My friend Bridget Zinn died at 33 of colon cancer before her first book, Poison, even came out. After her death, I met with her husband and brainstormed ways to promote it. The book did well, not just because it was a great book, but because people felt bad she had never seen her dream come true and were happy to spread the word on social media. She herself had also had a very giving social media presence.
I absolutely love the concept of a "digital surrogate" and the idea that your network is its own currency. If someone lovingly acts as your digital surrogate, what's an appropriate thank you? I imagine they are doing it knowing the potential magnitude of their help and expecting nothing in return, but I believe in gratitude, and I'd love to show those folks who have already acted in this way on my behalf the right kinda love in return.
What a great question! I would support the work that they are doing in return; that might mean buying multiple copies of their books to give away to friends or as giveaways in your newsletter; it might mean leaving a heartfelt 5 star review on Amazon or Goodreads; it might mean becoming a paid subscriber of their newsletter.
It's comforting to hear this response as this is largely what I've been doing, but you gave me another idea. I wonder if I could cover most of my holiday gift list (sans the Lil') by gifting the books of my digital surrogates! How fun would that be? Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Love this post! I think it can be helpful for an author to put some physical or mental distance between themselves and their marketing efforts. It's one of the reasons I embrace writing under pen names--it's easier/safer to conceptualize marketing for my writer self as a clearly defined brand than for my actual self.
My friend Bridget Zinn died at 33 of colon cancer before her first book, Poison, even came out. After her death, I met with her husband and brainstormed ways to promote it. The book did well, not just because it was a great book, but because people felt bad she had never seen her dream come true and were happy to spread the word on social media. She herself had also had a very giving social media presence.
I’m so sorry that you lost Bridget! That is an amazing tribute to her
I read that! On E.K. Johnston's recommendation, I believe. I'm sorry she didn't get the chance to write more.
Her husband self-pubbed another book of hers after she died. She was a lovely person.
Thank you so much, Leigh! So glad I ‘slid into your dm’s!’ 😂 You’re the best! ❤️
I love knowing that Time Travel Kitchen was almost Baking With Ghosts!
I absolutely love the concept of a "digital surrogate" and the idea that your network is its own currency. If someone lovingly acts as your digital surrogate, what's an appropriate thank you? I imagine they are doing it knowing the potential magnitude of their help and expecting nothing in return, but I believe in gratitude, and I'd love to show those folks who have already acted in this way on my behalf the right kinda love in return.
What a great question! I would support the work that they are doing in return; that might mean buying multiple copies of their books to give away to friends or as giveaways in your newsletter; it might mean leaving a heartfelt 5 star review on Amazon or Goodreads; it might mean becoming a paid subscriber of their newsletter.
It's comforting to hear this response as this is largely what I've been doing, but you gave me another idea. I wonder if I could cover most of my holiday gift list (sans the Lil') by gifting the books of my digital surrogates! How fun would that be? Thanks for the inspiration. :)
love that idea!
What a wild and useful twist!
This is sooooo good. I’ll share it with my students this week. 🤘🏽
Love this post! I think it can be helpful for an author to put some physical or mental distance between themselves and their marketing efforts. It's one of the reasons I embrace writing under pen names--it's easier/safer to conceptualize marketing for my writer self as a clearly defined brand than for my actual self.