I am officially launched. My debut book came out February 16th. My husband threw me an enormous party for 50+ of my nearest and dearest family and friends. It was a night of being Cinderella. I was celebrated, congratulated, and toasted. But even Cinderella had only until midnight. The party is over. Now, back to reality.
Once your book is out there the real work begins. You used to think writing the book was the hard part, but you did that. You used to think selling the book was the hard part, but you did that. Now, you discover really selling your book is the hard part. You haunt the sales lists to see how you are doing. Guest blog everywhere you can to be 'seen'. Check and Google yourself to see if you have any reviews. The job of being published is not for the faint of heart, any more than any other part of the process of this chosen career.
I wouldn't trade if for all the world, of course, but it is a new set of neurotic worries to be concerned about. Sales for this book. Selling the next book. Promoting all your books and yourself. Being out there enough to sell your book but not so out there that you get burnout.
And I wish that kind of neurotic worry on every other writer I know. Because it means you are published.
7 comments:
Life as a published author does sound busy, but as you say - it is the only game in town if your want to be published. Sounds like you have a great support system. Have fun with your career and the rest with take care of itself with a lot of ambition and creative imagination.
Paisley, thank you so much. Yes, I have a wonderful support team, beginning with my husband who not only finally read something I wrote, but paid for it from Amazon.
Congratulations. Don't worry about those thoughts. I know it can be scary, but you're on your way.
Thank you. With you at my back I can do anything. Remember: you are next!!!
Hurray, Jill, and sincere congrats! Your launch party sounded wonderful and very well-deserved. Now the fun part begins....:)
Joanne, so true. On to the next book. Promoting myself. Enjoying the life of a writer.
Congratulations on the big launch, Jill. :)
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