As a former editor and content team lead, we had no choice but to shamelessly self-promote our work. In my eyes, if you didn't do it yourself, no one else was going to do it for you (at least not for free). You can imagine how startled I was to read Please Shut Up: Why Self-Promotion As An Author Doesn't Work. As much as I was conflicted with the headline, there wasn't anything in the article that I didn't agree with.
1) "Twitter Doesn't Sell Books"
I've been spammed with hundreds of free ebooks that I never downloaded. I don't care how nice the person is. I'm not going out on a limb to take up more of my storage space for the sake of being polite.
2) "Facebook Hides Posts For Blackmail Purposes"
Facebook is pretty cruel to the average Joe just trying to self-promote. In order for your content to remotely be seen, you have to funnel money into sponsored posts and advertising.
3) "Because People Aren't On Instagram To Find Books"
I'm on Instagram to like pictures of people's food, self-loath over travel photos, and stalk SaltBae's day-to-day activities.
What makes me want to read a new book?
1) Goodreads recommendations
2) Random library selections
3) A friend casually saying, "Hey I think you will like this book."
I will literally love you forever and ever. Even if the book sucks.
So how does one self-promote? Personally, I go back to growing your network. My Twitter had almost ten-thousand followers at one point, and none of them were active supporters. Make real connections, people that you learn and grow with. That is your network.