The Over 50 Writer's Guide to Authentic Self-Publishing: Quiet Alternatives

 

Image by Pixabay, Edited by Marilyn Glover with Canva

As a writer over 50, self-publishing equals a quieter alternative as opposed to the noisy world of Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. It's not to say that I'm necessarily behind the times, as some might suggest, but simply that I prefer a more subtle approach to promoting my writing. Personally, sharing my art on these social media platforms feels out of sync with my personality, which is more reserved than my creative persona.

Typical social media is not in alignment with my authentic self. 

I love the idea of my poetry, spiritual writing, and real-life stories capturing an audience's attention, but the thought of all eyes on me, the person, is where I tend to draw the line. For me, I'd much rather let the art take center stage while I admire from the sidelines.

So, how does one navigate the modern-day creative world and gain recognition when social media is the favored platform for self-promotion?

These alternatives aren't just for the over-50 crowd; they work well for any writer who prefers a quieter alternative to marketing their self-published work.

Harness the Quiet Power of Pinterest

I discovered the quiet power of Pinterest several months ago while searching for alternatives to social media marketing. Using Canva, I began creating pins for my Vocal Media and Medium stories, and realized this platform is perfect. As a visual search engine, it attracts people with its aesthetics, inspiring words, and fresh ideas. A private writer can thrive with Pinterest, allowing their art to speak for itself.

• Visual soul of art shines; spotlight isn't on the creator
• Keywords do the heavy-lifting, resulting in organic growth; no fast-scrolling antics required
• A library of pins that last, as opposed to social media posts that disappear from users' feeds

Create a Personal Blog

A couple of months ago, I created this blog using an oldie but a goodie, Blogger. It was completely free, and although it requires a bit of a learning curve, I am happy with this space, knowing it is my sanctuary. Will it take longer on my self-marketing journey? Likely, but the quiet comfort of having my own space feels validating and is one I will choose any day over the fast-paced social media alternatives.

• A comforting library of content without a commercial marketplace
• Simple layouts and designs for sharing thoughts/ideas
• A shared space for the creative process minus hyped influences

Build an Email Inner Circle

This is the latest addition to my quiet writer's bucket list, but one that I am embracing. It feels like an ideal way to build rapport without the craze of "likes and comments." If the focus is long-term, which I believe it should be, then creating an email list is an intimate way to form connections and attract genuine supporters.

• Thoughtful exchanges- Invite readers to join your community with a free gift; EX, a poem
• Quiet sanctuary- Find peace knowing you have sole ownership of your subscribers' list
• Emails as letters- written in the context of writing to a dear friend; slow-paced, endearing.

Leverage Long-form Writing Communities 

As a writer with six years of online experience in long-form writing communities, I highly recommend platforms like Vocal Media and Medium to share your fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. These are affordable options, each with a monthly fee, and Vocal Media has a free option. Additionally, Reddit is a free place to post, find communities, and promote your work while adhering to platform guidelines. 

• Explore community spaces without social media pressure
• Earn creative recognition; top story, win a challenge, build an audience
• Post and redirect readers to a custom domain, your own blog.

Personal Experience: Finding My Comfort Zone

I began writing online when I was 48. I started with Vocal Media, added Medium a year later, and within that time, I've built credibility through curated stories and contest wins, with a learn-as-I-go mentality. Sure, in the beginning, I shared my writing on Facebook, but it wasn't for me. I've never utilized TikTok other than watching my daughter's content, and most recently, I shared my writing twice on Instagram. These social media platforms simply don't resonate with my personality or how I want to portray my art.

As for LinkedIn, I post once a week, but it feels a bit too business-like for me. As for X (formerly known as Twitter), I share my content here and there; personally, this is my top pick out of all the aforementioned social media platforms.

What it all boils down to is comfort, and I am most comfortable being the woman who shares her art in quieter spaces.

I often think back to simpler days when there were no cell phones and all of the modern technological advances were nothing but dreams. Personally, I reflect, and I smile, knowing that despite the evolution of communication and how people go about things in their day-to-day, the days of yesteryear still beat in my heart with authenticity.

Some might say I need to get with the times, but I disagree. I am present. I am here. But, as a writer, the artist in me chooses to utilize the quieter spaces, and there's nothing wrong with that. Call it being over 50. Call it unhip, if you want. Personally, I claim my sacred spaces, the slow-moving ones, because I don't want to be on someone's feed zipping by with scrolling fingers. I want my words to resonate, make readers stay awhile, and sink into their souls.

What about you?

Are you a writer over 50 who prefers their quiet space?

Does social media posting not feel authentic to you?

Are you a younger writer who feels the same?

Just know that conforming to modern-day trends is optional, and if the artist in you prefers not to engage, then this is fine too. Write. Create. Share with the world, choosing quieter alternatives.

I self-published my debut Jungian-themed poetry chapbook last week with Draft2digital

Get your copy now available across multiple digital retailers!