I no longer believe an author understands the depth and scope of her novel’s reach until the very moment of its release. Though little occurred as I’d imagined during my book launch, the excitement now surrounding A Southern Enchantress far exceeds anything I expected. Honestly, what better wish is there?
Because I approached publication with a beginner’s vision, I didn’t know what a book launch would look or feel like, even with a publisher puppeteering the process. I embraced the experience with childlike enthusiasm. For me, there was no alternative to coping with the emotions of finally sharing my novel with readers.
Believe me when I say there’s no comparable thrill to discovering your novel “Live on the Zon.” Atmosphere Press gave me a range of dates to watch for its appearance. Still, it took a Facebook post penned by a family member to realize that my novel was available for purchase earlier than expected. From the start, its category rankings in magical romance and mystical realism were respectable, if not surprising. After all, nearly 34 million titles are listed on Amazon, with an estimated 40,000-plus of those listed in the fantasy genre.
Exciting events continue to unfold: A Southern Enchantress is now available on additional platforms such as barnesandnoble.com, walmart.com, and even bokus.com (a Swedish online book shop!). And I’m so appreciative of the positive reviews that are rolling in. How is this happening? I’ll admit to wondering if the hoodoo spells I whipped up within the novel’s pages have magically escaped. And, ironically, cast a spell over the enchantress herself.
I’m still sorting through professional review options since my novel is a new commodity floating in a sea of undiscovered books. It seemingly takes a village to sustain a novel’s energy, and to that end, I’m so thankful for NetGalley’s continued listing through April 2024. I believe wholeheartedly that my enchantress deserves a long and happy shelf life so readers may still discover her story in years to come.
I’ve grown accustomed to posting often on social media. Creating Instagram videos of me reading an excerpt from my front porch no longer feels weird. Neither does filming my novel’s pages blowing in the sea breeze on the beach for TikTok. It’s an exciting way to meet new readers!
Here’s what I’ve learned during this sometimes hilarious, sometimes painful process of publishing:
- An author must accept some responsibility in promoting his or her book. Even if the publisher handles the lion’s share, why not double the action? Certainly, be watchful of promotional scams and choose reviewers who are not only interested in self-serving their business. You need website promotions, banner blasts, and/or author spotlights. You need professionalism and respectability.
- Check out OnlineBookClub.org, IndieReader.com, and BookTrib.com, to name a few.
- Ply your social media platforms like your entire livelihood depends upon it. Because it does. New readers don’t come in cookie-cutter shapes. Not all rely upon Amazon ratings or Goodreads reviews when selecting a new book. Don’t ignore the possibility of SM becoming your best sales platform. Pick two or three favorites – for me, it’s my FB author page, Instagram, and TikTok. Then, start growing your audience long before your book’s release date.
- Join NetGalley, even if your publisher has declined to do so. You’ll make connections with librarians, reviewers, booksellers, educators, and journalists interested in your novel. Recently, a book reviewer in Ukraine requested access to A Southern Enchantress, sharing that she and others now read fantasy novels to better cope with their war-torn lives. Oh, my God, dear. An easy approval, for sure.
Whether you are self-published, traditionally published, or embracing a hybrid publishing experience, as I am, you still must promote your book. Depending upon your goals, many choices exist for spreading the word to new readers. As for me, I’m swinging for the fences. Yes, I’m all in, for I’ve no desire to disappoint my enchantress.
Because it’s my greatest wish to see her soar.
