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| Photo credit: Google Images |
Writers are often introverts. We dislike getting “out there.” Many of us are happiest (and feel safest) holed up in our snug workrooms, hunched over our laptops typing away. We are so much more impressive when we write than when we talk!
This goes double for ghostwriters. After all, the whole point of being a ghost is that you are invisible. Once in a while you may rattle a chain or two, or emit a low howl in the dead of night, but that’s about it. Despite the popular conception of what a ghost does, you must never say Boo! – it gives away your presence.
Of course, introversion is a poor marketing strategy. It doesn’t work for authors, and it won’t work for ghostwriters either. No matter how much you enjoy the background shadows, you have to get “out there” and let people look at and listen to you – and you must try to be informative, compelling, inspirational, or at the very least, nice. People simply won’t hire you otherwise. And they won’t recommend you either.
Sigh.
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Kim Pearson is an author, ghostwriter, and owner of Primary Sources, a writing service that helps others become authors of professional and compelling books and articles. She has authored 6 books of her own, and ghostwritten more than 40 non-fiction books and memoirs. To learn more about her books or services, visit http://www.primary-sources.com/.
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Too true! The limelight is your friend.
ReplyDeleteSo true. It's no longer enough for your book to haunt the reader. You have to get out the chains and moan as you rattle them. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been "out there" since Wednesday—in Pittsburgh as a matter of fact, which for me is way out there—at the Pennwriters conference. Connected with new colleagues, stirred up interest in my book, received gracious support in terms of potential opportunities, led sessions, I had a blast, and it wasn't painful, since I am both an introvert and an extrovert. But being "on" for so many days always drains me, and I skitter back to my writing cave for the quiet, peace, and focus I need to write. And for several days of power naps until my energy is restored!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I love social media - I can be holed away writing and still keep in touch with writers & readers.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, Kim ... I'm like the small store owner who says, "Gee, this would be a great business ... if it wasn't for the customers!
ReplyDeleteI like social media too, but sometimes I fear that Facebook et al just feeds my introversion tendencies. I have to force myself out there, but when I do I'm glad I did. Next month I am scheduled for 2 speaking gigs, to talk about the wonderful world of ghosts.
ReplyDeleteI'm having the same "problem", Kim. I feel mentally stimulated interacting on the social media sites and really do relate to many of those personalities on a friendship level. I think I've become more of a hermit than ever when it comes to real live people. The only person I see daily is my husband! I don't mind this situation at all, and wonder if I should be concerned. :D
ReplyDeleteVery true. Fortunately, despite being basically a shy person, I discovered a number of years ago that I am somewhat of a "ham" when it comes to being "on stage" so that helps when it comes time to do signings, presentations, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm like Heidi in that I do like to play on stage, so I have started using that in speaking engagements, which has made it more fun for me and the audience. It's the arranging of and preparing for events that tires me out.
ReplyDeleteWell, hmmm, I don't like getting up in front of people and basking (cringing in my case) in that limelight. However, I discovered that I'm fine at a roundtable event where I interact with others at eye level, not towering over them. Then it becomes a discussion rather than a lecture. That I can handle.
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