My Book Is Published... Now What?

Countless hours were spent sorting through ideas, researching, writing, editing, re-editing, reviewing, until one day a finished product emerged. The experience of writing and publishing a book is an exercise in patience, perseverance, and frustration, accommodated by periods of euphoria, as well as moments when you contemplate giving up. But one day, a package is dropped off on the front porch; your book has arrived! You cradle it in your hands, looking down on it as you would a newborn baby.  But soon, the excitement is replaced by an anxious thought…now what?

I remember opening the box containing twenty-five author copies that was just dropped off on my front porch and marveling at the crisp, glossy covers of my masterpiece. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the idea here is for others to hold this book in their hands, not me. With extreme naivety, I initially believed that once you published a book, the next phase would be having it prominently displayed on bookshelves in places like Barnes and Noble. I pictured myself visiting the store closest to me on a weekend, strolling down the fiction aisle, and proudly observing a nearly depleted stack of copies of my book.

Oh wait, that’s not how it works?

I discovered that there are two major phases involved here and I only accomplished the first one; getting my book published. The second phase was getting my book out to the public; better known as marketing. Seriously? I suffer through the blood, sweat and tears of writing this thing and now I’m expected to advertise it? My editor (remember I told you about the importance of having an editor!) provided me with a few suggestions of how I might get this done. First, there’s social media. Okay, this one’s easy. Just sit at my computer and post a couple of announcements to friends, colleagues, and all sorts of groups I belong to. Hit the send button and instantly, a large swath of people learn about my book. That was easy. No, I was told; that’s just the beginning.

Book clubs. Go find book clubs that are interested in reading and reviewing your book. I was fortunate enough to find two such clubs locally, discounted my books for them, then followed up in a group setting weeks later to weather the storm of praise and criticism. To my surprise, it was quite an enjoyable process. (By the way, if you’re reading this, I’m open to do more book clubs!) Someone in the book club asked if I had considered selling my book at a local store that caters to local vendors and authors.

A quick visit there and they agreed to display my book on their shelf with other local authors. Okay, not Barnes and Noble, but it’s a start! Soon, the store’s manager asked if I would consider coming in one weekend to do a book signing. I met some nice folks, discussed writing, and even sold a few books. I even convinced myself that Steven King probably started out doing the same thing I’m doing.

Now that I’ve published three books and progressing through my fourth, I’ve expanded my public outreach to senior living facilities and local festivals. And through all of this, my thought process has certainly changed. Sure, it would be nice to occupy the front shelf of Barnes and Noble. But I’ve found it more rewarding to interact directly with people and share my stories and the experience of my journey.