UPDATE: I briefly deleted this post due to a negative feedback from one of the people I follow on Twitter and enjoy reading, who called the idea of a blog pledge drive BS.
I took the post down to consult with the Twitterati, and while people couldn’t read the actual post, the consensus seemed to be (mostly) fair game. Though to be fair, the problem may be in the execution of the post.
So to be totally clear, I AM NOT ACTUALLY ASKING YOU TO PLEDGE MONEY TO ME. This post is just supposed to be a lighthearted reminder/request that if you enjoy the blog, which is free and something I devote a lot of time to, please consider buying the book (which I think/hope you’d really like!). If you want to. I’m not going to go crazy if you don’t.
Finding the right ways to self-promote is not easy and is truthfully is not something I enjoy a great deal, but since I want to continue writing books that find an audience it’s something to balance with the regular blog content. Your thoughts appreciated in the comments section.
Hello! You know how on PBS they interrupt their regularly scheduled programming for pledge drives and there are a lot of people in the background sitting in front of phones that are ringing at regular intervals and maybe there’s a bell when someone makes an especially big pledge?
Yeah.
We’re having a pledge drive today on the blog!
If you like your regular blog programming, please consider that this here blog and the discussion forums are free of ads, are free period, and are you might call a non-commercial enterprise.
If you do enjoy this blog, all I ask is that you please support the cause and consider buying a copy of my novel, JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW. Buy it for a friend, buy it for yourself, buy it and blast it off into space. Your choice! And if you have already bought it and read it, please consider leaving a review somewhere.
It should be available via your friendly neighborhood bookstore, or you can buy it from one of these online booksellers:
Amazon (hardcover)!
Amazon (Kindle)!
Barnes & Noble (hardcover)!
Barnes & Noble (Nook)!
Books-a-Million!
Borders!
Indiebound!
Powell’s!
This Week in Books will be back in full effect next week, and thanks so much for your kind attention. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Have a great weekend!
Photo by aficio2008 via Creative Commons
Kathryn Packer Roberts says
I would love to buy your book!
Jenny Bent says
This is clearly light-hearted fun. Promoting your book on your blog is perfectly appropriate as far as I'm concerned and considering how helpful you have been to the entire writing/publishing community, we should all be buying multiple copies!
S. Kyle Davis says
Ok, so the post was obviously humorous, but glad it's 100% clear now (I hope). Nothing wrong with a little self promotion now and then. It's not like you flood us. lol.
Oh, and your book sounds very interesting, and has been on my radar for a while!
Haste yee back ;-) says
If you want to go in this direction, go. But, for me, this approach is a real put off!
Haste yee back ;-') votes nose boogers to this method…
Bev Katz Rosenbaum says
Er, every author does the occasional promo post! And you did it in such a fun way! I will definitely be buying your book for my nephew, yes, partly because I have enjoyed your blog so much over the past couple of years!
Juliana says
Your blog is awesome. It has helped me a lot and kept me up with the things going on in the writing/publishing world.
However, it's your blog.
You do what you want with it.
A little promo doesn't hurt either.
=)
Fawn Neun says
Nathan,
I did an interview with Amanda Palmer a couple of years ago and asked her about her proclivity to self-promote.
She said that she thought it would be the only way artists would be able to survive in the upcoming changes in how labels do business. The same is true of publishing. Her years as a street performer made it possible for her to be very upfront about holding out her hand. If you like it, pay for it.
And you should be no more ashamed of trying to put food on your table than a coal miner is of cashing his paycheck.
Italy to Los Angeles and Back says
I'm a bit confused. A writer, blogger, former literary agent who spends hours of his time giving out–what I consider–valuable and sound advice to others interested in the trade is not supposed to encourage his readers to buy his book? Is an author supposed to pretend he/she doesn't want to sell their work?
a7c19c84-6f3d-11e0-ba58-000bcdcb2996 says
I am sorry to admit that I have yet to buy the book! And I have derived a great deal of info from your blog, so I figure, fair game. Plus I'm a book whore. Plus, I like buying books from people I know. Plus, I know this isn't a real pledge drive.
🙂
Anonymous says
People get really worked up about bloggers/ blogs/ social media people when they talk about money. 90% of the internet is geared to direct people towards a marketable product. Don't be ashamed that you've written a book and would like to sell it. I'm not sure where this pretentious 'the holy people don't need money' attitude came along in the world of social media. I think it's really healthy, normal, and fair to promote your book, just as it's fair for a band to promote their album even when they're a band that offers some downloads for free. People need to chill.
Seabrooke says
Blogs are a lot of work; even short posts can take half an hour to compose, and the long ones may require a few. I don't think that people who aren't bloggers themselves quite understand this. You post daily five days a week, plus you monitor the forums and comments. It takes a lot of time, time that you could quite reasonably be putting toward your next writing project. We've gotten so used to getting content on the internet for free, it's diminished the value of the content author's time.
Not to mention – websites like this aren't free to run! If nothing else, there's the cost of the domain name, but also the server space if you've got it independently hosted. You're totally within your rights as a blogger to ask for financial support, and I think the readers who value what you provide will recognize that.
Anonymous says
God forbid anyone promote his or her book online any way other than obliquely, ironically, apologetically, or not at all, right? Sorry, but guys like Don Linn are forever brimming with opinions, most of them cranky, and not endearingly so. Too bad his nasty tweet was the deciding factor in your determining how to discuss and promote your own work.
Scribbling Scarlet says
You're post was fun and I don't understand how anyone could be offended by it, especially if they're followers of your blog.
And honestly, what Author wouldn't do that, in fun, if they have the opportunity? I sure would.
All the writing, editing, publishing information that you provide to aspiring authors is worth a lot more than purchasing just one of your books. I will happily buy one.
Forget the person(s) who didn't agree w/ your original post. You're fine.
Scott says
Hah, already got around to ordering your book earlier this week, should come today. Will definitely review it.
I have no problem with a blogger giving me a nudge toward merchandise. I generally don't give straight donations through those Paypal buttons on blogs like Dean Wesley Smith's and Michael Stackpole's, but a nudge to buy your book that I wanted anyway? Sign me up. This is a business, not a hobby.
Phoenix Sullivan says
I've been asked in the past why I don't place a "donate" button on my site for the crits I do. I'm uncomfortable with that. I did run a fun post asking the same thing you did: If you've gotten benefit from my blog and would like to show appreciation, buying a 99c or $2.99 book would be adequate thanks. And if not, that's OK too.
Maybe it has to do with how high profile an author is. I didn't have anyone who counseled me that they thought it was a bad idea. I did get support from those who wanted to support the blog in a way that meant something special to me.
It's your blog space. I see authors with tons of followers whose posts are mainly advertising. I guess it depends on the audience you've acquired and their expectations of content?
Myndi says
*eye roll* Heaven forbid a WRITER promote selling their book on their blog! Nathan, you selfish, capitalist pig. (Tongue placed firmly in cheek) 😀
Rick Daley says
I don't think there's anything wrong with self-promotion, especially given the service you provide to so many through this blog.
If you set this up as a PayPal account where you were directly soliciting ca$h, that's one thing…but advertising your book, even when the theme is "to help support this free blog" is absolutely acceptable in my opinion.
And regarding Mr. Wonderbar…bought it, read it, enjoyed it, reviewed it! And I'm looking forward to his presidential opportunities much more than our country's current political field.
Is there an estimated release date for book #2 that I may have missed?
WORD VERIFICATION: degsmono. 1) When degs goes singular 2)when degs gets a kissing disease.
@rjdaley101071
https://mydaleyrant.blogspot.com
Vbchickadee says
I can't even begin to imagine why anyone would find criticism in you asking (humorously) your fans to buy your book!
What else is a writer suppose to do when promoting their work? Of course I’m going to buy your book!
No harm in asking your fans to support your creative efforts.
I love your blog!
Thanks for giving so much of your time and energy to aspiring writers.
Anthony Cheng says
Some portion of the population will object to any attempt to make money on the internet. In fact, these people often feel entitled to consume your content for free and get in a huff when they realize you are trying to make a living.
Don't listen to these people. You cannot reach them.
Kevin says
I just bought a hard copy of your book off Amazon as a gift for my nephew Aiden. It's going to be fun to give it to him and hear his thoughts on the story.
Cathy Yardley says
I think that there area lot of people who think that bloggers are somehow obligated to give all their time and information for free, and then are offended when even gently asked for compensation. They aren't members of your tribe, as it were. They're takers. And if you lose them as a result of doing something that you're not only well within your rights of doing, but something you're doing in a spirit of light-hearted fun AND on a very rare occasion, then I'd say it's no real loss. If they aren't willing to support you in your efforts to support yourself, then they aren't really your friends.
And God, I sound like my mother there. *shudder* I was shooting for a cleaner version of Naomi Dunford of Ittybiz.
D.G. Hudson says
I've already ordered the book from an indie bookstore, as the book is unavailable in British Columbia, Canada bookstores (I checked in my area). I should be receiving it in a few days (takes 2 wks to get to me).
I will review your book on my blog as I review other books I read, and will notify you when I do.
As a social media concept – let's use blogs to sell (fill in blank)- I don't think too much of the idea. Yes, we can show our books on a webpage, but I avoid blogs that have too many adverts or ask for me to send money on a regular basis (as in the fund-my-book startups). This tends to encourage the monetary aspect more than the quality writing that makes me follow a blog.
Your blog, Nathan, is something I read daily, and I hope you don't change it. I don't mind supporting authors when their books come out, but it does depend on the method of asking.
This is a tricky issue, as the authors are told to become marketers.
Kimmy says
Honestly, I didn't think it was a big deal to ask for buyers, but the post did confuse me as I remember those call centers looking for donations from the past. If/when I have the pleasure to promote I think giveaways work best. And contests. Idea: hold a contest to name a character or something. Give away a book and b&n gift card. People will read it or pass it along and say good things about you, too! Good luck!
Kevin says
I also Tweeted and Facebooked about it, urging everyone I know to check it out, especially if they know any young adults who love reading.
You've indirectly poured so much into my career through your blog that this is the least I can do.
I will continue Tweeting and Facebooking about your novel until I drum up a nice little frenzy in my online community of peeps. I'll also do an article about it on my blog: http://www.kevinott.net
maine character says
Unlike PBS, you didn't interrupt my favorite special on penguins just to stand there for ten minutes telling me the same things over and over again, so it's totally fine by me.
In fact, it reminded me of someone who'd appreciate your book as a gift.
And hey, whoever put you down, that just made me want to buy it just to spite them, so tell them thanks for me. 🙂
David Gaughran says
I don't see the problem here. I think an author is entitled to send out the odd bit of promo now and then. It's not like Nathan spams us with ads and promo tweets. He provides a lot here and asks for nothing in return.
Even if you are the type to consider all and any promo distasteful, now matter how infrequently it's done, I think you should cut Nathan, of all people, a bit of slack here.
P.S. My word verification was "money". LOL!
Tina Burke says
Glad to see many people here disagree with that negative tweet, and that you rose above it. Keep doing what you do, and following your gut. This is your blog, your space, and you should never have to apologise for something so harmless and fun. ESPECIALLY when you consider how much you give to the writing community on an ongoing basis.
You rock.
J.S. Schley says
Ask us to consider (merely consider!) buying an entertaining, well-written book in reply to all the time you've spent building this blog?
Nathan, geez, how selfish. 😀
For heaven's sake. People, buy Jacob Wonderbar not only because it's Nathan's but also because it's darn good.
Jennifer R. Hubbard says
Where are the mugs and tote bags?
😉
Occasional promo on a blog doesn't offend me. I think every professional on the internet is trying to figure out that balance.
Anonymous says
I know you respect Don Linn, Nathan, but there's a reason you have 96,197 Twitter followers and Don has 2,921. I suspect there's a similar gap in your respective blog readerships as well, again for good reason.
You've figured out social media and have a loyal readership. Any reasonable person would take your social media and blogging advice over Don's any day. In the end, it's not whether you promote yourself online, it's how you promote yourself. And you did it well here. Another writer might have handled it in an unseemly way. More than that, they'd likely not have built up the good will and social capital to pull it off, as you have.
Frankly, I think Don owes you a more nuanced criticism than "I'm sorry but a pledge drive for a blog is complete BS." If that's already happening via DMs on Twitter, it's not good enough in my view. He called you out publicly, he should explain publicly.
Val says
If the book is as funny as this blog post, then I'll definitely pass.
You're welcome to pitch your book and you're welcome to seek donations. I don't take issue with that and I'm not convinced that this perceived offended audience actually exists to any measurable extent.
This blog post, to me, is not so much offensive as it is ineffective and desperate sounding. It's as if you have exhausted your efforts to sell the book on its own merits and have moved on to selling it on the merits of an entirely different product altogether.
If you read this as a humor piece, it isn't particularly funny and if you read it straight it doesn't make a very strong case for the book.
I would've listened to the writer here, not your loyal fans. They've already bought your book.
Bret Wellman says
Some people get really worked up over the little things and it can really suck some times. sarcasm doesn't always shine through in text the way you want it to. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have gotten a virtual slap in the face for something that would have been funny in real life.
Anonymous says
Bravo for putting this back up! I have always found your blog to be so insightful, and your online presence so down-to-earth and genuine.
Absolutely promote your book now and then–I think many of us are more than happy to contribute to your success in the way you do to ours.
Nathan Bransford says
val-
Well, for the record I wasn't trying to be funny, I was trying to be light-hearted. It wasn't meant to be read as a humor piece, just a reminder that the blog is free and time ain't!
Ranae Rose says
You can't please everyone. But you can promote YOUR book on YOUR blog if you want to. The select few who are offended by it will manage to untwist their panties eventually.
(Sorry to junk up your comments with a deleted post. I made a lame type-o in the last one.)
Jen says
Dammit, I'm so sick of hearing about YOUR book on YOUR blog…kidding. Own it, read it, loved it! Keep promoting away!
J. T. Shea says
Bought it and enjoying reading it despite external distractions and being several multiples of the target age! Nathanites (Jacobites?) on the right (hand) side of the Atlantic might note it is also available from The Book Depository, a British online bookstore.
Is Nathan Bransford, Author, allowed to promote his BOOK on his website called NATHAN BRANSFORD, AUTHOR? Particularly when he forces us all to read his blog at gunpoint and comment under pain of death. Oh, wait, he doesn't…
You're not asking anyone for a donation. You're offering children of all ages a very entertaining, amusingly illustrated and reasonably priced hardcover (or e-book).
From J. T. Shea, author of a Young Adult Steampunk Trilogy which nobody can buy anywhere yet, and which doesn't even have a name yet, but which he regularly and shameless mentions in his comments on the blog of NATHAN BRANSFORD, AUTHOR.
Maureen says
Promoting your book on your blog is totally appropriate. It would be odd if you didn't since book promotion has now become one of your many jobs. I liked the way you chose an offbeat way to go about it and got the whole "pledge drive thing", maybe because I used to work in public broadcasting.
So Nathan keep asking and reminding slow people like me to stop in the kid's book section and buy your book. I read you blog daily and appreciate your insight and knowledge. Thanks.
Dawn Maria says
How is promoting your own work on your own blog inappropriate in any way? I'm the e-mailing lists of all my favorite authors and they don't hesitate to send me "Buy my book" reminders. All their blogs promote their books as well.
Your blog has provided advice and encouragement to emerging and established writers for years. I'm happy to support it.
Anonymous says
I am happy to buy your book because as I admire you, I think I will like it.
And I think it is fine for you to ask people on your blog to consider buying it to support you.
I didn't like the pledge angle though – as someone else said, it sounds a bit desperate – less like "Will you buy my book because you might enjoy it" than "Buy my book as payment for my time, it doesn't matter whether you like it or not" – I think you do yourself a disservice sounding like that.
Sommer Leigh says
Honestly, I thought the post was awesome when I first saw it. You do a lot less self-promotion than most blogs I read, and I personally think it is completely ok. You deserve our support considering how much support we've received from you.
I'm just one tiny vote, but I thought the post was awesome.
Aaron Poehler says
The principle isn't bad, but yeah, the execution is terrible. Associating yourself with a 'pledge drive' in any way is an awful miscalculation–a pledge drive is something that 1) everyone hates, 2) interrupts something you're enjoying to beg for money, and 3) guilt-trips its audience ridiculously.
Next time please just say "Hey, if you like my blog, you might like my book!"
Christina Fiorelli says
Nathan, in my humble opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with reminding people about your book. And I think the blog post was fine as is, even without the explanation at the beginning.
After all, don't all the publishing pundits say authors have to have a platform with followers so that novels find their audience?
You provide so much useful content, for free, I really don't understand why reminding people of this and of your book would be perceived as anything other than normal.
Anonymous says
You know what, I'm a real asshole with some things I see on blogs. But there's nothing wrong with this post at all. You didn't even have to explain yourself.
You've having fun, as you should be. You're promoting your book, as you should be.
I do think you might be preaching to the wrong group here. No futher comment.
If I had a middle grade book out, I'd be hanging in every middle grade place I could hang where there's an opportunity to sell middle grade books. Summer camps, libraries, schools, etc…It's all about the kids, not the people who eat them.
Lorrie Thomson says
You've done nothing wrong, and so much right. When I read an excerpt, via your blog, I let a friend who has a third-grade boy know about your book. The friend thought it would be perfect for him, and I was pleased. Now, due to today's post, I'll consider also picking it up for my nephews' upcoming birthdays. Thank you for the reminder!
Nathan Bransford says
anon@12:01-
I agree, there's so much I'd like to be doing with school visits and things like that, though it's tough with a day job. I think the challenging thing with social media is that it's hard to hit the core middle-grade book buyer, and yet it's all I'm really equipped to do because of time constraints.
Dorothy L. Abrams says
For a writer, social media of all kinds is in part a marketing too. I'd be disappointed if you didn't use it, given you are savvy about everything else!
Anonymous says
No problem with the promotion, but a pledge drive is for non-profits. Dial books is not non-profit. Might call it something else.
Joel Q Aaron says
Glad you reposted it.
It is an honest post.
JQ
Anonymous says
"I agree, there's so much I'd like to be doing with school visits and things like that, though it's tough with a day job. I think the challenging thing with social media is that it's hard to hit the core middle-grade book buyer, and yet it's all I'm really equipped to do because of time constraints."
It's problem a lot of us face, and try to balance all the time. But I do know kids are reading more now. I have four nieces and nephews all between ages eight and thirteen. They all have dedicated e-readers and they all love them. I think your book will do well (knock wood). It's new and it's just gaining momentum. And you'll figure out what suits your readership best the more you do it. Even if an author has twenty pubbed books, it's new experience each time a new book comes out.
Anon@12:01