I recently announced the completion of my novella and I’m excited, nervous, and in awe all at the same time to be at this point of the journey. However, now that the book is finished, doesn’t mean that my work is. Now, it’s time to get out there and market the book.
And let me tell you, turns out writing the story was the easy part.
There are so many bloggers, reviewers, websites, and blog tour organizers out there, it can be overwhelming. I’m a natural seeker of information and because I need data in order to process, I tend to sometimes gather too much and become overloaded and stuck. Therefore, I have to be careful and organized in my marketing approach. I may not need an outline or tracker to write a story, but I need it for promoting this book. It’s definitely challenging, but as authors, we have to do it, regardless of if we’re independent or go through a publisher.
I’ve basically have spent the past week organizing a strategy and introducing myself on various forums…and really just getting used to the fact that in less than 30 days, the story I’ve been working on will officially be released…yeah, let me sit on that for a moment.
Yes!!!! Source: gifmeuppp.tumblr.com
For my writer friends, how did you feel at this point of being done with the book but not formally published? What types marketing did you use? Any advice, anything you would do differently or the same?
Dahlia Savage 
When my book was done I was just ready to get it out there. I couldn’t wait for readers to connect with the book and give me some feedback on it! For marketing I did blog tours and a release day blitz. I also reached out to reviewers and pitched my novel for review. For me the hardest part is getting out of the marketing phase and getting back to writing. The work never stops! The only thing I’m going to do differently next time is trying to have everything done (advance copies in all formats, artwork, etc.) at least four or five months before the release. That leaves plenty of time for reaching out to reviewers and blog tour organizers.
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That’s good to know, as far as how much time you need to market the story in order to maximize exposure. You’re right, the work doesn’t stop! I try not to get TOO far ahead of myself, but some advance planning is necessary, such as I’m marketing this book now, but I’m already doing some pre-planning for the next one.
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I had zero patience, and my published work ended up showing it, unfortunately. Looking back, it was badly in need of better editing, and further development of my characters. I should have taken a step back, waited, and done a 3rd round of rewriting before I published. I learned a LOT though. Looking forward, I’m going to make sure my project is as cleanly edited as it can possibly be, and I’m going to be sure to do my characters justice. I’m 8 chapters into it, and so far so good.
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Yes, Christina! Those learning curves are so serious…I had another story that I was *thisclose* to pubbing and in the process of prepping it learned that I had some issues with it. Even though I had invested money in cover design and editing, I decided to hold off. I believe it is those lessons that make us better writers.
It’s good to know that your current project is going well. What genre do you write? Any details you’re willing to share (though I completely get it if you’re keeping it under wraps)?
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I’ll actually talk your ear off about it, and have you reading manuscripts if given the opportunity, lmbo! I write African American women’s fiction/romance. My current WIP is about woman named Gabi, who moves away from overbearing parents to start her career and gain some independence. In the process, she meets Terrence, who is a whole other challenge.
The genre is tough, because a lot of people are unwilling to give it a chance, due to the overwhelming amount of “urban” novels that get mixed in with it. All I can do is keep writing and try to change minds though. I’m working very hard to create a story that is romantic, but not sappy, and actually not even just about the romance. I want my characters to experience personal growth as well, outside of their relationship with each other.
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Okay so we’re similar genre wise. Your story sounds interesting and I like the character growth aspect. For me, it’s all about the central character and their relationships and not always the romantic ones. You’ve gotta keep me posted on how it’s coming along 🙂
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