I can’t think of a time when I didn’t enjoy reading B.A. Durham’s column for the Chicago Writers Association. His latest offering captures helpful insights from Julia Borcherts, a literary publicist who was a presenter at the 2026 Let’s Just Write conference.
In the past few weeks, I’ve had several conversations with writers and aspiring authors, asking about the book promotion process, looking for advice. I am no expert, but I’m happy, always, to share what I’ve learned, including insight from Durham’s interview with Borcherts.
More about that in a moment.
First…I want to share the wide-ranging queries that come my way. I think you’ll appreciate this list. We’re all in the same boat trying to figure stuff out.
Sometimes the questions about book promo are simply social niceties, a checking in:
“How’s it going, how are you doing?”
My typical reply:
“Everything’s good. Busy! And I’m itching to get back to bigger projects…writing what comes next…after Slivers.”
Other queries are far more specific. The opener might still be “How’s it going?” But the follow-ups come fast and furious and sometimes include:
- How are sales?
- Do you have any tricks for getting more reviews?
- Where are you soliciting reviews?
- Do I need a publicist?
- Does blogging really help…that whole ‘have an online presence’ thing.
- How hard was it to create your own website?
- Which socials do you use? IG, LI, Twitter/X, BlueSky?
- WordPress or Substack?
- How often do you blog and post on socials?
- How many hours a week are you doing promo work?
You get the idea.
Do I have answers to some of these questions? Yah. Some. Am I cautious with my responses? Totally. I’m no expert and I’m no spokesperson.
I wake up every day with a love of writing, writers and creative people but have no earthly idea how one follows a promotional game plan or how one is crafted. I take one step and then another, toward whatever feels purposeful, joyful and productive. All three = nirvana.
Said in far fewer words: I rely on instinct more than strategy.
That’s why I lean into thought leaders for info and inspo. A-ha opportunities popping in my newsfeed, from smart people I trust. I read, I mine, I sift and then…true to form for a blog titled, “Victoria Ponders”, I mull and ponder — preparing to share what’s top of mind with all of you.
What you read here each week (thank you, btw) is 99% reflective of what’s filling my bucket…encouragement to keep learning and creating.
This week? Borcherts offered grist for the motivational mill:
- “I recommend balancing posts somewhat equally between the professional, personal, and community aspects of your life.” I really like this advice. You can still promote your latest project but do so with some value-added. Share about yourself, be authentic and don’t forget to be a good community member – both in your online and in-person communities. Both matter.
- “The most important thing for authors is to be writing — even when you’re promoting a new book, it’s more important to be working on your next book than to be chasing coverage all over the place.” It was as if Borcherts was talking directly to me…
- Regarding blogging and social media posts, “The most important thing….is consistency, and maybe two to three times a week is good. If an author suddenly becomes promotionally hyperactive…after months of dormancy, it can come off as very sales-y rather than organic.” Message received. Consistency wins.
- “A professional-looking author website is still crucial.” Okay, then. The time spent updating my business site? Keep doing it.
You’ll need to take a look at the whole interview for Borcherts’ take on other topics – where to blog, what social media to use and her thoughts on AI-generated cover images. Oooh. Super interesting.
Keep creating, friends…and remember to find the fun!
Vicki 💝
P.S. Did you catch the messages in the graphic above? If you’re reading this, you might qualify as one of the friends who shouldn’t sit next to me at any serious function. Just sayin’. And the Voltaire quote? If we’re ever in a lifeboat together, I sure hope you’ll sing with me. 💝
Q&A with “Slivers” author Vicki Atkinson | Eckhartz Press
Slivers by Vicki Atkinson | Goodreads
Surviving Sue by Vicki Atkinson | Goodreads
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Victoria Ponders 
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