I thought all I wanted was to see my book in print.
I thought everyone would love my book.
I thought I would never get tired of typing.
I thought my career was guaranteed.
I thought I didn't need lots of money to market.
I thought everyone would be excited about a local author.
I thought the publication process would get easier.
I thought it would be easy to get into bookstores.
Turns out I was pretty naive.
What surprises have you found along the way?
9 comments:
Can't think of anything else, Tamara! This is an exhaustive list as far as I'm concerned.
I'll experience all of this soon, too. My book launched yesterday. The print book is selling some, don't know how many yet, and the ebook will be out in two weeks. Would you be willing to host me sometime during the first week of June? Do a guest post, whenever it fits into your busy schedule? (I know how it is with young children!)
Ann Best, Memoir Author
Of course, Ann! I'll do whatever you want.
That is quite a list in and of itself. I'm not sure I could add much to it. A NICE surprise is that I didn't know there was such a wonderful, large group of supportive writers out there. I think the biggest blessing so far (for me who hasnt' received a contract yet) has been the connections I've made. :)
Wow, that list is PERFECT! But I also agree with Ralene: a few of the nice surprises were the networking, and the great feeling of first seeing my own name on a bookshelf.
Oh my goodness, I can SO relate to this, Tamara. Pre-pub, you view publication as the ultimate, golden dream, and think once you attain it, you will have arrived. On the other side of the publication gate, as thrilled as you are to be there, you find out there is a whole new series of challenges and things to worry about.
But I echo Ralene and Maggie--one great blessing I didn't anticipate is the wonderful support network of other writers.
I'm not the only one! Stephanie, you pretty much put it perfectly.
But there is the amazing feeling that comes from being published, from networking with other authors, from having people who know EXACTLY what you mean when you say something.
Glad to help, Manda!
Good to know that publishing is not the end... lol... and here I thought that the editing process was the most frustrating! :) My book is coming out sometime this year, also with WiDo, so it's nice to meet a fellow WiDo author! Thanks for the blog post! :)
Definitely not the end, Whitney! congrats on your contract!
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