I did the Improve and Encourage, but I must admit I'm not keen on any of the others, except maybe the first one. However, I do most of my story recommendations as blog reviews. 

You offer some excellent author promotion chances, but perhaps most GA authors are too modest or shy to avail themselves of the opportunities.  

I'm considering a couple of them. Yes, it is self-promotion but only of my stories, not of me as an individual. That would certainly make me feel like  . A lot of my output is shorts, so trying to get new readers to give them a go is more hard work than with multi-part stories. (That's my excuse, anyway.  )

Well if you want to be read, you need to promote yourself. Sitting shyly in the corner will not help you. You need to say something both in your writing and in public. Talk to people, read them, comment and engage with them. Smile, wave say hello!

True, but what if you feel your stories have all the readers and attention they deserve? Or if, like me, you're having problems getting stories finished and don't wan to put even more pressure on yourself? Then advertising for more readers doesn't feel like a good idea.  

2 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

but what if you feel your stories have all the readers and attention they deserve?

Blimey, there must be few authors who feel like that.  I mean, I'm happy with the readership I have, but I'm also conscious that unless I work at it, my stories will gradually sink to the bottom and become part of the leaf litter. 

I appreciate your reasons though.  Having more pressure applied is unlikely to help ... 

It's very much an individual's decision.  But as tim says: 

49 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

if you want to be read, you need to promote yourself

. Whether it's by writing more, or promoting what you already have. 

19 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

True, but what if you feel your stories have all the readers and attention they deserve? Or if, like me, you're having problems getting stories finished and don't wan to put even more pressure on yourself? Then advertising for more readers doesn't feel like a good idea.  

I'd say it's up to the author. If you're happy with things as they are, do nothing. If you want to increase your readership then you need to work harder. I have been working harder on my writing. Up early, no distractions, write 1,000 words a day... and READ.. a lot.  And for me, i do not post my work until it's finished.

But i speak for myself, what each person does is up to them.

18 minutes ago, northie said:

my stories will gradually sink to the bottom and become part of the leaf litter. 

Cream rises right? What i mean is that hopefully as you continue writing and reading you will improve and your older works will sink while you new works will rise and be read. You can defo see the difference in my older work and my latest. That's exciting and i think what most people want!

I couldn't picture doing anything to promote my prompt responses.  They are short, usually funny, and always seem to beg for more that I can't seem to manage to write.  I have had readers ask for stories to continue, but once I hit a certain point, that's it, my muse is done and its time to move on to something else!

33 minutes ago, northie said:

Blimey, there must be few authors who feel like that.  

Well, let me put it another way, then. I'm continuously amazed and grateful about the number of people who read my stories, compliment them, and ask for more.   I rarely feel the stories rate the praise, or that I can compare to some of the brilliant authors here at GA. But it's great to strive for improvement and have my readers point out when I do better or give them pleasure with my efforts.

I also think there are some very good authors here on GA who do not get the attention they deserve, and I'd prefer them to be the ones promoted, rather than those of us who have plenty of GA friends and readers and fans. In other words, you all give me so much in return for my stories, that wanting more promotion or attention would make me feel greedy. Silly,  I know, but there it is.  

2 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Well, let me put it another way, then. I'm continuously amazed and grateful about the number of people who read my stories, compliment them, and ask for more.   I rarely feel the stories rate the praise, or that I can compare to some of the brilliant authors here at GA. But it's great to strive for improvement and have my readers point out when I do better or give them pleasure with my efforts.

 

I also think there are some very good authors here on GA who do not get the attention they deserve, and I'd prefer them to be the ones promoted, rather than those of us who have plenty of GA friends and readers and fans. In other words, you all give me so much in return for my stories, that wanting more promotion or attention would make me feel greedy. Silly,  I know, but there it is.  

you promote them with you excellent reviews Tim..

5 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

you promote them with you excellent reviews Tim..

Thank you, tim   I try to.  

I just signed up for I&E. Will think about some of the others...