I get questions from fans about how I self-promote and what it takes and do I get discouraged, or is it hard. My answer to that is that you have to develop a work ethic. It's a job. You set up a schedule, a plan of action, and you work on it. You have to run yourself like a business, as an entrepreneur. And I'm quite happy and enthusiastic to be self-promoting.
You can't expect to put something out and always rely on others to do your promotion. Sure, any help is great and I always appreciate those who take the time to spread the word about the comic books. My point is that, no one will know about it or even help you out if you don't put the word out and constantly promote your own work. You have to give people a reason to work with you and to spread the word for you. You have to actively take part in your own promotion of your work.
For instance, I hear people complain that they publish something, and then they sit back and wait, and then get upset if nobody buys their work or knows about it. The biggest complaint I hear is that promoting or marketing is not their thing, it's too hard, or that they are not good at it and that it takes away from their creativity and their time used to create. You have to make a case for yourself as to why people should notice your work. When your accomplishment and exposure start to pile up and get more out there, you get more noticed. Have the discipline, work ethic, and positive mindset to do so. Make it a goal. But most of all, do it because you love what you've created.
I think of it this way: It's all about trial and error. When I put something out there, I'm very eager to try out new slogans, images of the comic books, little write-ups about the characters on my blog, behind-the-scenes, photos etc. to see what fans react to. If a slogan doesn't really vibe with fans, then I try another one. And it gives me a chance to be more creative. It only adds more to my creativity because this "market research" helps me either improve the stories, think up more exciting, fun ways to promote the comic book. use the most interesting pics from the comic books, and find other venues or ways to promote. It does not take away from my time to be creative, it only enhances it. Don't be afraid to do it. It also gives me a chance to see what works and what doesn't, and if something doesn't quite work, I switch gears and experiment some more until I see what "clicks".
It also gives me a chance to engage my audience and interact with them. I realize of course that the comic books are not going to promote themselves and that I don;t have to be a sales expert. I just have to really like what I do and be proud and passionate of my work, and be glad to promote it.
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