Time Outside Of Writing As A Professional Writer - Question from an author

This is a great question...

If a writer is fortunate enough to become published by a publishing company (not self), how much promotion and/or marketing does the publisher expect the writer to do to help sell the books? Not that I would ever say no, it's just that I'm wondering how much more time needs to be found for this aspect of a writing career. Also, does the author's agent help guide the author through the promotion process, tips and tricks to do well, or is this something that is between the publisher and the author only?

This all depends on the publisher and your level within that company. If you are a new author, you have a on of work ahead of you. I did call one of my authors and asked her how much time she spends. She told me that, pretty much, on a daily basis, she is spending 45-60 minutes a day with marketing. This might be new ad campaigns, answering review mail, getting ARCS out to her street team and so forth. I did ask if this is normal and she did state that prior to a new release, she is often promoting all morning and then gets to her writing in the afternoon. I should note, this author often does 1 chapter a day, 15 or so pages of text and does this in about 3 or so hours. She is ALSO works full time.

If you have a publisher, the odds are that you will be included with all of the other people being released that month so you will get a blurb and a cover photo. You might get social media, but that depends on how aggressive your editor and marketing team are.

Now, as far as the agent and his or her role in the promotion process, most will provide you suggestions but they are not here for marketing. This is the role of a PR person. Do we market though? Sure! If you have an books signing or a promotion, we make sure others who follow us know. We "Like" your posts and so forth. Ever now and then, I get online and post up coming authors and their latest novels.

But, in the end, you have a lot of work you will need to do on your part. This will also include getting out to conferences, being a public figure, offering to teach workshops or sit on panels... the list is endless.

The reality is, that when you become a published author, your work just doubled!