Coffee Times Opinion Series
Introverts Need Help
Role of Publications in a Writer’s World
Self-promotion and introverts — Not a good fit
Medium’s business model of self-promotion and now referrals, fails to take into account that a vast majority of writers are introverts. I am a writer/researcher yet I could not easily find any solid evidence or hard data, aka research, on this notion. However, writing is a solitary activity for the most part, perfectly suited for the temperament of a writer who spends their time creating worlds in their heads, searching for the best cadence, perfect word or expression. Shifting gears to spend time promoting/marketing feels like stealing from the art. Writers want to be read, heard, and seen but personality and temperament are often miss-matched with the business model of self-promotion. We need publications to assist with this.
N of 1.
If we want success as defined by dollars and engagement on Medium, we are encouraged to share on our own social media platforms. But really, I have no presence or sway power in the world of social media. I have few followers, rarely get on Twitter, don’t know how to use Instagram, there’s a thing called TikTok, or yakkity yak, and a What’s Up app? I have no reach on my own. I am not opposed to social media, but “putting oneself out there” is just not in the tool kit of an introvert.
I, for one, need the publications to help me, the “selected for further distributions” to help me reach more people. Case in point
I’ve written 128 articles, many have been selected for further distribution, yet readership remains low. My followers are in the 400s, with about 12 being loyal readers outside of my small circle of ‘real-life’ friends. I no longer share to friends on Facebook or Twitter. I initially shared to Facebook, but quickly I sensed friend fatigue with my stories. — I don’t want to fatigue my friends or family with my stories. I’m an introvert, I struggled to make the friends I have, can’t risk scaring them off for pennies on my thoughts!
Yay Coffee Times!
I applaud “Coffee Times” approach of celebrating and promoting each other’s writing. It is going to be very helpful for us introvert writers— so much easier for me to say HooRay! look at what this amazing writer has done — than it is to say hey look at me.
To that point, here are some amazing writers, PegMeg Cypher, Kris Downey, Marcus, and S.C. Percy who goes by Thief. I’ve added a link to their portfolio page for your convenience. Each writer has a unique voice that I find worth the time to read. Join me in celebrating and promoting their work-they deserve more than a penny for their thoughts.
