Thanks so much for the advice and vulnerability sharing your own experience. When my first book came out it was a colossal disappointment, down to showing up at my door one day with a hideous cover I had not seen. Now, it's very different. As soon as I finish a book, I start a new one the next day. While I am still deeply invested in each release, I'm also much more removed from a book by the time it comes out and most invested in the one I am currently writing, so there is an emotional buffer and something else that is engaging me. I write every day, including release days, even if I can only squeeze in a little time in the middle of promo obligations.
My fifth book, "Write & Sell a Well-Seasoned Romance," published August 29, ten days after my breast cancer surgery. I had prepped in advance: Recorded podcast interviews, created book trailers, and set up Canva memes with great quotes from early reviews to post every five days via PostPlanner. It was a thrill to be able to pull this off. And now, hearing from women using the book to write their own stories with vivid older characters, is even better. If you're going to have cancer surgery, I recommend a simultaneous book launch to take your mind off your troubles.
I wrote a blog post about this called "When the Party's Over" after my debut came out. The phenomenon is very real and it can be hard to deal with but it helps to have other writers share their experiences so you learn it's all part of the process. I've found guesting with book clubs is the best thing to do after the initial hoopla dies down because it brings you face to face with readers and helps you remember why you do this thing in the first place.
It's not just debut authors--believe me, we all feel this, even after several books. My personal answer: commit myself (out loud, in print, to friends, helpers, readers) to the Next Project. It's easier when you're writing in a planned series but even if you're not, it helps to ask yourself something like "What questions did I leave unanswered at the end of the book? What more is waiting for discovery? Where does that take me? What can I do with that?"
Thanks, Brooke, as always. Love what you're doing at She Writes!
Susan, that’s so funny. My debut novel has been out for awhile and I was just asked to read at a festival. Pouring through the pages this morning, I’m seeing what I would do differently. I do agree, finding that next project and making the declaration to myself and out loud was helpful in moving on from debut disappointment.
I think I shielded myself from post-publication disappointment by writing down what would be the thing that would happen with my book which would make me feel it was all worthwhile. I did this before I started the first draft. For me, it was two things, neither of which was connected to sales. When I got those two things I reminded myself that "this" was what I had been hoping for. Anything else was extra.
"When someone reads the book and lets me know that it was meaningful to them."
The second thing was about how the book would open up new connection points with a few important people in my life.
On the first thing...I know that for many people one person having a meaningful experience reading their book wouldn't be enough. For me, I knew it would demonstrate that I had succeeded in what I set out to do--to write a book that for some types of people has the potential to be life-enhancing. If just one person had that experience, that would be enough for me to know there could be others. And in fact, there have been many. But once I knew there was one person, I was able to rest back in the feeling of my book being a success (for me).
I still wish sales were better, so it's not that I don't experience any disappointments. But the disappointments don't make me question whether my book was a "success." My criteria for success have been achieved.
Dan, thank you for sharing. I’m appreciating the wisdom of “enough” here - how impacting one person’s life was a measure of success. And the honesty re. sales. I continue to check in with myself and my book in an attempt to discern when is ego taking over and what is the true mission of my book and the impact it desires. Writing it was a co-creation with the divine. I desire to approach the sharing of it in the same way. 🙏
My debut YA eco-fantasy came out during Covid. So there were no in person events, and honestly, the world got tired of zoom. I LOVED writing the book— took me to places on our beautiful planet where I felt connected to the earth in ways that changed me. I am most grateful for that. I was proud of the Awards the book received. There were 7, three are well respected, but they didn’t translate into sales. Brooke, the let down was intense. We fall in love with our work and when we don’t feel seen, it hurts. I stopped writing. I was paralyzed. I was encouraged to adapted it for a limited television series, which I did. It’s still being pitched. Here’s what I discovered. I am not my book!!!! I am a writer. So, I’m writing again with a passion for the process. One good sentence at a time. I think I have two books in me, I’m not sure. I’m ok with not knowing. Love to all you writers, and thank you for this, Brooke!
My memoir just celebrated one year in September. It has been quite a ride. I've had highs, like winning awards and getting glowing editorial reviews, and lows, like not getting the *big* awards, reviews, and media exposure. All in all, I'm happy "Honeymoon at Sea" keeps selling (mostly ebooks) and I'm meeting the challenge of how to keep it out there with my (super slow) Substack growth. I started my Substack to talk about the trials and joys of marketing my book and I think it's been helpful for readers.
I agree that there's a feeling of anticlimax, pretty much as you describe it. What you didn't mention is that royalties statements are often underwhelming too, adding to the feeling. But there's always something like what happened today. A person I didn't know wrote to thank me for a book that was published several years ago. He just got around to reading it and wanted to say thank you. Made my day.
I hope I'm somewhat prepared for this because of my first career as a ballet dancer. Until I hit a truly professional level, I danced in one-off performances: A month of constant rehearsal, 3 days on stage, then done. I can't tell you the tears I cried when they finished and I went back to "real" life. Only after I was hired into a company and had ongoing work did the let-down ease off. So, although my debut novel pubs in June and I'm discovering the churn and work of getting the word out, I'm also deep into writing my next book. It's stressful, but in another way, renewing because as an introvert, I need that quiet time. Thanks for post and suggestions, Brooke!
Wow, I never actually thought about what it might be like AFTER I got my book published. I guess I never thought that far ahead, always wondering if it would ever be published at all. And if it was, should it be self published, or traditional? Would the traditional world even want it? It is a splash of the cold water of reality to hear that although getting a book out into the world can be wonderful, there is the inevitable "come down". When you think about it, of course, there has to be a come down at some point. Who could sustain that kind of high life indefinitely? (Well, not me, anyway, that's for sure.)
My memoir just came out this month. I had book launch events scheduled in two countries- Portugal where I live and the USA. I’ve been on more podcasts in the last six months than in the last six years. All of this is good and positive. Today after returning from my USA events, the word that comes to mind is “exhausted.” For an introvert like me, being out there on social media and in person events so consistently is draining. One thing I learned is to maintain whatever grounding practices you have. Yoga, swimming, working out, long walks, whatever works to keep you centered. In the last few weeks I wasn’t able to keep to my practices and this exhaustion is the result. Yesterday I returned to my beloved cliffs in the Algarve with my dog 🐕 Sophie, to reconnect to my life. This week will be free of book duties. I’ll still be promoting the book but not at the same pace. And as others have started, I’m already working on my next project. Lessons: be kind to yourself during and after your launch. Remember why you write since you can lose yourself in the marketing. And do your practices to maintain your health, wellbeing and creativity. ✍️
Thanks for sharing this, Alicia. Congratulations on all of this because it's been a whirlwind! And yes, it's so exhausting too. Hope you can let down a bit this week.
I couldn’t agree more! Even though I’m working on the launch of my sixth book, its always a stunning spiral after the buzz quiets. So many hours, so many years of pouring oneself into a book to reach the ultimate goal, one would expect the high to last . . . at least a few weeks. But, then to turn around to see that everyone else has moved on and left you far behind, is daunting! Someone asked me yesterday what I’m going to write next, and I said, I’m writing all the time, but quite honestly, I wonder what more I want to ‘say.’ But I do have to remember that it was exactly ten years ago that I published my first novel, A Cup of Redemption, and my books seem to continue to sell! Breathe in; breathe out! Move on!
Ten years, Carole. Amazing. I am in awe of all that hard work and perseverance. What will you do next—the perennial question. It's nice that we have options that go beyond writing a next book. If that's what we choose, anyway. Thanks for this share.
Brooke, I find many of your posts are incredibly timed! In the months ahead, I will have a memoir story published in an anthology with four other women. It will be my first publication of any kind, so I am excited and simultaneously terrified. Your insight, wisdom, "tips from the trenches" are very much appreciated!
Thanks so much for the advice and vulnerability sharing your own experience. When my first book came out it was a colossal disappointment, down to showing up at my door one day with a hideous cover I had not seen. Now, it's very different. As soon as I finish a book, I start a new one the next day. While I am still deeply invested in each release, I'm also much more removed from a book by the time it comes out and most invested in the one I am currently writing, so there is an emotional buffer and something else that is engaging me. I write every day, including release days, even if I can only squeeze in a little time in the middle of promo obligations.
You are inspiring!
Back at you!
My fifth book, "Write & Sell a Well-Seasoned Romance," published August 29, ten days after my breast cancer surgery. I had prepped in advance: Recorded podcast interviews, created book trailers, and set up Canva memes with great quotes from early reviews to post every five days via PostPlanner. It was a thrill to be able to pull this off. And now, hearing from women using the book to write their own stories with vivid older characters, is even better. If you're going to have cancer surgery, I recommend a simultaneous book launch to take your mind off your troubles.
Ha! Great advice, Stella. I love these kinds of books that are in service to others.
In my experience, there are no blues if you keep on writing. Writers write. The cure is in the disease, as it were.
I wrote a blog post about this called "When the Party's Over" after my debut came out. The phenomenon is very real and it can be hard to deal with but it helps to have other writers share their experiences so you learn it's all part of the process. I've found guesting with book clubs is the best thing to do after the initial hoopla dies down because it brings you face to face with readers and helps you remember why you do this thing in the first place.
Remembering why and reconnecting to purpose. ❤️
It's not just debut authors--believe me, we all feel this, even after several books. My personal answer: commit myself (out loud, in print, to friends, helpers, readers) to the Next Project. It's easier when you're writing in a planned series but even if you're not, it helps to ask yourself something like "What questions did I leave unanswered at the end of the book? What more is waiting for discovery? Where does that take me? What can I do with that?"
Thanks, Brooke, as always. Love what you're doing at She Writes!
As soon as I saw this I was like, duh, of course it's every book, not just the first!! Thank you, Susan. :)
Susan, that’s so funny. My debut novel has been out for awhile and I was just asked to read at a festival. Pouring through the pages this morning, I’m seeing what I would do differently. I do agree, finding that next project and making the declaration to myself and out loud was helpful in moving on from debut disappointment.
My favorite line from West Wing: “What’s next?” Wishing you the best experience with your next project, Barbara.
Thank you!!!!!! I loved West Wing!
I think I shielded myself from post-publication disappointment by writing down what would be the thing that would happen with my book which would make me feel it was all worthwhile. I did this before I started the first draft. For me, it was two things, neither of which was connected to sales. When I got those two things I reminded myself that "this" was what I had been hoping for. Anything else was extra.
What an awesome approach, Dan. I'm going to remember this and spread the gospel!
I love this and am going to do it! Thank you, Dan.
And if you're willing to share your two things, I'd be honored to read them.
Here's the first thing:
"When someone reads the book and lets me know that it was meaningful to them."
The second thing was about how the book would open up new connection points with a few important people in my life.
On the first thing...I know that for many people one person having a meaningful experience reading their book wouldn't be enough. For me, I knew it would demonstrate that I had succeeded in what I set out to do--to write a book that for some types of people has the potential to be life-enhancing. If just one person had that experience, that would be enough for me to know there could be others. And in fact, there have been many. But once I knew there was one person, I was able to rest back in the feeling of my book being a success (for me).
I still wish sales were better, so it's not that I don't experience any disappointments. But the disappointments don't make me question whether my book was a "success." My criteria for success have been achieved.
Dan, thank you for sharing. I’m appreciating the wisdom of “enough” here - how impacting one person’s life was a measure of success. And the honesty re. sales. I continue to check in with myself and my book in an attempt to discern when is ego taking over and what is the true mission of my book and the impact it desires. Writing it was a co-creation with the divine. I desire to approach the sharing of it in the same way. 🙏
My debut YA eco-fantasy came out during Covid. So there were no in person events, and honestly, the world got tired of zoom. I LOVED writing the book— took me to places on our beautiful planet where I felt connected to the earth in ways that changed me. I am most grateful for that. I was proud of the Awards the book received. There were 7, three are well respected, but they didn’t translate into sales. Brooke, the let down was intense. We fall in love with our work and when we don’t feel seen, it hurts. I stopped writing. I was paralyzed. I was encouraged to adapted it for a limited television series, which I did. It’s still being pitched. Here’s what I discovered. I am not my book!!!! I am a writer. So, I’m writing again with a passion for the process. One good sentence at a time. I think I have two books in me, I’m not sure. I’m ok with not knowing. Love to all you writers, and thank you for this, Brooke!
I love this, Barbara. Thanks for sharing your journey, and what you discovered. :) One good sentence at a time!
My memoir just celebrated one year in September. It has been quite a ride. I've had highs, like winning awards and getting glowing editorial reviews, and lows, like not getting the *big* awards, reviews, and media exposure. All in all, I'm happy "Honeymoon at Sea" keeps selling (mostly ebooks) and I'm meeting the challenge of how to keep it out there with my (super slow) Substack growth. I started my Substack to talk about the trials and joys of marketing my book and I think it's been helpful for readers.
I agree that there's a feeling of anticlimax, pretty much as you describe it. What you didn't mention is that royalties statements are often underwhelming too, adding to the feeling. But there's always something like what happened today. A person I didn't know wrote to thank me for a book that was published several years ago. He just got around to reading it and wanted to say thank you. Made my day.
Yes, this is the dream. For me someone taking the time to write to say they liked my book makes my whole week. That's so great, Douglas.
I hope I'm somewhat prepared for this because of my first career as a ballet dancer. Until I hit a truly professional level, I danced in one-off performances: A month of constant rehearsal, 3 days on stage, then done. I can't tell you the tears I cried when they finished and I went back to "real" life. Only after I was hired into a company and had ongoing work did the let-down ease off. So, although my debut novel pubs in June and I'm discovering the churn and work of getting the word out, I'm also deep into writing my next book. It's stressful, but in another way, renewing because as an introvert, I need that quiet time. Thanks for post and suggestions, Brooke!
Adding Write on Sisters! To my to be read pile!
Aw, thank you!!
Wow, I never actually thought about what it might be like AFTER I got my book published. I guess I never thought that far ahead, always wondering if it would ever be published at all. And if it was, should it be self published, or traditional? Would the traditional world even want it? It is a splash of the cold water of reality to hear that although getting a book out into the world can be wonderful, there is the inevitable "come down". When you think about it, of course, there has to be a come down at some point. Who could sustain that kind of high life indefinitely? (Well, not me, anyway, that's for sure.)
My memoir just came out this month. I had book launch events scheduled in two countries- Portugal where I live and the USA. I’ve been on more podcasts in the last six months than in the last six years. All of this is good and positive. Today after returning from my USA events, the word that comes to mind is “exhausted.” For an introvert like me, being out there on social media and in person events so consistently is draining. One thing I learned is to maintain whatever grounding practices you have. Yoga, swimming, working out, long walks, whatever works to keep you centered. In the last few weeks I wasn’t able to keep to my practices and this exhaustion is the result. Yesterday I returned to my beloved cliffs in the Algarve with my dog 🐕 Sophie, to reconnect to my life. This week will be free of book duties. I’ll still be promoting the book but not at the same pace. And as others have started, I’m already working on my next project. Lessons: be kind to yourself during and after your launch. Remember why you write since you can lose yourself in the marketing. And do your practices to maintain your health, wellbeing and creativity. ✍️
Thanks for sharing this, Alicia. Congratulations on all of this because it's been a whirlwind! And yes, it's so exhausting too. Hope you can let down a bit this week.
I intend to do just that! Thanks Brooke.
It's always something. Isn't it?
And a goal attained is ONE goal attained. It is a beginning of a new chapter and new awareness.
I couldn’t agree more! Even though I’m working on the launch of my sixth book, its always a stunning spiral after the buzz quiets. So many hours, so many years of pouring oneself into a book to reach the ultimate goal, one would expect the high to last . . . at least a few weeks. But, then to turn around to see that everyone else has moved on and left you far behind, is daunting! Someone asked me yesterday what I’m going to write next, and I said, I’m writing all the time, but quite honestly, I wonder what more I want to ‘say.’ But I do have to remember that it was exactly ten years ago that I published my first novel, A Cup of Redemption, and my books seem to continue to sell! Breathe in; breathe out! Move on!
Ten years, Carole. Amazing. I am in awe of all that hard work and perseverance. What will you do next—the perennial question. It's nice that we have options that go beyond writing a next book. If that's what we choose, anyway. Thanks for this share.
Brooke, I find many of your posts are incredibly timed! In the months ahead, I will have a memoir story published in an anthology with four other women. It will be my first publication of any kind, so I am excited and simultaneously terrified. Your insight, wisdom, "tips from the trenches" are very much appreciated!
I'm glad and thanks for reading and commenting!