As an erotic indie author I'm continually torn between the desire to announce my occupation to every single person I know - and most I don't know - and keeping that part of me locked up in the darkest corner of the closet. There are many things I have discovered about BEING an author however, and so I thought I would share them with you.
1.) Double check yourself in emails, on Facebook posts, and in any sort of written correspondence. You never know who will be a stickler for grammar and who may doubt purchasing your book in the future should they not think you are a well written person.
2.) When someone asks what you do, chuckle and tell the truth. Its a part of you and you'd be surprised how many closet erotic readers there are! We have a Thanksgiving Potluck with our friends every year and this year we got on the subject of 50 Shades. And out came my job. I handed out some business cards that night. (I must admit while this works great for strangers and friends and many family members - I still have a few people that don't know what I write. It may kill Grammy for her to know... haha. So use your judgement.) If you have two jobs tell them about your writing career first - there is usually more to talk about, and its likely where your passion is.
3.) Have business cards. The good news is their relatively cheap - the bad news is you really don't know how well its spreading or if people are buying because of your business card. I know I personally have handed out several of my cards since I got them three months ago and I am a stay at home mom, I don't get out much haha. But its always nice when you are chatting with someone and they take interest in what you do to follow up with a business card.
4.) Put your best foot forward in first impressions. When you're going out avoid wearing your grunge. I'm not saying you need to be in full-sex clothes every time you leave the house - but rarely if ever go out in yuck. You never know if you'll be recognized or if someone will ask. I've given out so many cards at the grocery store by chatting with the clerk. I've had others overhear me and my hubby talking. Letting them see that you look like a professional instead of a bumkin may influence them to buy. Who would you rather buy from?
1.) Double check yourself in emails, on Facebook posts, and in any sort of written correspondence. You never know who will be a stickler for grammar and who may doubt purchasing your book in the future should they not think you are a well written person.
2.) When someone asks what you do, chuckle and tell the truth. Its a part of you and you'd be surprised how many closet erotic readers there are! We have a Thanksgiving Potluck with our friends every year and this year we got on the subject of 50 Shades. And out came my job. I handed out some business cards that night. (I must admit while this works great for strangers and friends and many family members - I still have a few people that don't know what I write. It may kill Grammy for her to know... haha. So use your judgement.) If you have two jobs tell them about your writing career first - there is usually more to talk about, and its likely where your passion is.
3.) Have business cards. The good news is their relatively cheap - the bad news is you really don't know how well its spreading or if people are buying because of your business card. I know I personally have handed out several of my cards since I got them three months ago and I am a stay at home mom, I don't get out much haha. But its always nice when you are chatting with someone and they take interest in what you do to follow up with a business card.
4.) Put your best foot forward in first impressions. When you're going out avoid wearing your grunge. I'm not saying you need to be in full-sex clothes every time you leave the house - but rarely if ever go out in yuck. You never know if you'll be recognized or if someone will ask. I've given out so many cards at the grocery store by chatting with the clerk. I've had others overhear me and my hubby talking. Letting them see that you look like a professional instead of a bumkin may influence them to buy. Who would you rather buy from?
5.) Take pride in yourself. You are published, even if you are indie you have written and worked and fulfilled a dream. Keeping pride in your work makes you glow when you tell others. It also allows you to recommend a certain piece for their niche - should you discover what they like - instead of only recommending your best work.
Being an author instead of a writer is about attitude and taking care to publicize your works and yoursel
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