommending his/her own work, I'd have to side with Dr. Drib.

[odiakkoh]

Just bringing it up wouldn't bother me. At least on this forum though, "bringing it up" usually means copy and pasting whatever spiel you have written up on your self promotion thread. If they kept themselves from doing that I wouldn't mind.

[LovesMacs]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

I say nothing....

...and I've been trying to think of what to say. All I can say is that NSFW book probably does not accurately portray the majority of Wal-Mart shoppers.

[BeccaPrice]

which is why I chose it - and then realized I should have put a NSFW/NS13 notice on the link, which may have been in bad taste. and I apologize if I offended anyone thereby. <abashed>