"I Want to Be a Writer Not a Content Creator"

[@akshayde]

Your of the mark here regarding why artist don't want to advertise their work. Marketing inherently requires a person to be more social and to approach people and try to sell them something. I am going to guess that artists are also the kind of people who also don't like sales people and when someone is trying to sell them something. so the idea that that needs to be done is cringy and stressful and off putting and also out of one's comfort zone.

[@DrSusanneKurz]

This! Plus, I also feel that the crucial point is: not really intrinsically caring about sales because the creating is all you really want to do. The selling is only a means to an end: being able to keep creating. And that's solely because you need money to live. So, in a way, an artist who only wants to create, because that's the fulfilling part, essentially only needs to sell in order to be able to keep creating. But because they need to sell, they don't ever get to doing nothing but creating which is the actual goal of the whole marketing endeavour, so it's kind of a vicious circle. That's why agents exist mainly in the sphere of the arts.

[@inspiredtowrite]

Selling art isn't like selling a car. Yes at some point, you will have to say "This costs money" if you want it - but the process of selling art is an art, it is a relationship, it is building trust, and emotional resonance - it's far more magic and far more scary than being a door to door salesman sprooking solar panels.

[@shanouboubou]

I have to say it is amazing to see people like you gathering an artists community with social media. I'm glad to have found you -That's a blessing ❤

[@inspiredtowrite]

We deserve space to be together and to talk about the shit that matters to us!!

[@stratum42]

We live in an era where an artist, writer, musician, etc. can self promote, get noticed on their own efforts and that's amazing. I used to play in bands. Once we got two songs on pirate radio at like 1am, and had a demo CD sitting in a local band bin at a record store. Gigs and demos weren't enough 99% of the time. To get noticed more required immense amounts of effort trying to make contacts with someone who knew someone else. Now we have social media, KZbin, spotify etc and you can do it yourself without the middle man.

[@JKSwiftWrites]

"artists are made for marketing." I loved this. I also identified with the part about "fearing" it. I self-published my first book in 2011 and have been doing my best ever since to stay on the treadmill. It's a long, steep hill, but you don't have to climb it all in one day. Thanks for this.

[@theupliftedmystic]

Yes this is totally true, social media has made it much easier on us, introverted writers to promote our art. Back in the day in 2010 when I started writing my first book the publisher demanded you to give live speeking engagements about your book, promote yourself in book stores, do autograph sessions and even organize live book workshops. And yes this was really hard as an introvert and made me almost give up on writing. But I kept going and thanks to the internet it became much easier to promote your books. You can record a video where it is just you and the camera in the privacy of your own home, much easier and less hard on introverted souls than physically going out there. I am thankfull for social media for this, although I stay mindfull on which platforms to use. For example, the people on instagram and tiktok are generally much more rude towards creators then the people on KZbin in my experience, so that is why I choose to stick to KZbin alone, but that is all personal preference. Keep up the good work everyone and most of all: enjoy your writing! 🥰😍

[@dontgivetwothwips3615]

I’m a visual artist selling through two galleries and an Etsy shop. I have had my work on consignment in a home decor store and I use to rent a booth in a store sells by my creations. I don’t use social media to promote myself but I have experimented with it in the past and decided it’s just not for me. No one showed up at my door or called me begging for me to sell through them. I had to do what I dread most- approach strangers and show them what I can do. The worst that can happen is rejection which is what I got the first time I applied to my dream gallery. I reapplied a few years later, was accepted and it’s now the place where most of my sales happen. Once I decided that art was what I wanted to do I just keep pushing forward with that purpose in mind and I pivot around the inevitable obstacles that arise from time to time. I am privileged to have this opportunity since I’m in a dual income home but anyone can take up the mindset of persistence

[@sarah.gabriella]

I felt this sooo deeply. I would say that writing is my "main" thing, but I also have a youtube channel and a substack. Multimedia creation has been great in so many ways. It keeps things fresh, and making videos has honestly made me a better writer (forcing me to take myself less seriously etc). At the same time, I've been feeling conflicted lately about the platforms -- grateful that they exist, grateful for the fun times I've had on them, but also frustrated with how hard it is to gain traction. Thanks so much for starting these conversations✨❤

[@theoliviadesantos]

What a fantastic essay. Shook me! The feeling of cringe is my personal reason for hovering over the "publish" button and letting other commitments conveniently interfere with my beautifully laid out content plan. It ends today. Thank you! 🙏🏿

[@inspiredtowrite]

2025 is the year of being cringe for our art.

[@AGTravers1999]

This video has found me at THE perfect time. I've been writing for 15 years in relative isolation - no social media, small town country life, and very little published even though I've completed seven novels, five short novels, and something like 400 poems. Most of this was because I just felt like my work wasn't good enough yet. However, this year, I decided to actually start publishing and advocating for my work. So, a few weeks ago, I started my Instagram account (same name as my YT account) hoping to connect with other readers/writers, because I know my stories are good and I think they could really mean something if they reached the right audience. I've doubted my decision every step of the way & have felt so overwhelmed by it all, but I think this is my sign to keep going. Thank you so much for talking about this ❤ it has really helped me (and, I'm sure, other people) to remember why we do what we do. Thank you ☺

[@inspiredtowrite]

Oh my god, You are prolific. I will go find you on instagram!

[@AGTravers1999]

@inspiredtowrite Oh my God, thank you so much! It means the world to me 💜 and thanks again for your video. Can't wait to check out the rest of your catalogue.

[@LiteraryStoner]

I needed to hear this, thank you❤ I have a youtube and substack but marketing my work is so hard but you nailed it

[@tjsmith5276]

I'm storyboarding my novel. I'll make it so that you can listen to it and see pictures. I think the problem is that people have the impression that when you market yourself, it feels fake, desperate and needy. However, I like how you say that marketing is an art in and of itself.

[@vanessaskin]

I randomly came across this in perfect timing! Thank you for sharing this!

[@inspiredtowrite]

my absolute pleasure!

[@kv6uf]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I work in a company, but I work my ass out to promote my artists. When I will promote my own art, I will use all of my skills I got while I was working. Life is a game, being an artist is a career, not an excuse. Use your creativity and skill all around.

[@SteveMNash]

Bravo! Part of the artist's responsibility of being an artist is to find a way to be an artist...

[@kaashkaash8695]

This was so refreshing. I didn't have the negative believes you were speaking of however I do have a lot of fears but your video has genuinely given me new perspective.

[@ameyasrealm]

you are amazing Amie, thank you so much for this 💙

[@IndoorKat]

So happy to have found your channel! Thanks for creating this space

[@IHBooks]

You’re fun. And insightful. Glad I found you. 😊

[@zaagomusic]

Same

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

YES! More from you, please and thank you. New subscriber who is happy to have found you today.

[@tayarisha]

i used to market myself/work, then left it to others/those who “owned” my work, and that experience just left me wanting to market my own self again!!! that’s where i am now. i know what i mean and what i want to say, dont want a studio’s algorithm or marketing dept to decide those things for me. thanks for this video, needed to see it 👨🏾‍🏫

[@inspiredtowrite]

Oh I resonate with your story so hard.

[@asiamynor]

As an artist (oil painter), I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@JaqulitaSandraStenqvist]

I am crying of realif, the truth sets you free.

[@ChristinaKellerWriter]

Ah, I love this video. I agree with everything. I used to think I sucked at marketing, but then I sold some stuff on Poshmark and realized people will buy your stuff if you let them know you exist. Arists have been trying to sell since the dawn of time. We make art and then we champion it. Yes, yes we do.❤

[@miztanyabea]

Thank you for this, Amie!!! & I personally LOVE that you went off script, esp. for comment #3 b/c it helped me sort out something I got stuck on in the intro -- is it social media that deserves credit for this -- or the internet at large? Not that it needs to be one or the other, and I've certainly benefitted from being on social over the years, but given the increased corruption of the major platforms, combined with the value-capture you spoke of at the top of the essay, I'm having a hard time using most of them and NOT feeling out of integrity somehow. (Full disclosure: being algorithmically deleted from IG without cause late last year and losing EVERYTHING I had built hasn't helped matters either.🙃) But hearing you say "do it your way ...There are so many things you can do with the fucking internet ... figure out what delights you" flipped the exact right switch in my brain! & then for comment number four you expertly landed the plane!!! #lovemeamixedmetaphor Thank you for your nuance. Thank you for your care. Thank you for fighting for us! 🙏

[@annapavlivv]

This was so real, honest and inspiring all at once. Thank you! The video I didn't know I needed.

[@iC7Zi]

🙏

[@Sydney-Baez]

Thank you thank you for sharing this!! Really beautifully said!

[@AshleyBDavis]

Fucking love this difficult reframing you're asking of artists, Amy. Thank you, as always, for the thought-provoking, inspiring real talk 💖

[@alsoSoull]

At the start of this video I was not with you because I have a heavy dislike towards TikTok and Instagram, but I'm glad I kept listening because I needed this talk. Of course there are other ways to get yourself out there, and why would I not want to go around bragging about(promoting) MY art to people. We are supposed to be proud of what we created that we have no problem with the opportunities to convince the world of it

[@jeanshelbybooks]

I completely agree!! We struggle with time as it is and now we need to learn this whole other field. But… I’ve been loving making my KZbin videos and encouraging others to go after their dreams. ❤

[@CircleofBreathSacredAstrology]

It is difficult to get used to my speaking voice rather than my writing voice. It is a challenge to accept a very non glamorous countenance. And this inspiring. I agree. My ideas are my creation. If I do not love and champion them who will?

[@TheBenevolent]

In the early period of history, a book was published by being read in front of the royal court or an assembly of poets. The poet had to defend themselves and their art when questioned by the assembly. I’m talking about circa 6th century BCE. This is not only an occurrence in classical Tamil literature, it’s a tradition.

[@DanielleEWagner]

Sis, you did not stutter once 👏🏻 It is a privilege to be able to promote our art and if we can’t be bothered to do it ourselves, how can we ever expect someone else to? And shouldn’t we be so in love with our art that we want to promote it??? Also-I love your necklace 😍😭

[@inspiredtowrite]

Thank you Danielle!!

[@JaelynnHarrell]

I love your perspective, and it’s true, we are not trapped

[@Laformadeltemblor]

Thanks!!!

[@gamewrit0058]

7:40 "Marketing is an art."

[@JPcommunicates]

Marketing is promoting yourself and others. It's not art. It's selling what you or others have to offer.

[@gamewrit0058]

​@JPcommunicates It can be both. I've worked with journalists and marketing communications departments, in addition to being a writer myself for more than forty years. A side hobby for me is creating "visual arts" as well, and I'm in creative communities that include members who have both writing and arting skillsets, and members who primarily focus on one or the other. There is an art to war, to communication, to peace, to community, to drawing, and so forth. Besides, I was quoting an artist who was quoting her own essay. Did you have another pov you wished to share, or were you just angry with my supportive comment for the OP to appease the engagement gods? Edit for clarity: I've never met another artist or writer who doesn't promote their own work. Not everyone wants to tour, but there have always been various options.

[@vdavi12]

I enjoy you so much. You’re amazing!

[@stephaniezumwalt2369]

I would love to know where I can see more of you. You mentioned you have courses? You popped up today by no coincidence, I’ve been needing to hear your essays! Thank you for the nudge ❤

[@inspiredtowrite]

Hi Stephanie!! You can find me on Insta @inspiredtowrite, on substack @amiemcnee - or my website amiemcnee.com - so grateful for you

[@stephaniezumwalt2369]

@ thank you!

[@WillBrownAuthor]

This was great. Thank you!

[@lulabloom4636]

good at the craft shit at marketing is just a lazy response when what we really fear/crave is the connection bit. without the internet, we have so much less power in every way atm

[@JPcommunicates]

You can use social media to connect with people and meet them offline. What is the issue here? It's ridiculous to say you have lesser people because of social media. You choose everything yourself. You have always power.

[@lulabloom4636]

@JPcommunicates that wasn't the point of my comment. I was referring to the ability to share information with people over most of the world at any time, there is a power in that and I hope we continue to have that connection.

[@jaymoussamann]

Brilliant essay

[@arcovidia]

I came here hoping for a pat on the back and reassurance in my social media disgust but I've been spanked and shaken back to reality :)) It's the easy way out, pretending that art for art's sake is my one and only job but deep down I knew, pretending I don't care about my audience doesn't make me any cooler. Thanks for reminding me of that

[@inspiredtowrite]

sorry for the light spanking... we need your art!

[@Ehyeh_Asher_Ehyeh_117]

Comedians often speak to the fact that they are sought after for their wit -in a poignant way, illustrating that the audience cannot do it for themselves All writers should take note of this wicked way of logic, as things that makes us uncomfortable, yet dependent to, are a taboo that excites the masses

[@MoonMoverGaming]

I need to see this today, thanks. Although, the video was almost over before I figured out what 'suck daddy' was.

[@inspiredtowrite]

I'm so sorry to bring Zuckdaddy into the world, but it is done.

[@nyabelov3d]

Do it your way yes!! My adhd brain wants to do too much lol

[@venicemoraru]

you are an inspiration. thank you ❥

[@juulwanders957]

I spit my coffee out when u said lets shit on zuck daddy

[@inspiredtowrite]

Sowwwwy

[@FirestyledSamaurai]

I love this! Yes! ❤ Never heard him called Zak Daddy. That's funny. Who started that? I love how you approach this complicated subject. I found it strange too that people want someone else to do this.

[@selfpreservationsociety]

How middle class and boring 💤

[@FirestyledSamaurai]

@@selfpreservationsociety yeah

[@inspiredtowrite]

I said it once and I can't stop...

[@dariostabletopminatures]

YES! Write something... I'll buy it! Pro COMPLAINING!

[@JessicaWheatleyManning]

I’d say just accept and embrace all adventures

[@inspiredtowrite]

Let's go all in

[@kristymounsey3941]

Could you put links to your books in the show notes please? I'd like to buy them.

[@ShehabING]

Amen to that 🤲

[@taralynndixon147]

I’d love to pre-order your book! Is there a link where I can find it? Thank you for being you!!

[@inspiredtowrite]

I am THE BEST at talking and championing my art, my challenge is the last 1% which is actually posting the fucking link :))) www.amiemcnee.com/pre-order-we-need-your-art-book-amie-mcnee

[@renee8118]

God you are so right. I like you!

[@cat_sqeaker]

i go into this chatroom game called "Webfishing" and tell people about my KZbin channel. XD

[@ZofiaReych]

it's a silly question perhaps but one that i can't find an answer to by googling for some reason... how do you read and look into the camera at the same time? is it one of those apps that fixes your gaze after, or another kind of magic ? I would really really really appreciate if you could share your trick. i have a lot of essays that I published through my newsletter but i'd love to record them for YT without making a whole kinda vlog out if it. thank you! ps. got both your books on my shelf and they were so fun

[@inspiredtowrite]

Ahh it's an app called teleprompter! Thank you for making a home for my book babies, means the world

[@ZofiaReych]

@@inspiredtowrite thank you so much for replying, i appreciate it a lot :)

[@amandagloverart]

"her books changed my life" *clicks subscribe*

[@fullylovingyourself]

Wait I think I found my people !

[@kristijones3307]

I’ll watch any video that uses those cute little fuzzy mics. Let’s see what this is about…

[@neofluxmachina]

Dit tifla ta l-ostja, kieku nista' nghidila mmoru niehdu pint Gugar

[@jeffxpmdisc]

Are you worried about AI? If I think a channel is using AI narration I click off. It's the death of art. Maybe you are not so worried. Good luck to you, human.

[@samwithacamera]

[@JPcommunicates]

Why do you need to share that? Why not just do it? Social media is a tool to connect with other people, to show yourself, what you enjoy doing. Nobody is forced to use it and nobody is forced to use it like others. Why do you struggle with it? I don't get it. When it's not for you, choose something else. I find it funny complaining about social media but using social media. KZbin is also social media.

[@jameswinestock5321]

Are you revealing to the world that you didn't watch the video and just went off the thumbnail? You know the video is a positive take on marketing and using social media?

[@inspiredtowrite]

JP, my boy, watch video.

[@nolimitationsministries9252]

What if you are multitalented at a lot of gifts? Like spoken word, Trumpet Jazz, Photography, and Motivational Speakers . I feel like I’m everywhere. Now I’m stuck at a job I don’t want to do just to pay the bills. I post on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook but no one has interacted with me. I am too talented to be working a meaningless job. Sorry for the rant.