To build a writing career, authors are expected to not only create great work, but also promote it. This is particularly true for those who self-publish, but even with a traditional publishing deal in place I am finding myself overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done before my book goes out into the world.
Thankfully, I have a long lead time. My publication date isn’t until February of next year, but even so, the list of things that need to get done is extensive. Here’s a sample:
- Contact authors I know who might be willing to blurb my book (this is an ask that I don’t even know how to make, so I’m dragging my feet, unsure how to word my requests).
- Make lists of names of people I can lure to readings in various cities. Apparently bookstores want to know who exactly an author can produce before committing to giving them a slot on their calendar.
- Find authors to partner with for readings in cities where I may not be able to draw enough people. (Any authors out in Palm Springs interested in teaming up? How about Seattle?)
- Redo my website to include a homepage with my cover featured prominently (and why is website building so damn time consuming? it’s like remodeling a bathroom – there are a thousand little decisions you have to make).
- Make a video introducing myself and my book to have up on the new site.
- Create a travel itinerary for NEXT SPRING. I mean, I’m a planner by nature, but that’s pretty far out even for me.
- Keep blogging.
- Keep writing.
Okay, looking over the list, it’s actually not all so bad. I just don’t know where to start or how I make time for all this while still actually writing pages on the new book and doing all the other things I do (parenting my children, exercising occasionally, helping Arthur Morgan find hidden treasure on Red Dead Redemption II, you know – important stuff).
I guess it’s like anything else. You just make time. There are 24 hours in every day. If you use them well, that’s actually a lot of hours. And anyway, what else am I going to do? Stop?
Not likely.
i had no idea that you are responsible for all that in promoting your book. i thought that you write it, find an agent and a publisher…done. whew!!!
I know! It’s kind of exciting and kind of daunting.
It’s just like writing a novel; when you start, it’s overwhelming. But if you keep at it, day by day, you’ll get it all done—well, not all of it, but the “all” that really needs doing. There’s no way your launch will be perfect, or each signing will draw a crowd… so the trick is to enjoy each stepping stone on the way to (and past) publication. Good luck and keep us posted!
That’s great advice Carol, thank you. I particularly need to pay mind to the idea that it won’t “all” get done. But nothing essential will get pushed aside. I will definitely keep you posted. Cheers!