Being a new writer, I’ve learned a lot. A lot. I’ve enjoyed most aspects immensely and hated others with a passion.

But yesterday, I got something in my email box in Goodreads that made me feel like I need a shower. I tried looking through the writers’ groups to see if there was a discussion topic about it, but I couldn’t find it. I will keep looking.

Basically, someone emailed me offering to help me promote my book by reviewing it, getting on blogs, etc… for a price. Of course, they start out the email by praising my writing. And of course, they say I’m not “paying” them for a review. It’s for the time they will spend on my behalf.

I hate marketing. I really hate it. It goes against everything in my nature. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful there are people out there who are good at it, but I’m not. Ergo I loathe it. But I don’t think this is how I want to market my work.

Am I right to feel icky about it? Or is this something that is the norm for the “business.” Am I just too sensitive?

For the time being, I’m going to stick with my strategy, which is to write good books. I welcome new readers who want ARCs in exchange for an honest review, but I don’t think I want someone to mechanically market my work because I paid them.

Yes…I am naive and idealistic. But come on, I write romantic fiction with HEAs!