Navigating Book Promotion as an Introvert (guest post)
- C.C. King
- Nov 25
- 4 min read
As an introvert currently querying my first novel, I’ve been thinking a lot about what happens after the dream email arrives—the part where you have to actually talk about your book.
The thought alone makes me want to pull the covers over my head and hide until launch day has come and gone.
That’s why I’ve been looking forward to this post. My fellow Bay Area author Sherri L. Dodd has written something every quiet creative needs to hear: a witty, honest take on how introverts can navigate the often loud and public world of book promotion.
From social media posting to bookstore signings, she shares what it’s really like to show up for your work... and how even the most introverted among us can find our own version of confidence in the spotlight.
If you’ve ever dreaded hitting “post” on social media or dreamed up ways to get out of public appearances, keep reading for some tips on how to make it through. :)
—CC
How an Introvert Survives Book Promotion
by Sherri L. Dodd
I review it three times, but only after changing the picture twice. I take a breath, hold, then press Post. Upon confirmation, I exhale and end the ritual with self-assurance. So, the routine goes when I post on Instagram. Surely, few Instagrammers go through this anxiety.
But, for me, it’s no wonder. I’m a high-functioning introvert.
The interaction may be online, but I’m still showing up. It’s worse in public. I smile and carry a conversation but also take frequent bathroom breaks to catch my breath, adjust my expression of exhaustion, and ready for the next session of socializing. Even at my own parties, complete with jolly, warm friends, a drudging of chaos rumbles in my stomach prior to the boisterous festivities.
To me, Instagram is no different than barging through a packed room. Each time, in both places, you subject yourself to a barrage of feedback. I prefer one on one, and most often on a hiking trail. Quiet. Peaceful. Few people.
You could imagine my surprise, after a year of rarely mingling and happily working with my partner-in-writing Siamese to pen the first book in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals trilogy, when I realized an online presence was necessary for an author.
Dang! I had already dodged that bullet once.
Trying Facebook in 2005, I ceased all activity when strangers started Friend-ing me. Questions swirled in my head – Who is this person? Why is someone from Hawaii wanting to Friend me? Is it appropriate for my professional account to have my sister’s friends following me with their posts of raucous drinking?
I decided social media was not for me.
Aside from my jitters of posting, it turns out social media is a good fit for introverts. According to LinkedIn, 60-70% of engineers – the ones who created Frankenstein’s monster of communication – are introverts.
As my introvert best friend has said, people think because I’m quiet, I have no opinion. Social media has enabled the quiet ones to tell us exactly what they think. Maybe we liked some of them better quiet. (Oops, digression.)
Plus, there is an easy fix to curb overwhelming activity. When society’s nitpicking becomes too much, simply turn off notifications and refrain from logging on … ever again.
Book signings are another story.
Turns out book signings are important too, and since they are usually time-limited, a quick break to look into the depths of reflective glass is not efficient. Luckily, the participants are mostly encouraging and not combative show-stealers out to topple your moment.
Still, to ease the angst of your public performance, I find a quick reading from the book, usually the opening chapter, passes the time. Thereafter, you can take questions about your story and provide proficient answers. More time passes as your audience shares accolades of their love of your book.
Finally, ask a preference question. Since tea-drinking is prevalent in Murder, Tea, and Crystals, I ask my audience if they like tea. With many in favor, I invite all interested to share their delightful herbal blends. The guests like it, too, as we are inundated with descriptions of scents and flavors. The oohs-and-aahs hum in appreciation representing pleasant feelings. All, thanks to book event!
The point is to get your audience talking.
This not only relieves you of enduring the full spotlight, but now your audience feels heard and has a good time sharing a little something they enjoy. A true win-win!
— Sherri
About the Guest Blogger
Sherri Dodd, author of the Murder, Tea, & Crystals trilogy, was raised in southeast Texas. Walking barefoot most days and catching crawdads as they swam the creek beds, she had a love for all things free and natural. Her childhood ran rampant with talk of ghosts, demons, and backcountry folklore. This inspired her first short story for sale about a poisonous flower that shot toxins onto children as they smelled it. Her classmate bought it for all the change in his pocket. It was not long after that her mother packed the two of them up and headed to the central coast of California. She has ping-ponged throughout the area ever since.
Her first real step into writing was the non-fiction fitness book, Mom Looks Great – The Fitness Program for Moms published in 2005, and maintaining its accompanying blog. Now, transmuting the grief of her father's passing, she has branched into Fiction, specifically the genre of Paranormal Thriller with generous dashes of Magick Realism! Her Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy released book one - Murder Under Redwood Moon - in March 2024. Book two - Moonset on Desert Sands - released in March 2025, and the final book in the series – Hummingbird Moonrise – became #1 New Release in Occult Supernatural on Amazon in October 2025!
Book Giveaway!
Don’t miss this amazing book giveaway! TWO winners will receive the full Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy. Enter at The Muffin from November 24 to December 14!
Connect with Sherri:
Do you have tips for surviving book promotion, introvert or not? Share your insights with Sherri and me by commenting or sending me a note!
Peace & Plenty,
