What's a Debut Author to Do?

It's March! To some people the calendar rolling over signals the nearness of spring or the arrival of tax season. But to me it's OMFG MY BOOK COMES OUT IN A MONTH season.

Don't panic, this isn't a promo post.* But after thirteen months of waiting, all the sudden it's hit me that I'm on the precipice. In four short weeks, my precious will be released into the wild. And what I really want to know is how to process it all. I have many promotional strategeries unleashing as we speak. But few people talk about how to handle the delirium, the mania of having your dream come true.

So here's my question: Authors, what advice do you wish someone had given you going into this craziness? And for the readers, what can debut authors do to convince you to give their books a try?




*Okay it kind of is, but I'm cleverly disguising it as a call for advice.

Comments

synde said…
conjure a demon? Human sacrifice?
those are my favorite things...
I just think it's about getting the booksellers and independent bookstore owners to know you. That and having as many online reviewers
review yo as they can. I loved your book I am sure they will too.
Jaye Wells said…
Thanks, Psynde. Maybe I'll perform an exorcism on Mark at the launch party.
Nicole Peeler said…
I use borboun and cheese.

Which is why I'm fat and have a bad memory.

So don't listen to me.

BTW, I would give anything to be at the launch. Why can't you make it FRIDAY????? But I have my night class on Thursday night. Can we do a private, mini, re-launch on Friday? And by that, I mean get drunk and eat cheese?
Jaye Wells said…
Nicole, we would have done it Friday, but the Dreamin' in Dallas signing is that night. So, yes, we can have a mini-relaunch party that night too in the bar. And no fake mini-relaunch party is complete with our cheese and liquor.
Anonymous said…
Money--offer them money. I can't suggest the other thing I was willing to do because you're married and that would be encouraging you to participate in acts felonious to said connubial bliss, and I would never do that.

LOL

You'll be fine. I have no doubt you're well on your way to big things, my friend :)

And I had to post anonymously because blogger says my passwords wrong once again--even though I just used it yesterday. Sigh.

DC :)
synde said…
Jaye I am really sorry I will miss THAT exorcism!
Mark Henry said…
You'll NEVER free this soul of my nefarious influence!!!

Muhahahaha!
Skarrah said…
Blogging on sites like this helps. If you didn't blog here I'd have never have heard of you and I wouldn't be buying your book next month.

Simple as that.

;)
Michelle Rowen said…
What advice do I wish someone had given me?

Just enjoy it.

You only have a debut release once, and getting bogged down with what you "should be doing" can ruin it. The best promotion is word-of-mouth, and I'm convinced the huge majority of readers aren't even online that much (mostly because they're READING), so just do what you're doing and let the book speak for itself. (and that wasn't a Kindle 2 joke).

Also, don't sweat bad reviews (this is easier said than done). You can't make everybody happy, nor should you want to. :)
Kat Richardson said…
Take small boxes of chocolate or coffee cards (or some nice, cheap "thank you") to the bookstore managers/CRMs who set up the signings--they'll remember you and say nice things to customers.

Practice and time your readings before you give them.

Be comfortable, but classy (I don't think you'll have a problem with this).

Laugh--don't take things too seriously, and go out for drinks with damn near anyone who's not too creepy to stand.

Bring three different pens--roller ball, Sharpie, and ballpoint for different papers.

Have cards: both your "pro" cards with website and book info; and your personal cards--sometimes you'll need it and not have time to modify your "pro" card.

Never let them see you freak.
GB said…
I'm with Skarrah - flashing up on websites like The League is a great way to free publicity.

Also, word of mouth is probably one of the best ways to get your name and work out there.

Don't panic. Enjoy the experience! Just like losing your cherry for teh first time, you'll only get to experience this once, so you may as well have fun. Sure, not everyone will love your preciousss, but those of us that hang around here will and we're the only ones that count, right? :P

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