Promoting Your Work

Here are some other ways you can promote your work:

• Social Media – Having a strong online presence is a great way to reach a wider audience and start marketing yourself as a writer. If you haven’t already, join Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. This will also allow you to stay abreast of relevant events, competitions and programmes.
• Write an artist’s statement – An artist’s statement is like a mission statement; it tells people what you and your writing is about. As a writer you are selling yourself, so think of this as your elevator pitch. Make it short but persuasive. If you want some advice on how to create a great artist statement you can take a look at this.
• Have your own website – A website may be the most important tool for promoting your work. It is a great way to showcase your work, along with any awards you’ve received or events you have been involved in.
• Get a professional headshot taken – A professional headshot can make a huge difference when it comes to marketing yourself as a writer. It will also be a big help to festivals and venues who are looking to add you to their programme. If you are in a position to pay for a professional headshot, hire a photographer and get a great shot. If you cannot afford a professional headshot, then ask a friend. Good lighting and a good backdrop can be effective even without professional equipment.
• Enter writing competitions and festivals – Winning awards and getting a bit of recognition for your work is a sure-fire way to broaden your audience. Keep an eye out for opportunities (hyperlink opps page) and competitions (hyperlink WC page).
• Join a writing group – This is a great way for you to start networking with other readers and writers. Meeting people and forming formal and informal relationships will help you in more ways than you think. We have a list of writing groups offered through the centre as well as groups around Dublin and around the Country. Writing groups are great places to get feedback to ensure that your work is as good as it can be.

The Irish Writers Centre promotes Irish writing and Irish writers indirectly by programming courses and events of all kinds around the country and abroad. We also promote the work of our Members through our regular Members’ Letter.