This site is about marketing and writing…
Simple enough, or so it seems.
Yet, it never is…and that is why I decided to start this blog.
I know the challenges of balancing art and commerce, writing and marketing.
I have met so many brilliant authors, illustrator, songwriters, playwriters… who don’t want to see the connection between marketing and writing. Yet, there are whole industries surrounding the marketing of books, plays, films and music?
The artist in us says, “But I am the creative type, I don’t want to market myself. Shouldn’t people just find and respect me for my art?”
And I deeply, truly wish my own inner-artist happiness on that pursuit, as equally as I wish your artist’s voice that accomplishment. The true nature of art loves to believe in the possibility of just be found based on our creative pursuits…you know, just like…
Who was it that was recently found that way again?
Actually I can’t think of anyone at the moment – can you?
Maybe in the past, hopefully in the near future, but it seems like even when people don’t realize it, they are doing subtle things to market themselves, even a rebellious spirit can provoke a brand, a genre, an industry…sorry to point that out to those who refuse to hear it. We’ll talk more in depth about that later.
Nowadays, like it or not, you have to build your marketability before the ‘industry’ will even consider you. I’m not saying you have to invest multi-millions or (Ugh) promote something ethically-opposed to your image. But you do have to find a balance and acceptance of how marketing plays a part in your artistry, craftsmanship, dare I say ‘expertise in your chosen profession’… Yes, that is right it is a profession, a job, and should be treated with balance.
Unfortunately (in business today) there has been a shift, because the costs for publishing a book or CD by a ‘no-name’ are too high without proven – already established – marketability. After all, have you noticed how many children’s books are being published by celebrity authors (Madonna, John Lithgow, Jamie Lee Curtis…). I am not here to critique their works, I am just pointing out that they are already marketable, so it might just be easier for the publisher to “make their nut”.
This may seem unfair – and I see your point – but you have to think about the overhead of keeping a publishing company a float. Maybe the majors can only afford to take one ‘unknown’ a year and the rest of their projects are decided based on ‘how marketable the author/illustrator is”. Again, I am not saying whether I agree with this, I am just pointing it out as a possibility of why you should start establishing yourself and creating a presence for yourself online and off.
And if you are thinking of self-publishing (producing your ‘work’ yourself) so you don’t have to deal with “the man”, then you will certainly need to understand how to find harmony between your creation of art and the art of marketing – because you may be doing the business end on your own.
Please understand, I am not trying to disappoint you, and I do want you to be realistic, so I am here to help you blend the two.
You don’t have to market yourself, if you are writing a story for your friends and family, but if you plan to release something to the mass-public, or even a specific niche market, it will take some effort on your part to gain awareness.
And if you are the creative type, you can enjoy inspiring unique ways of getting people aware of you!
Think of it as an art project, a game. Remember the joy of creating that main character’s voice or vision, or putting together those musical cords for the first time? Tap into that feeling of excitement, use your attention to detail, and create a one-of-a-kind marketing idea that works just beyond your comfort level, yet still holds up to your ideals.
If you want to be a professional in the entertainment-related or arts-related fields – you must allow yourself to accept and appreciate that marketing is a strong partner in the business of being an artist. It can be a subtle ‘silent’ partner, if you know how to play it.
Why not have fun with it?
I plan to provide tools, share tips and incite inspiration to allow you to enjoy the idea of marketing your writing and other art-related endeavors…in an effort to bring you your best version of prosperity.
Help me and others by posting your story (a little about where you are at on your path to professionalism) and any questions about how to find the balance, in the comment field below.
Focusing on the possibilities of accomplishing this with you…
Bethany
P.S. If you want to find out more about how I think and what I’ve done, please visit my about page on my professional marketing and writing site at UniqueThink.com.
P.S.S. Please remember to ask your questions and tell your stories below…
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