How to Master the Art of the Hustle--Reb MacRath
Like you, I play many parts in the writing of a book: part plotter, part pantser, part craftsman, part laborer, part artist, and part klutz. And I accept myself as all of those. But so far I've never been able to see myself as a gifted promoter--or even a mildly competent one. When I finished a book, I moved on to the next with half-hearted touts on Facebook and Twitter/X. I've steered clear of giveaway events as well as interviews. My shyness or aversion stems, I think, from my Catholic upbringing--where the flames of hell were never far from shameless self-promotion.
But in the six years spent on my WIP, I learned some exciting new narrative footwork. Result: a new kind of crime thriller unlike anything else I've done. Ans I've developed a burning ambition to share this book with readers I've never managed to reach. And this will require mastering new footwork once again--this time in marketing and self-promotion.
For months I've worked on expanding and strengthening my Facebook base. Recently I've added Instagram and will return to Bluesky, which I've neglected. The plan: to spend at least an hour a day engaging with my contacts. And I'll return to the brilliant marketing books by Wendy H Jones while prepping my manuscript for a select group of beta readers.
At the same time, I'll continue to study those writers I see as masters of the game. Online or on the air, on a convention panel or at a bookstore signing, these writers project supreme self-confidence...plus pride and joy in sharing books you really need to read.
Through the fall I will observe and listen to:
Wendy H Jones
David Baldacci
David 'Morrell
James Lee Burke
Dan Simmons
and many more.
This is my report.
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Welcome to MacRathWorld, if you like premium blends of mystery, action, and suspense. From Caesar's Rome to Seattle today, the twists fly at the speed of night. If you're unfamiliar with my work, I recommend starting with the new Seattle BOP mysteries. Here's the link to my AuthorPage on Amazon for a detailed look at the variety of 'rides' in my amusement park.
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