Writing Essays as a Promotion Tool for Authors

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How “Metawriting” about Writing Can Promote Your Latest Project

I’m going to do something terribly meta and, hopefully, not too cringe right now, which is write an article in my blog (which has a paid upgrade option), mentioning my services for writers and workshops, using a paid ad from a sponsor, to encourage you, the writer reading this post, to do the same. Don’t worry, it’s all educational :)

In my many writing workshops, I often talk about a practice I use continually in my own writing called “Metawriting.” Metawriting is essentially any writing that is about writing. It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to get past a writing block. Anytime I feel stuck on a project, have writer’s block, or just can’t seem to figure out what to do next, I will do a free write ABOUT my writing practice. I start by answering the question, “Where is my writing right now? What am I struggling with?”

These Metawriting sessions often help me break out of whatever issue I am having. If I can’t figure out what happens next in my novel, I brainstorm ideas for what next decision my character has to take. If I’m revising a poetry book, I write a description of the book. If I’m struggling with marketing ideas, I write about why marketing is so hard as a writer and how I find it hard to write about my own process. Sometimes, I just write about writing: How it makes me feel, why I love it, why it’s hard.

But what I’ve realized is that these Metawriting sessions are not just invaluable for helping me with my projects; they are also words I can use to market my work. Of all the ways you can promote your writing—the simplest method is simply to write about your process. Having a blog or newsletter that simply tracks your writing—its ups and downs—can make you feel relatable and human to readers.

Writers often love to hear about process. The main reason is that we all have different processes. Writers want to know different tips and tricks they can use. Readers love process, too: They love the quirky habits of writers. That’s why there are so many books about the habits of famous writers. Here are a few ways you can capitalize on Metwriting to promote your work:

The Power of Personal Experience and Sharing Your Writing Journey

There are thousands of people every year who pick up the pen with the ardent hope of becoming a published writer. They don’t have a story to tell—yet—but they do have a process of discovery to share. Even newbie writers can benefit from telling their readers how they go about writing. Because the process of trial and failure is relatable. Everyone has done something hard and struggled. Everyone has had a dream.

We relate to vulnerability. A curious fact I’ve found in writing poetry, for example, is that the more specific, detailed, and laser-focused a poet is in representing an event, the more relatable it becomes. It sounds like that might create the opposite effect: These details are so specific and vulnerable that no one else has ever had that experience in that way—right? But the truth is, small details are often what catch a reader’s heart. For example, I remember teaching a class where a poet described specific retro pink wall tiles in a bathroom. Another student in the class insisted she had the same exact tiles growing up. That detail made the poem authentic to her, despite the unbelievable fact that two people would grow up with the same bathroom tiles!

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Establishing Authority and Credibility

This vulnerability has another benefit: It proves you are who you say you are. Let’s say you’re writing a book about a specific experience, say, as a person who has battled cancer. Using Metawriting, you might write a blog post that dives into your experiences in more detail. You might give context that doesn’t quite work in, say, a fictional memoir. Or, you might just give updates on where you are on the journey.

Of course, not all topics are fit for public consumption. The level of vulnerability and what you share might vary based on how comfortable you feel. How deep you dive is up to you.

This is particularly important for nonfiction authors. Having a blog or newsletter that you maintain after the publication of a book keeps your voice out there. It also proves that you are someone who wants to keep the conversation going. You’re not just going to make a point and then never accept criticism or grow as a person.

Writers Are Humans, Too

I encourage writers of fiction to think about using nonfiction as a bolstering tool for their books. You might have a blog or newsletter that is completely unrelated to your fiction. (See my article on the power of using your pet as a marketing tool!) Sharing your hobbies and interests is an easy tool for self-promotion. It’s fun, plus it makes you seem more human and not like a grind-a-book-bot.

Many readers have a somewhat idealized view of authors. The reality is that writers are human. We struggle. We make mistakes. We fail. We get back up again and keep punching out words. All of that can be inspiring material. People love to know how many times a book was rejected before it was accepted because they like to believe in the writing dream.

Creating Additional Touchpoints for Promotion

In today's digital age, having a vibrant online presence is crucial for authors. Writing about your writing process creates content perfect for sharing across various platforms, from your personal blog to social media channels and beyond. Think of each piece as a touchpoint, reaching potential readers who might not have come across your work otherwise. By weaving mentions of your latest book or project into these essays, you can subtly promote your work in a context that provides real value to the reader.

For example, I was recently featured in a local news story about queer horror writers in Texas. For the piece, I had to get really vulnerable and share how it is to be a queer horror writer in a conservative state. This is a topic that quite honestly terrifies me to write about in a Meta way. I took the opportunity to share a poem from my new queer horror poetry book in progress, “B Movie Babies.” Now that poem has been read by a new audience.

The key here is “subtly”—you don’t want the in-story plugs to feel random. They should relate to the topic you’re writing about. For example, if you’re writing a post about how to write an essay as a promotional tool—and the power of being vulnerable—you might share a time when you were vulnerable in the context of promotion. 🙂 

Engaging with the Writing and Reading Community

Metawriting is one way to think about your network. Who do you want your work to reach? What reader needs your story—and how could you better get it in their hands?

By writing about writing, you’re connecting to a larger community of writers. You’re contributing to a conversation about the art and craft of writing. Why we write matters. This engagement can lead to collaborations, invitations to speak at literary events, or opportunities to cross-post your work on other writer’s blogs.

Someone recently asked me how I prioritize everything I do. I teach writing workshops. I write poetry and short fiction and books. I have a critique group and a weekly writing night with writer friends. I’m a professional freelance editor and the editor of Interstellar Flight Press, an indie speculative press. I attend conventions and conferences as a panelist or speaker. I work for an academic journal. The answer I gave was: “It’s all important.” Which means that all of my projects dovetail into each other.

How to Get Started with Metawriting

Metawriting is super easy: It’s just the act of writing about writing.

First, it’s valuable to learn the Art of the Humble Brag. It can feel icky promoting your work. (See the first paragraph of this essay.) To get past that, remember to always be humble. You may have a lot to say on a topic, but stick to things that you know. Be an expert—or else hand the reigns off to the experts. Research. Don’t be afraid to be hesitant to share too much or talk about something that’s outside of your circle of expertise. A little humor goes a long way.

Write what you love, love what you write.

Above all, write what you love, and love what you write. Start with topics that you’re passionate about and that relate to your latest project. If your book explores a unique setting, share your research process or the challenges of world-building. If you've developed a complex character, discuss the intricacies of character development. Not only will this pique interest in your project, but it will also provide valuable content for your audience.

Next, choose the right platform for your writing. I started on Medium.com, which was great because it paid a small amount for each article. But they got too rights-grabby for my taste, so I switched to Beehiiv. I’m still making a little money off referrals, but it’s not at a cost to a reader unless they decide to upgrade, then those funds go straight to me. (Plus Premium Weirdos get a discount on my editing and subscriber-only post access!) Personal blogs offer full control over your content while pitching to magazines or literary websites can extend your reach. Social media platforms also provide avenues for sharing your writing with a broader audience. If you’re a writer, you might crosspost to Bluesky and Twitter/X, while business writers might try LinkedIn.

Don’t be afraid to shake things up. If something doesn’t work, you can always change it. My blog has mutated over the years, and my audience stuck with me. (Thanks, y’all.) Make small, achievable goals, like posting one or two times a month. Don’t worry much about SEO—just write from the heart.

Writing essays about your craft is a great way to boost your visibility, build credibility, and reach a broader audience. When you share your insights and experiences, you're doing more than just promoting a book—you're creating a community around your work.