Christine wrote and asked, "Is it really possible to market yourself as a novelist?"
I definitely think it's possible for a novelist to market himself or herself. Over the past couple years, I've tried to share some thoughts on how novelists can market themselves, so you may find it helpful to meander back through my posts in order to look for ideas. But here's the big picture: In my opinion, a novelist has to begin seeing herself not just as an artist (which you, as a writer, most certainly are), but also as a brand name or commodity that deserves marketing. And that means creating a well-thought-out plan for marketing yourself and your work. (Okay, I'll admit that part of me hates writing that. I don't like talking about words as "commodities," and treating the writing arts as though they were cans of corn. But let's face facts -- I'm talking with writers who want to make a living writing, and that translates to selling books.)
Non-fiction writers find it easier to do some basic marketing, since they have a topic or hot-button issue that is clearly discernable. If you were to write a book on losing weight or making money or raising kids, the potential audience for such a topic is easy to recognize. You can go onto radio programs and talk about the problem and the solutions you're offering, or write articles for magazines and e-zines that explore your particular approach to the issue. With fiction, it's tougher. Good stories are not about one topic, but explore numerous threads. And no radio or TV program wants to invite you on to re-tell your novel. So instead of focusing on the story, most fiction writers find they have to focus on the author or the genre. In other words, you and your voice becomes the focus of your marketing. This is why it's essential that a novelist has a clear style.
Or, sometimes, the focus of marketing is on the issues or topics raised in the novel. Think of the marketing of successful novelists -- it's not always the story that is the focus, but the fact that there is another great book from John Grisham or Elizabeth George or Janet Evanovich. Or it's about the fact that someone has written a novel that deals with identify or spirituality or suicide or... whatever. Sometimes the focus is a bit more on the genre -- the publisher wants readers to know this is an Amish story, or a techno-thriller, or a cross-cultural adventure story. But that's much less frequent than focusing on the author or issues. Again, great literature springs from a story that explores the great questions of life, those questions reflect our own lives, and the characters make choices about them. We, as the readers, may like or hate the choices, but at least we get to see what someone else would do with those choices... so in many ways, a novel offers us a vicarious exploration of the great questions of life. We learn, we are moved, we grow. The greatest novels I've read have changed me.
Looking at today's market, what's the lesson for novelists? Discover your voice. Write a great novel. Market yourself hard.
Such a good post! Becoming a marketeer for your work is vital to your success. Find your niche within your uniqueness.
Posted by: Julie Duck | January 09, 2012 at 09:15 AM
Awesome post, Chip. Thanks!
Posted by: Sarah Forgrave | January 09, 2012 at 12:21 PM
I saw the title in my google reader and thought, Hey, I know the answer to that question! (But only because I've read this blog and been to your seminar on marketing fiction.)
Posted by: Laura Droege | January 09, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Great post, Chip.
The fiction authors I've coached who are most successful are able to take a non-fiction theme within their novel and use it to draw media attention. For example, bestselling novelist, Wanda Brunstetter, gets a lot of interviews by tying-in to America's fascination with the Amish culture. Writers in other genres, such as crime, romance, or young adult, can usually find a similar connection to a cause, current event, or societal trend. In short, use non-fiction hooks to market your fiction.
Keep the great insights coming, Chip!
Posted by: Rob Eagar | January 09, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Thanks for the great information you share on your blog. You offer timely information and challenge us to stretch and grow as writers.
Keep 'em coming.
Posted by: Janice Olson | January 10, 2012 at 08:34 AM