So here I stand, at the crossroads, trying to decide how much more of myself I have to give to these book projects I work on year after year. Since 2012, I’ve written 9 works of fiction and 1 textbook, to very good reviews, for which I am thankful. It’s been a whirlwind. I’ve loved being a storyteller, and I’ve loved the people who have supported me. The support has been the sweetest part of it all.
The battle, truthfully, has to do more with book marketing than it has to do with actually writing the freaking books. I love building a good story. To use a slang expression, it’s my jam. Writing the books is my passion. Book marketing is my nemesis.
Additionally, for some reason Instagram will not let me grow. At all. I gain 10 followers, they take away 12. On repeat. This has been happening for well over a year now. I’ve reached out for help and have received none. When you’re an indie, you rely on reach, and my reach has been stifled for some reason. I can’t for the life of me figure it out. It’s left me feeling somewhat defeated. And when you can’t reach a customer service agent to speak with at all, it becomes an even more infuriating and miserable experience. You’re just left hanging in the void.
Book marketing also leaves you vulnerable…you don’t want to have to rely on help from others, but you have to rely on help from others…we can’t do it alone. Having people read your books and write reviews or share them on their social media helps immensely, but begging folks to do this just isn’t in my nature. I’ve sort of come to peace with this philosophy: I write them and put them out there and see what happens. Some people are so incredibly helpful and offer to help without fail. I think of them, my loyal readers, and those who tell me how much they love the books, and it makes me not want to give up the battle.
Unfortunately, I’ve felt this defeatist attitude before with regard to social media, and happily, I’ve powered through it, but for some reason, it feels a little different this time, which is really troubling, because I think I’ve just written my best book. I believe THE ONES CLOSEST TO YOU has merit and lessons and a certain amount of charm. Some readers have told me it should be made into a movie. But when you don’t have the reach to tell people about it, sadly everything suffers, including your vision and attitude.
And so I stand here, looking left, looking right, feeling isolated in this venture, unsure as to what my next step will be. I’m at a complete loss for direction, at a complete loss in general.
How’s that for honesty.
About the author:
STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE ONES CLOSEST TO YOU, THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, have two children, and a little boat that makes them immensely happy.
Connect with Stephanie on Instagram at stephanieverniwrites, (provided they allow it) and on TikTok at stephanieverniwrites.
