Playing the Game

the discomfort of putting myself "out there"

I’m working on a book proposal. Writing the proposal is harder than writing the book.

I’ve spent a gazillion hours writing, editing, and rewriting.

Often I think, This could all be for nothing.

After I finish the proposal, I’ll submit it to agents I’d love to work with and hope one of them bites.

Memoirs are very hard to sell unless you’re a celebrity.

The first thing an agent will do if they like your material is look at your social media following – ick. Mine is unimpressive.

I’ve been told ad nauseam, you can be an amazing writer, but, if you don’t have a big following, your chances of getting an agent is meh. The reverse holds true, as well. You can be a mediocre writer with a huge following and get an agent. Publishing books is a business.

So, I need all the help I can get. If you can’t beat them, join them.

I’m 50 and really not comfortable putting myself in front of the camera. I love to talk but there are unwritten rules to a social media presence. I’m supposed to have a niche, ideas about my audience, my purpose, what I offer, a takeaway, and/or provide a little entertainment.

It’s exhausting.

As an aging woman I already have a lot to do – eat tons of protein, lift heavy things, take my HRT, remember why I stormed into the garage, and, maybe most importantly, go to Boston and find myself an adorable Scotsman.

But I need to jump on social and try to muster up a few more followers. If I don’t, I’ll wonder “what if?” So, I’ll squirm through the discomfort.

The good news? Over the past three years, I’ve become very comfortable being uncomfortable.

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram. I need numbers to point to (barf emoji here).

I keep saying to myself, Next week I will….and then I don’t. So, when I hit the publish button here in a second, I hold myself accountable.

Here it is: https://www.instagram.com/amymargaretmchugh/