How do you write when you write an email to a friend? Keep this in mind whenever you create new content. Be human. Be you! You’ll attract the right readers and fans, and speak directly to them about something they actually care about.

2. Social media is no more complicated than making friends at elementary school.

Really! Note I said no more complicated, not no more difficult. Making friends isn’t always easy for everyone, but it certainly isn’t rocket science. We all know that to connect socially and have a good conversation, we need to listen, ask questions, and say something funny, interesting or entertaining. Social media is just about having this conversation in a different context – online.

(Check out the post ‘Twitter for authors who just “don’t get it”’ for more on this.)

3. Activity doesn’t equal productivity, and you should find a way to monitor your time.

The Twitter timesuck is a real thing. Reading blogs and articles is useful, until you’re just browsing the web and kidding yourself that this is work (I know because I’ve been there!). Be wary of how much time you are spending online, and be honest about how productive you are really being. Set time limits and buy a software that helps you control your time online if you think you need to (http://outsmarter.net/ is one I’ve heard good things about.) Set goals each day and each week and make sure you’re reaching them.

4. Things don’t really happen overnight.

The painfully over-used example of Amanda Hocking as an instant Kindle success story is inaccurate. Hocking spent thousands of hours writing, and thousands more blogging and interacting with her fans; essentially, marketing.
I see the cliche ‘it’s a marathon not a sprint’ thrown around on book-marketing sites all the time and that’s probably because there is no better way to describe the process.

Successful writing and self-publishing is not a get rich quick scheme, it’s a lifestyle. You’re in this for the long-term, right? Accepting this will hopefully help you to feel calmer and more confident in your progress. Patience, persistence and confidence is crucial in this game.

5. A problem I see with writers is that they LOVE to write.

(Duh!) This is not a problem when it comes to producing books; but it’s a huge problem when it comes to promoting their books. Nobody has the time to read a 3000 word blogpost. An email should be five sentences or less otherwise no one knows how to respond. Facebook posts should get to the point and give people a clear call to action. Make your communication and promotions succinct, and you’ll see better results.

And on that very note I’ll wrap this post up!

Laura Pepper Wu is the co-founder of 30 Day Books: a book studio. She’s the author of 77 Ways to Find More Readers for Your Self-Published Book, and the upcoming book Creating Your Ideal Lifestyle through Self-Publishing as a Small Business. Sign up for her “oh so popular” FREE weekly book marketing tips here!