Pride. Conceit. Bragging. Boasting. These are all such negative words and bring to mind characteristics I don’t like. Which really makes it hard for me to promote my own book.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of my accomplishments. OUT OF THE DARKNESS is a good book. 
Okay, it’s a great book with a unique twist on the whole vampire theme. But saying that sounds, well…conceited. But if I don’t love my work, why should I expect anyone else to care enough about it to read it?
Saying I wrote a book and people might want to read it isn’t going to help my career. But I don’t want to run around telling people I wrote the best vampire book ever written either.
There has to be a balance between pride and humility.
In order to successfully self-promote, writers have to take that ego trip. They have to love their own books and they have to brag. But in order to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, a writer needs to stay humble. Staying humble and being polite provide that necessary balance between self-promoting and obnoxious bragging.
Are there other ways to self-promote without coming across as arrogant? I’d love suggestions. In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone who’s read my blog or my book. But if you haven’t read OUT OF THE DARKNESS, I hope you will soon.
It really is a good book. Here are just a few reviews:
“Out of the Darkness is a Top Pick for me. I just loved the plot and the interaction between Vincent and Megan. The sensual scenes were hot and the ending was done just right. The villains were chilling and Vincent’s history compelling. This was an action packed and exciting read.”
Read the entire review at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Silvermage-reviews-Out-Of-The-Darkness-by-Lilly-Gayle.aspx
“Lilly Gayle presents in a detailed, accurate manner a rational paranormal romance. The two main characters in this story jump right off the pages and engage the reader….This is a must-read for those who like their paranormals to feel entirely possible.”
Read the entire review at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/outofthedarknessbylillygayle.html
And from R.Booth:
“The plot turns, the familiar settings and the sexual scenes between Megan and Vincent were a fantastic, a can’t put down read and the surprising ending was superb with supporting characters such as a compelling vixon (Sonia), and a best friend (Tina). Of course, as an added attraction there were very chilling villains.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is Lilly Gayle’s first novel, but I’m sure there will be many more entertaining novels in the future.”
Lilly Gayle Romance 
Lilly, It's tough to be a writer in this cyber world. If you don't put yourself out there, your voice will never be heard over the thousands of others. And if you do, you feel really uncomfortable. I know I do at times. I guess the best way to look at promo is that you love your work and want to share it with others and be yourself while telling them about it. Good post.
Congratulations on the great reviews, Lilly. My book won't be out until next year so, I haven't faced the dreaded "P" word yet. I'm sure it'll be a struggle though since I was raised with the constant mantra, "Pride goeth before a fall". So, I'll be seeking that balance too! Great post!
Yes, loved this post as well! I'm still learning the basics of self-promotion. Hopefully by the time my next book comes out I'll have eleventeen major blogs yakking about it, and (stellar) reviews across the Internet firmament.But man, it takes work. When you consider that I'm also trying to promote my art business (I'll be Artist of the Month at 1st Turning Point, with an interview posted tomorrow http://1stturningpoint.com/ ), I have to wonder: when do I get time to write and paint?I've just started to review books (within my genre) on my blog, I do a monthly Wonder Woman column at CBR, I blog about writing and art, I hand out business cards everywhere, I beg and bribe people for reviews (so far no one's taken the bribe), I'm working on some magazine/newspaper articles to promote both businesses… What else can I do? ::taking aspirin now::
I can sooo relate to your blog. My debut novel comes out on the 1st October with The Wild Rose Press, and I am so out of my comfort zone, it's scary.Thankfully, I've found reading your post, and others on the same subject, incredibly helpful.Thanks for sharing.
I've been on the promotion merry-go-round for about 3 months now and that doesn't count the research time. Yes, even promotion takes research. We're with you Lilly and your blog speaks to all authors. It even speaks to readers, a bit of education for them! Thanks.
Hi, Lilly! I'm basically a shy person and hate to put myself in the spotlight, so self-promotion is very hard for me. I mostly just post excerpts from my books, hoping they'll speak for themselves and good reviews always help the cause. Since my books have been out for more than six months now, I'm also concentrating on entering my books in contests, but of course, they have to at least final to gain attention. Good luck with your release!
I'm shy myself. So it is hard.But I push myself to do it, and cross any body part I can.You're doing just fine Lilly, good luck sweetie!
Wow! Thanks everyone. And here I thought it was just me. Wink. Wink. Congrats to Sherry on her October 1st release from TWRP. And Carol, you are a promo machine! I envy your talents and your "get 'er done" attitude! You're also an awesome BIAW coordinator. Susan, I'm terrified of entering contests. Flashbacks to pre-pubbed days I guess. And Brenda, I'm looking forward to reading your book and interviewing you next month. My first interview. Now, I'm scared!
Thanks for mentioning me. I meant every word and some of my family and friends have read the book and loved it. Can't wait until the next one. I'm on pins and needles waiting.
Becky,You're my biggest promoter. lol! Thank you so much for all your positive words and support. You are the best!
Your book sounds so intriging! Good Luck with your success! It is always nice to stay humble but also be proud of your accomplishment, not many people can write a good book!!!