What to shout while in the nude

“Promotional work”: two words that strikes fear into the average writer.

Yep, I’ve mentioned this in a previous blog entry on the old Macmillan New Writing site a few months ago, but thought it a good idea to raise the same issue again as I gradually move towards January and the publishing date for The Secret War.

I’ve recently read in a few writers’ blogs how promotional work is the least favourite part of being published. I guess it’s that whole idea of standing up in front of critically minded strangers, and reading an extract of their book (ie being creatively naked), or doing a signing where you pray there are more than five people queuing up to buy your book so you don’t look like a dead loss (financially naked!). And then there’s the meetings and events where you mill about talking about your book, smiling, chatting, trying to say things that a) don’t offend, and b) don’t sound foolish (in other words, being socially naked). It’s all varying degrees of vulnerability at a time when you are trying to be the most confident. (Though there are some writers who love that kind of thing!)

So how should I handle all this?

In terms of my own promotional work, there is of course this blog, which (to a degree) I get to keep my clothes on, and have decided to do so ever since I was daft enough to publish a working draft of a book I was writing at the beginning of the year (I did so out of curiosity, but it’s strange that some of the writing community love to pick apart even first drafts until there’s nothing much left on the bones).
I guess you live and learn (well, sometimes anyway).
And then there’s the website that should be ready by the end of the summer (it’s been delayed, but then I’m not too bothered about that as the bulk of the promotional work shouldn’t really start until October). In September I attend the British Fantasy Society Convention and have been asked to do a little promo work there too. Not too much, but yeah I’ll be doing a little bit of self-promoting during the fan-boy stuff.

And then things begin in earnest. Macmillan New Writing will help me out on some stuff, but not everything, and some readings, workshops, signings etc will have to be organised by me and it’s something I’ve never done. So the question is (I suppose) what kind of promotional things can a writer do without resorting to running down the main street, stark-bollock-naked, while shouting yourself hoarse.

(Any pointers, tips, experiences and general words of advice will be well received as long as they are tasteful!).

And even if they aren’t, please tell me anyway! :-)