I have the idea that going along quietly might not be the point of writing …
One of the fruits our society’s exertions for the market* is the forcing of authors to ‘market their own work.’ This somehow exists as a legitimate reality at this time.
New writing is an imposition–it must be judged by others. It is an honor to be read, not a marketing coup. Work pushed by its author has little credibility.
This is reflected by the fact all public reader sites work very hard to prevent authors from, you know, that. Legitimatizing marketing was the whole original and founding purpose of the traditional (now consolidated) publishing industry.
So why … ?
Corporate consolidation allowed control to replace curation
Mostly, so far, authors have mostly gone quietly or at least without notice. My cowardly hope has been to outwait the mammon tide back to the shores of common sense … but my books will vanish beneath the waves before then. I have to do this thing that cannot be done. Now.
To market we all go
It feels harshly. It is a conscience issue, and seems wrong. However if I am not sure how to proceed with selling (‘marketing’), what I think what can be done is to explain the story, share objective reviews and ask for help from readers.
And also I can remember the purpose of the Legend of the Great Horse trilogy is to share a story of horses and people in history. When a reader connects, none of the above struggle matters.