Sell me or sell my books?
by Faye Hall
After reading a blog article I can't help but wonder what exactly is it that I'm selling — me or my books?
So the article I read was brilliant! It emphasized the truth and reality of being an author in a world where self publishing and traditional publishing are trying to co-exist. When it mentioned though that 'selling your book is no longer enough' I couldn't help but wonder about what am I doing.
I've been a writer for many years and like most others my ultimate aim was to be published. I got what I wanted too. In a time where self publishing was basically unheard of (especially in my little hometown of North Queensland, Australia) my very first script was chosen by a now non existing publisher. Never did I imagine that I would have to sell myself though too.
I mean, is the world so interested in Faye Hall the person? Is the image and social connections and basic chit chat really going to affect whether a person buys one of my books? Are people more interested in the little farming town I grew up in rather than the historical based beauty where my books are set?
I suppose with this concept of having to sell myself as well as my books comes the reality that I have never found myself very interesting. I spent my childhood daydreaming as so many other children do in a small town did. I thought of ways to leave my little town and travel the world and see things that were bigger and better.
One day though I was asked to do an interview at the local library in the town I came from. I went expecting to talk about my books, but instead was asked about myself — who was Faye Hall? As the group of guests sat listening, hanging on every word I said and tear I shed, I realized the truth was that though I may not have found my own story interesting there were people out there who did. These people wanted to know about the girl I once was, the woman I became and the mother that I am. They then found even more interest in my books because of my own personal tale.
I discovered that day that the blog article I had read was right. We as authors do not just sell and promo our books. We have to sell and promo ourselves. Even after all these years I still find this a hard thing to do but I guess as I continue maybe one day I will find myself as interesting as others seem too.
Faye Hall
Come on a journey with me through 19th century North Queensland, Australia and explore the passions and hardships of unique characters.
There is corruption, deceit and murder, as well as cattle rustlers, slave traders and hell fire clubs. Explore townships of Jarvisfield and Inkerman, as well as Ravenswood and Bowen. One book even incorporates my great grandmothers cattle station 'Inkerman Downs Station'.
As well as an author, I am also the most spoilt wife in the world, and a very contented
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