Marketing for Writers Who’d Rather Hide

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on April 5, 2026 by Ellen

If you’re a writer, I’m sure you’ve seen articles about building a following and marketing your books. And I know you want a following. I mean, it’s a lot more fun to write books if other people actually read them. But at the same time, many of us became writers because we like sitting alone in a quiet room, hanging out with the people who live inside our heads.

Or maybe that’s just me? Please tell me that’s not just me.

 

 

Marketing for Writers Who’d Rather Hide

So how do you succeed at marketing your books when your instinct is to hide? I’m currently in a book promotion cycle. Every week brings blog interviews, podcasts, and live events. Don’t get me wrong—I’m incredibly grateful. I love having the opportunity to talk about my book. But every event leaves me so drained that sometimes I want to quit the whole business.
This is my fourth publication, and while I’m still figuring it out, here are a few things that help me balance my introvert heart with the extrovert demands of the job.

1 – Set Realistic Goals Online

I know that sounds obvious, but it is so easy to listen to a well-intended webinar of writerly advice and end up off the deep end. Then suddenly, you’re bugged-eyed and burned out with tendonitis of the thumb from scrolling, and you never want to see another human for the rest of time, either in person or online. Don’t do that. Whatever the advice on how to game the system, posting something consistently is better than burning out and posting nothing for weeks at a time. And showing up with an honest presence is better than dashing out frazzled nonsense. Experiment until you find the right amount of engagement that you can do consistently over the long term.

2- Manage Your Battery

I once arrived to table at an author fair and realized my social battery was used up before I even pulled out my books. Since then, I’ve learned to plan my week better. If I have a big event on the calendar, I protect my social energy before the event so I can go in with a full battery.

I also limit the number of social media platforms I try to be on. Is my presence as flashy as some writers’? No, but you don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be where you can last.

And if I show up at an event or need to do some social media, and I realize my battery is already low? Well, then I set a small goal. Maybe I try to connect with only one or two potential readers – not the entire fair. Or maybe I comment on two posts and skip posting something myself. If I’m already spent, I shoot for my small goal and then give myself permission to step back. Even at a live event, I can daydream behind my table and chat when approached without worrying about selling. Small, manageable goals give me something to I can do, and something is better than nothing.

3 – “People Want Connection, Not Perfection”

Musician Tom Rush said that on The Blue Smoke and Black Ink Podcast. He was talking about becoming less of a perfectionist with his onstage performances, but it really spoke to me as I continue to battle through marketing anxiety. I love to make really polished graphics, but by far the post that got the most views was a video my son shot of me with no makeup and ski-cap hair, unboxing my books. The outpouring of encouragement warmed my heart and reminded me that – like Tom said – you don’t need to worry about all of your marketing being perfect and polished, being human and relatable is how to create the meaningful connections that make the effort truly worthwhile.

4- Find the Fun

If you love posting photos of your dog, do that. Even if they don’t “perform.” If you enjoy engaging with one particular person or group online, lean into that. Try different platforms until you find one you like. Experiment with different types of in-person events. Maybe author fairs energize you more than giving presentations, or seminars help you connect with other writers more than social gatherings. You still have to do the hard stuff to continue to grow your reach, but let’s be honest, most of us aren’t buying mansions with our book sales. If you can’t find some joy in the process, what’s the point?

5 – Celebrate Every Accomplishment

Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small. Right now, I’m shooting for five posts a week. That might not sound like much when a Google search will advise you to post three times a day to grow followers on social media. But a year ago, I wasn’t even posting twice a week, so I celebrate every single post, every single time.

Remember, thousands of writers never dare to even try to get their work into the hands of readers who would love it if they found it. So:

Celebrate the post you almost didn’t publish.
Do a dance for the event you walked into, instead of running back to your car.
Take yourself to dinner for the podcast you said yes to.
Give yourself a hug for making a new connection and a writing workshop

And while you’re at it, find cheerleaders who will celebrate with you every step of the way. The online world is full of other writers who will definitely celebrate with you because a lot of us are introverts, too.

6 – Plant Seeds. Be Brave.

Every post, every event, every brave little act of visibility is a seed. You won’t see the results immediately. Some may sprout years later. Those other writers with a technicolor rainbow botanical garden of marketing presence? They probably started out as nervous as you are. And besides, we all know the size of the garden doesn’t say anything about the quality of the blooms. A small marketing presence doesn’t diminish the quality of your writing. Be brave. Take one step. You will get stronger as you go. Marketing will get easier. And readers are out there waiting to discover your book.

***
Betsy Ellor, the author known for her tightly woven plots and her fierce, emotionally resonant heroines, is thrilled to share her new novel, Hera: Kingdom of Lies, an origin story of Greek mythology told by one of its chief villains. This powerful re-envisioning delivers a heroine whose struggles feel as timeless as the myths themselves. Betsy is also the editor of the anthology Heroic Care, author of the picture book, My Dog is NOT A Scientist, and scribbler of articles and stories for various outlets, including Spine Magazine, 5 Minute Lit, and The Creative Collective.

Sharing is caring!