Today my book is officially going to print! It's surreal to think that within a month or two, I will have actual copies of my book. I whole-heartedly believe my book can be helpful to those in the church and want to share it with anyone and everyone! However, this idea of promoting "my book" feels very weird, awkward, shameless, even prideful. I don't even like writing "my" book, but forced myself to do it in the previous sentences. So, how do I promote "my" book without losing the focus of "who" this book ultimately points to?
I've talked with different authors and their feedback has been invaluable! But I also thought it would be fun to ask ChatGPT and see what it has to say. So, here's the response from my prompt: "How to self promote my book on social media without being prideful and annoying."
Answer:
"Promoting your book on social media can be an effective way to reach a wider audience, but it's important to strike the right balance and avoid coming across as prideful or annoying. Here are some tips on how to self-promote your book on social media in a tasteful and engaging manner:
1) Be genuine and authentic: Share your passion for writing and your book in an authentic way. Talk about why you wrote the book, what inspired you, and what you hope readers will take away from it. Connect with your audience on a personal level and let them see the real person behind the book.
2) Provide value: Instead of solely focusing on promoting your book, aim to provide value to your followers. Share interesting and useful content related to the themes or topics covered in your book. Offer tips, insights, or thought-provoking questions that can spark conversations and engage your audience. By providing value, you build trust and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
3) Create engaging content: Use various types of content to promote your book, such as visually appealing graphics, teaser videos, quotes, or behind-the-scenes peeks into your writing process. Experiment with different formats to keep your social media presence interesting and engaging.
4) Focus on storytelling: Craft compelling stories around your book, such as anecdotes from your writing journey, interesting characters or plot points, or real-life experiences that relate to the themes in your book. People are more likely to connect with stories than with straightforward promotional messages.
5) Engage with your audience: Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in discussions related to your book. Show genuine interest in your readers' thoughts and feedback. Building a community around your book can help create a supportive and loyal fan base.
6) Collaborate with others: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other authors or influencers in your genre. This could involve cross-promotions, guest blog posts, or joint social media campaigns. Collaborations can help expand your reach and introduce your book to new audiences.
7) Use a variety of platforms: Explore different social media platforms and choose the ones that best align with your target audience. Utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, or even niche platforms specific to authors and readers. Each platform has its own strengths and characteristics, so tailor your content accordingly.
8) Balance promotion with other content: While it's important to promote your book, don't make it the sole focus of your social media presence. Share other aspects of your life and interests, such as hobbies, travel experiences, or other books you're reading. This variety adds depth to your online persona and makes your promotional efforts feel more natural.
Remember, the key is to be genuine, provide value, and engage with your audience. By focusing on building relationships and offering meaningful content, you can effectively promote your book without being prideful or annoying."
Not too shabby for a robot :-) So, here's to trying to self-promote without being prideful and annoying!!

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