Everyone assumes that when you get a book published, life is grand. They think that now, for you, a publisher author, nothing will ever get you down again.
But that's not true. After your book is published, a little depression may settle in. For instance:
You may be wit's end trying to get reviews because reviews sell books. You might be trying to figure out new marketing schemes. You may have to get out there in front of fans at book signings and on television even if you are an introvert (and most of us writers are introverts). You may find that you can't give up wearing a thick skin (which you developed during those days of submitting and then getting rejections) when friends don't write you to congratulate you, when business managers won't return your phone calls and emails, when newspaper reporters fail to take interest.
You may be constantly thinking about sales, and if you're not, then someone will ask: How many books have you sold?
So writers have a lot on their minds after the publication of a book and it's not always pretty. However, that's part of publication and we must learn to shrug off the blues because it can make us feel miserable when we should be rejoicing.
What can we do about these post-publication woes? We can concentrate on the GOOD things that come with publication:
the positive reviews
the encouragement of a spouse
the throng of people coming to your book signing
a librarian who wants you to do a school visit
a child who wants your autograph
the conversations with friends who tell you your writing touched them in a profound way
flipping the pages of a book that was once merely a manuscript
When we can concentrate on the good things, we may find we have a lot to be thankful for. And we may find that after publication...life can be grand.
1 comment:
It all makes it worthwhile when you see a child pick up your book and smile as they look through it. Whenever I feel that post-publication pressure - I picture those faces in my mind. They keep me going.
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