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What's it like to launch a new book?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to launch the new book you've spent weeks and months writing? And then spent weeks and months attempting to find a publishing home for it?
If you answered Yes to the first question above, let me see if I can explain what it's like. But first, let me note what it isn't like:
- It's not like childbirth. How, you ask, do I know? Well, nobody's dressed in scrubs and there is no beeping fetal monitor and there are no medicinal or distinctive other odors. And nobody is shouting, "Push!"
- It's not like winning the lottery. A lottery ticket has a far better probability of paying off than does a new book becoming a blockbuster bestseller.
- It's not like launching the D-Day invasion. There aren't as many moving pieces to a book launch, the noise levels are far lower, and the spectre of violent death is generally remote .
So, then, what is it like? Well . . .
- It's tense. Will readers like it? Will they talk about it? Will they buy it?
- It's busy. Are all of my sites updated, to include website, social media, blogs, etc.?
- It's sobering. Will I be able to handle it if it does poorly? Or if it does spectacularly?
- It's exciting. My author name is out there now, potentially all over the world. Good, bad or indifferent.
- It's fun. It's great fun. It's the payoff for a lot of hard, sometimes lonely work.
There you have it. But don't take my word for it. Write and launch your own book and see for yourself.
And you'll find that it doesn't lend itself to easy description. It's an experience unlike any other. You're bringing something new and unique into the world, with your artistic DNA all over it. You've labored long and hard, and the moment finally arrives. It's not an end, but a beginning. You might even shed a few tears with family and friends.
Welcome to the world, you beautiful, gorgeous Dare Not Blink.
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