How do you balance writing with the time and effort required for self-promotion?

Gemma Denham: It can be quite difficult to be visible everyday. Coming up with new content when you’re basically doing the same thing is quite challenging. I like to play around with different ways of posting and setting up images and videos to give my posts a bit of variety. It’s all about finding what works best for you. What I post is usually spur of the moment rather than planned - which helps time wise, but maybe doesn’t always produce the most effective posts it terms of interaction and new followers. I should probably be scheduling some actual time to do this, but then that’s time away from writing and I do like the organic approach.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in the publishing process?

Gemma Denham: Getting my book out there. Querying is exceptionally difficult - you only have to look at the figures to see how few new authors get picked up and I feel incredibly lucky to be one of them. Now that I am one of them - marketing! How do you ‘advertise’ your book effectively without feeling like you’re spamming?

How do you use social media as an author?

Gemma Denham: I’m most active on Instagram and X. I like to post updates on where I am and what I’m doing; such as my research or word count, any difficulties or triumphs. When I first decided to write a novel I announced it on social media to hold me to it. Then I spoke and posted about my progress right from the first word to the end product. I try to keep everything I post as real as possible.

If you could be featured in one dream publication, which would it be, and why?

Gemma Denham: I’d be happy to be featured in any publication.

If you could recreate the literary industry, what would you change first?

Gemma Denham: The monopoly on spaces and marketing. There are very few that get the budgets to reach people in terms of shelf space and advertising.

In closing, do you have some words of wisdom you'd like to share with the world?

Gemma Denham: To all the budding writers out there keep going. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” - William Feather.

Thank you!

#PRontheGO