First of all, I LOVE fall. I love the leaves, the cooler weather, the pumpkins—I love it all! But now, I have an even greater reason to love fall. My debut novel Catalyst (a YA near-future thriller) releases in just under two months!
But I'm not ready!
What does that mean exactly? I'm not ready?
It means that for months I've had these grand expectations of what my launch will look like, be like, even feel like. I've dreamed and planned. However, as my launch quickly approaches, the anticipation, the excitement, even the stress has become a bit overwhelming. I feel like I'm behind in setting up book signings. I'm behind in contacting news stations. I'm behind in ordering my swag. I'm behind in registering for book festivals. I'm behind in rounding out the details for my BIG launch party. At least, this is what I'm telling myself.
I want everything to be so perfect and be the best damn launch anyone has ever seen (lol!) that I've put WAY too much pressure on myself. I just need to breathe, right?
One thing I need to keep telling myself is that the book isn't going anywhere. Even after my launch, it will still be out in the world. So what that my pre-order swag plan didn't work out because Amazon shipped my pre-orders 6 WEEKS EARLY! (By the way, has that ever happened to anyone else?) But it's okay, I've decided to turn that setback into a chance to promote.
Which brings me to my next thing. Guess what?!! I'm doing a Catalyst Photo Contest! Here are all the details:
Oh, and if you haven't already done it, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE add Catalyst to Goodreads HERE. Thank you bunches!!
And if you want to enter the contest, but haven't ordered your copy of Catalyst yet, you can do that HERE.
This post brought to you by the IWSG! A huge thank you to Alex Cavanaugh for creating this wonderful, supportive group of writers. And thank you to our co-hosts for today: Susan Gourley/Kelley, Susan Says, Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Angela Wooldridge.
Question of the day: What have you found to be the most effective when promoting your book?
LOL! There's never enough time to get everything done you want to. That's why I cut out physical appearances for now. There will be a time for that, but not at this stage. Don't burn yourself out, woman! This is an exciting time, but it's not a one-stop show. The book launch is only the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI love that perspective! It's only the beginning... I just need to keep telling myself that! :)
DeleteIt's pretty hard to believe the first time around. Welcome to the arena.
DeleteNo worries! If you don't get it done in time for the launch, just keep doing it afterwards. It will be all right. Just remember to enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice! I've been so busy beating myself up over what I haven't done yet, but you're right—I need to just enjoy it!
Delete^^ What Crystal said. Don't go crazy. Also, how insane is it that Amazon shipped them that early? I didn't even know that was possible.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! I didn't think it was possible either! I asked my publisher about it and they said that since Amazon had it in stock, they went ahead and shipped it. Now when you go on Amazon, it says: "Usually ships in 1 to 2 months", which is just weird because it hasn't even released yet! Frustrating!
DeleteYou totally need to breathe! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right - your book will be out long after the launch and all the hoopla. That's when all the good word-of-mouth will kick in and launch it even higher! :)
Woohoo! Let's hope so! :)
DeleteOh, I know exactly how you feel! I have a release coming in less than two weeks. I've been trying a few new things this time around and the stress is making my hair turn white! Just sit back and breathe. You've got this. You can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! And good luck with your release too! :)
DeleteCongratulations! I hope that with everything else you're doing to plan for the launch that you'll remember to savor the moment. Don't get so wrapped up in the details that you forget to do that.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release.
ReplyDeleteI so know what you mean. The time leading up to a book launch is excruciatingly stressful. There's so much to do and you don't think you'll ever get it done. But that's okay. Just breathe, and as others have said, enjoy the ride. Getting your first book out there into the world is a huge moment and you don't want to miss it because you've stressed yourself into a frenzy. Celebrate!
ReplyDeleteNetworking. If you promote them they will scramble to promote you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
This is exciting and everything will work out. Just count to 10, breathe and it will all work out
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else said, it's not a rush. Your book will have a lifespan and it will take time to gain momentum. You don't have to do everything for the first day... Even if the first day is six weeks after the book came out? (okay, that is pretty weird)
ReplyDeleteIWSG October
What a beautiful photo at the top--and I also love how your book cover just feels like fall. Very fitting that it's coming out this season. It sounds like you're on the right track with giving yourself grace and letting go of "perfect." But don't forget to enjoy this moment you've worked so hard for.
ReplyDeleteThe book launch is only the beginning. But enjoy it while it lasts!! Congrats on your book baby entering the world. Then you'll be on to writing other books:)
ReplyDeleteOh, Amazon. *sigh* Yes, I've seen this happen. I've learned no matter how much you plan, something usually goes wrong, but in the end it all works out. I love how you turned Amazon's blunder into a promo opportunity. :)
ReplyDeleteEasily my favorite time of year too! And what better time to have a book launch? :)
ReplyDeleteoh I have heard Amazon does that!! But don't worry, like you said, once the book is out in the world, it's OUT and you'll have plenty of time for things to go right! :) I can't WAIT to read Catalyst! <33
ReplyDeleteI think the hardest part of being a writer is the realization that all of that other stuff falls on you. Le sigh. Where are the magic fairies who will do the work?
ReplyDeleteUnique picture? Oh just wait until you see what my husband did to our dog!
Congrats!! Would love to have you on my blog for the book!!
ReplyDeleteI would love that, Tammy! :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover for Catalyst! Deep breath! The launch is just the beginning. Do what you can and the rest can be put in place after the book comes out. Just try to enjoy the upcoming release day. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm far too familiar with self-imposed pressure. (There just never seems to be enough time, does there?! *flails*) And that's a shame how Amazon's early release of Catalyst screwed with your plans a bit, but it looks like you found a way to turn it into your favor, and in such a fun way, too. Best of luck with all the promotion you still have ahead of you!
ReplyDelete