EVENTS

When I first began my writing journey in 2020, I had no idea the road I was about to travel. Now, five years later, I can look back at the incredible progress I have made in promoting and marketing my books. And I am still learning every day. 

 

I had been on social media for several years before I began to write, but only in very quiet ways, mainly playing it safe and trying to participate while limiting access to family and friends. Initially resistant, I quickly adapted with plenty of encouragement and support.

 

I can thank my promotions specialist, James Stewart, at FriesenPress for setting me on a journey that I initially found very bewildering and, to be honest, unnerving. Helping an introvert who by far preferred playing at the edges of invisibility to become someone “out there” must have been one big challenge. But with gentle nudging and coaching James soon convinced me that, when it came to selling books, we authors also have to promote ourselves and reach out to various audiences.

 

Along this journey I have met other supporters— authors, bloggers, and readers— who have also taught me strategies, said kind words about my writing, and have made me feel welcome in a warm and caring author community. Some have become dear friends even though I haven’t met many of them in person yet.

 

As part of this writing community we exchange ideas, read books, for pleasure or to provide Beta or ARC reviews. As a voracious reader I can say that I have enjoyed many books I may not have found if it weren’t for being part of a warm, caring and collaborative community of authors, writers, and readers.

 

In addition to using social media, I have held book launches for each book and a number of signing events. I have placed copies of my books at several local retailers and have attended markets locally and even as far away as Moncton, New Brunswick. I have promoted my books with in-person events and strategically placed posters, and even sold some at a basketball tournament, and pop-ups. I have done interviews you can find on You Tube and even gave a talk at our local Canadian Association of Retired Person (CARP) on self-publishing.

 

And soon, my third book Fugitive Rifts will be released. This time I feel much more prepared for the initial few months of getting word out.

 

I would like to thank James and the rest of the Promotions and Marketing team at FriesenPress, my readers, and my wonderful community of authors and friends who have been supporting me on this journey. 

 

Thank you seems so inadequate.

You can find me on Twitter/X, Instagram, Substack, Threads, and Bluesky, all using the same account name: @ammawhiney. See the top and bottom of my website for the links.
 
 
Best Regards
 
A-M