Thanks to Alex and his co-hosts. You guys are awesome!
Hello everyone. Sorry I'm posting so late. I didn't forget, I was trying to multitask and failed.
Today, as a newly published author, I can say without a doubt, that my insecurity didn't miraculously disappear because I published. In fact, I feel more insecure. Why? Well, now I have to market my book. I have to ask people for help, especially reviewers, and I fear they can/ will say no. My oldest sister mentioned that this is the process where I learn the other part of the writing business, which is very true.
I have also been thinking of getting an author photo on my social media pages. I really want to do it because I want a more personal connection with my followers and potential readers. I like seeing what my favorite authors look like. That's just me. I might get a picture in the future, just not now.
I started my second round of rewrites on my second book. Things aren't going as fast, or smooth as the first one, but I expected it. I just have to keep going and stick it out. Also, trust my own judgement. I keep thinking "what will my readers think?" when I want my characters to experience something drastic. Like I said, my insecurities are still there.
How are you doing today?
There are other things you can do for marketing - book tours, Goodreads giveaway, Tweeting like I'm doing... Lots of options.
ReplyDeleteKeep working on that second book. Write it for you as well as your fans.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. You are awesome.
DeleteCongrats on getting the first out there. Finding reviewers isn't always fun or easy, but it pays off. And keep on hammering at book 2. That's one of the best ways to promote.
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are very kind.
DeleteI'm very glad I got an author photo. Makes it easy to pull all my social media sites together because people can look and know at once, "Oh, yes, that's her!" I'm getting nervous about having to find reviewers when my book comes out in January . . .
ReplyDeleteThat does make a lot of sense. I guess I just have to find a photo I like. You can try asking for reviewers on your blog. That's what I'm thinking of doing, but it is very nerve wrecking. Best of luck!
DeleteI mentioned this somewhere else today - our problems/issues etc don't go away after we publish, we just have different ones. :)
ReplyDeleteJust keep going - learning and growing and, of course, writing. You can do it!
Thank you! You are always so encouraging, Madeline. I appreciate it.
DeleteI appreciate your honesty in your post today. I am new to the group and it does my heart good to see the struggles we all face. Congratulations on your successes. It sounds like you love writing very much and I think that passion will carry you through. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Very kind of you to say so.
DeleteMarketing can be tough but you will find things that work for you. I hope you are still enjoying the high that comes with seeing your first book out in the world! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I'm still trying to get used to it. But I do smile a lot more;)
DeleteDon't forget to market to your local media - hometown newspapers and local radio shows. But the best marketing I've gotten has been word of mouth - remind everyone who reads your book to tell their friends!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer. Those are great ideas.
DeleteI say write the book for you! We second guess ourselves about so many things in our writing. Good luck with book two!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your encouragement is appreciated:)
DeleteHi Murees - sounds like the authorly life is coming together .. go for it all - but slowly, methodically and then all will slot into place - good luck .. and you've some great ideas here ... promote around town and the suburbs ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary. You are very right and I will definitely do so.
DeleteDefinitely. Marketing is so scary:)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on publication. Kudos for jumping right into the second book. You go! If you do a blog launch I have a Author Spotlight if need hosting spot filled or if just want to do it. The module is on my sidebar with links. Just give me a shout out.
ReplyDeleteJuneta Writer's Gambit
Thank you very much, Juneta. You are very kind.
DeleteInsecurity goes hand in hand with writing, along with the publishing, editing, marketing, head shots and all that other jazz. It's all one big bag of fun, like a sack of candy and dog poo.
ReplyDeleteIWSG October
Heheh! Definitely have to keep that in mind. I think I tend to take things to seriously. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteGood luck with your second round of rewrites on the second book!!
ReplyDeleteDoes your area have a free community paper/gazette? Have you thought about trying to get an interview in there?
I haven't actually thought of that, Michelle. Thank you for the idea and encouragement. You are wonderful.
DeleteSo many of us seem to be dealing with worries this month. Congratulations on your publication, and best of luck with marketing as well as your next project.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI can totally relate to feeling more insecure after publication. I think it's just most surprising that it doesn't go away. You think publication will be validation but those insecurities are always there.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I agree with you absolutely. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone.
DeleteHey Murees - I accidentally tried to comment from my husband's google account and I'm not sure where that went. I'm way behind on having Darth Techius skills.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to marketing insecurities. I feel like I'm still learning how to use twitter, facebook, and goodreads for that purpose.
And, please, don't change your book for perceived reader tastes. You never know what readers want exactly -even if one or two tell you, there might be a silent dozen that would disagree. (okay, that sounded weird, but I hope you get what I mean)
BTW - for marketing, I highly recommend looking for opportunities to guest post beyond a book tour. You are welcome to guest post at my blog in January, if you would like to do that. :)
Thank you so much, Tyrean. You amazing. Don't worry, I always wonder if I'm using Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads properly.
DeleteCongratulations Murees - you did it! Hard work paid off and you know now you have what it takes for continued success. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI don't know why you're insecure because it sounds like you understand the new aspects of being a published author, have a very realistic approach to what you need to do, and are handling everything. Don't worry about what readers may or may not think. Just write what you feel ... and then make sure you have good CPs! lol
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lexa.
DeleteYou're dong great, Murees! Think of how far you've come and now you have suggestions for marketing. We're all anxious to help. Let me know if there's anything I can do .
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Deanie.
DeleteDrop your characters into those drastic situations and see what happens. I bet something good that your readers will love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement. It means a lot.
DeleteGood luck with book 2! I think author photos are a great way to tie all your social media accounts together - you're instantly recognisable :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree. That is what I'm considering. Thank you so much for the support and encouragement.
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