I hear this over and over, people asking me what is the magic potion that made people buy my books.

1) I made appearances.
2) I published a weekly newsletter.
3) I answered every email, text, and message.
4) I freelanced every chance I could.
5) I guest blogged.
6) I kept writing.

That sounds so simple in theory but is difficult to practice. . . consistently.

Consistency and diligence are key to becoming known.

Note that I left adverbs out of the above list. To be consistent and diligent you have to do things regularly, often, habitually, expectedly.

The fact is, you have to show up to work. Whether writing or putting material out or telling people who you are, you have to do it. You have to do it to the point people go, “Hey, I’ve heard of you.” That doesn’t happen overnight.

The trouble these days is that people think that marketing involves shouting, hyping, and hustling. It isn’t the loudest heard. It’s more about being frequently seen.

And it isn’t talking about yourself. It’s about delivering to the reader what they want, when they want it, such that they tell their friends and family about the enjoyable experience.

You have to write well and be willing to get it to the public, while throughout the process respecting the customer. Knowing what they need. Offering them what you feel they need. Whether that the story you wrote, the theory you wrote about, or the inspiration you can speak, the energy has to feel like you are there for them . . . which you are.

That doesn’t mean you write to the market. No. You write what you want to write. Then you present it with the passion that you used to write it. And you do it often.

And just in case they love your work, you must be willing to write more, showing everyone you love what you are doing. You aren’t in this to sell. You are in this to get your stories on paper, and you’re so excited about what you do that you just cannot keep it to yourself.

Hiring a PR firm won’t do that. Ads on social media won’t do that.

Be present. Show up at the keyboard, in emails, on blogs, in person. The minute people think you’re simply selling widgets instead of sharing the love you feel in your words, the less they want you. People want something to talk about, something to share. Give them something that puts you often in their minds, with stories and ideas that are worth talking about.

If you write to the hype, you’re disingenuous. And the public can see that coming a mile away.