I used to be a linear, focused person, accomplishing tasks in an orderly manner with a minimum of stress – until www.48fourteen.com published my novel. Now, I am a scattered, harried, recognition-seeking madwoman. I’m registered with Linked-In, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ so I could , add skills, like, tag, re-tweet, and post by the hundreds to who knows who. I follow blogs of authors whose books I wouldn’t read in a million years, stalk the internet for potential readers, intimidate my friends into purchasing Kindles, and lurk on Goodreads, waiting for innocent victims to ask for a good book recommendation.
I’m ashamed to say that last week, I sent this email to a friend: …and for the LOW LOW PRICE OF ONLY $4.99 you can have the amazing new novel by Denise DeSio. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! When you download Rose’s Will in the next 32 seconds, we will include: A jpg of the beautiful cover art – in in not ONE, not TWO, but THREE stunning colors!!! Don’t wait. Get your copy today!
It was a joke, but…not so much. I blame the publisher. Wasn’t it their job to purchase massive amounts of air time on national TV and promote Rose’s Will for me? No? What do you mean no?
I’m kidding. I love my publisher but I think that the only thing harder than marketing your first novel would be marketing your second novel if the first one sucked. Luckily, for me, that’s not the case, judging from the positive reviews Rose’s Will has gotten. Which brings me to a place of gratitude and peace.
The other day I learned that 48fourteen wants to add a print edition of Rose’s Will. That’s a risk they are willing to take thanks to my first group of readers who have so generously taken the time to read it, and to post their heartfelt reactions online. New authors desperately need that kind of support and I am truly grateful to every single one of you who has bought, reviewed, recommended, tweeted, posted and gotten caught up in my frenzy. Thank you so much.
I love this post! I laughed my way through it – the first paragraph is so REAL!! I feel the same way about asking people to subscribe to my blog. I think I’ve been pretty creative and have asked the same people in like 7 different ways but am now quite sure that I am being banned from certain circles. Oh well! Time to write a book so I have something new to badger them with. Thanks for this honest post!
You’re welcome! We could be a good team. People could come over here to vent, then go to your blog to get over it!
Wonderful Post. Also congratulations on getting printed! That’s terrific that Rose’s Will is doing so well.
Thanks Liz! I can’t wait to read your book!