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authors, book promotion, Facebook, Facebook spam, promotions, self-published, self-published authors, self-publishing, spam, writers
The other day, I noticed an alert on my Facebook author page app, which indicated someone had either liked my page or left a post on my wall. Excited, I checked it out, hoping I had a new fan.
My hopes were dashed when I saw a post that kind of went like this:
“Hi Megan! I’m [so-so]! I’ve just published my book! Here’s the link to it on Amazon, please tell everyone you know about it! Thanks!”
I blinked, took a deep breath and deleted the post from my wall altogether. 
I do not know who that person was. I never heard of that author, and that author had never before contacted me. S/he had not liked my Facebook page at all, never followed me on Twitter or Google+, or anything. I had never interacted with that person before, and yet here s/he was crashing on my Facebook page – which is part of my platform used to promote my books.
This wasn’t the first time this happened, and sadly it won’t be. There are some authors out there who simply don’t seem to understand how to properly promote their books. They may have heard social media is the way to spread the word, and that authors are supposed to help other authors. But the way they go about it is kind of rude and unprofessional.
If that person wanted me to help them get exposure, I would have been happy to do so. All they had to do was check out this blog and see that I offer author interviews. If they were polite when they contacted me, and not pushy and arrogant like a few have, I would have gladly featured them on my site. Crashing in on my Facebook page as they did was not appropriate. In fact, it was more like spam than promotion.
The same has happened here on this website. I’ve gotten comments left by authors responding to one of my posts. Only they are not really commenting on my posts. They’re leaving comments like this: “Buy my book! Here’s my Twitter handle! Like me on Facebook!” Again, authors resorting to spam promotion. Even worse, they are spamming on another author’s space.
Some self-published authors seem to really misunderstand how to promote their work. It could be ignorance or desperation. But either way, I can’t fathom why anyone would think hijacking another person’s platform is a good way to increase book sales. It doesn’t at all, and they only make themselves look bad. All they have to do is ask to do a guest blog post, offer their book for a review, and all the other networking strategies. Basically, asking for permission works, not stealing!
Learning to promote your book is simple. There are many websites and blogs that give great suggestions. Even I’ve given tips. If you’re going to self-publish your book, educate yourself. Don’t make a fool out of yourself or become disrespectful. Self-publishing isn’t easy and they are many who fail terribly because they made poor decisions. Don’t make yourself a statistic.
Ugh! I’ve never understood what those hijackers hope to gain either. Glad you kicked them off your lawn. 🙂
I wanted to say thanks for posting that link to what you’ve learned about marketing. I’m supposed to be releasing a book this month and I already know I’m a fail marketer.
No problem, Loni! As for marketing, based on my experience, it is all about living and learning. I’m embarrassed by my mistakes too. All I can say is keep researching, keep learning and never be afraid to ask questions.
Good luck with your book!
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Ugh- so sorry. People really do miss that the point of social media is leveraging the *social*. Make friends with people and they will be happy to help you out.
Off to go Like your FB page 🙂
Exactly, Deb! And thanks for the Like!
That Eastwood image is the best metaphor for people like that ever.
Thanks Dara! I wasn’t even planning on using that until it came up on my search on Creative Commons. That scene was a pure, classic Eastwood moment.
It’s crazy really, considering how many opportunities for guest posts and author interviews and book spotlights there are that require little more than a polite request.
Absolutely. That’s why I wonder if authors who spam are clueless or really desperate.
No matter what happens, being nice still works!
Authors supporting authors is based on building relationships and on mutual interest in promoting the art of writing. It’s not about throwing s*** at the wall and seeing what sticks. I’m glad you did the right thing and deleted the comment.
How can someone expect you to be her advocate when you have no idea who she is? I’ve been reading your blog for over a year, I’m familiar with your subject matter, and I know you to be a dedicated and honest writer. For you I am more than happy to say, “Yeah. I know Megan. She’s dedicated to the craft. If you like modern Vampire fiction, check out her stuff.” What would I say about a person who spams my social media? “Yeah. I never heard of that person and have no concept of what she does. You should check out her stuff.”
Thanks Eric! I also really appreciate your support 🙂
And LOL on the last part of your comment!
Ugh! So obnoxious, and unnecessary. (S)he would get further building real connections, not dumping spam. 😦
Even aside from the rudeness, it’s a really stupid thing to do. Clearly an author is going to have more of a chance of getting fans of another author or blogger to check them out by saying something interesting or insightful about the post above, rather than yet another bland promo and link that says nothing about what its promoting.
Exactly. That’s why I wonder if these people think the Internet exists just for them.