The good news is, we are God’s art, called to acts of love and beauty.
The bad news (for us writers) is, contrary to legend, and with rare exceptions, we are obliged to actively promote our books.
Having some time ago added marketer to my vocations, by now I’ve concluded that I would rather become a rare exception. I mean, though I sometimes enjoy marketing, I prefer to write.
I’ve also concluded that the key to becoming an exception remains what it was fifty years ago: find the right agent (i.e. The One).
Consider:
Ellie, a fine writer, won an unpublished novel contest. Though an agent took on the novel, it didn’t find a publisher. Her second novel didn’t find a publisher. When she completed the third novel, she self-published, took a marketing class, and developed an online book launch strategy. Among visitors to her book launch was a certain agent who appreciated her efforts and asked to see the book. She soon got Ellie a $2,000,000, two-book deal.
John had published several novels but wasn’t earning enough to support his family. He was with a good agent, but decided he needed to find a more effective one. After sending queries and finding interest, he flew to New York and interviewed several agents. The fellow he chose increased his annual income from $10,000 to over $1,000,000.
Not that signing with an agent assures fame and fortune. For a dose of reality, click here.
Or, consign reality to the shadows and trust that fame and fortune awaits if you: (Step 1) find an agent who adores your work, and who (Step 2) finds an editor who adores your work and who (Step 3) convinces the marketing department you are a cash cow.
Meanwhile, here’s a sound strategy: (Step 1) compose your very best work, (Step 2) revise with exceptional patience and extreme care, (Step 3) ask and answer, “Who needs my book? and (Step 4) seek, with all your spiritual and intellectual resources, ways to reach those readers and/or The One. Then, (Step 5 and so on) persevere with enthusiasm and prayer, as though your eternal reward depended upon it, whether or not it does.
Church for Writers 
Your words bring great hope. I had a lovely agent who became deathly sick and so we parted ways. I am now an author, publisher, and marketing strategist. I enjoy all three hats, but after reading you article thought, Wouldn’t that be soooo nice to have someone take my projects out of my hands and run with them. Who knows….?
Cheryl,
Please pardon my delay in responding. I sometimes get lost in (cyber) space and only come upon messages and such way after I should.
Like you, I enjoy all the hats, but wouldn’t mind giving up one or two of them.
Should you care to keep me posted on your work and all, the best way is to send to ken@kenkuhlken.net.
Happy day, Ken