This week I am pleased to help sponsor an annual race event at my local BMX club. The intention was to help a family friend and support the good work done by this and similar organisations in the community. I belatedly realised that it was an opportunity to promote myself and my writing to a new audience. Marketing isn’t my strong point, but it is something that all writers need to consider.

The relative ease of publication has dramatically increased the number of available books at a time when people generally are reading less. This makes it more challenging for writers, particularly new writers, to gain a following. Those who are self-published can spend up to 80% of their time on promotion not writing. The pressure intensifies for those who rely on the income from sales with most authors earning less than the minimum wage.

If you want to succeed financially as a writer, you need to find readers. There may be some at a community event near you.

Paul Williams is a writer best known for his study of the Jack the Ripper Suspects.