The unexpected of being a published author
It’s not just all writing in cafes and drinking soy lattes while the muse sits on your shoulder. Here are a few things I found quite surprising about becoming a published author:
People ask about your book sales all the time. And I mean all the time. I had assumed that it would be like your salary where it’s taboo to discuss but, no, apparently the number of books you’ve sold is up for open slather.
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Everyone seems to think that movie deals go hand in hand with book deals. Published a book? Well then surely Reese Witherspoon should be calling any moment now. Unfortunately that’s not quite how it works.
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The amount of non-writing work that’s involved. Everything from social media, to maintaining a website, to publicity. It all takes time and it all takes you away from the actual writing. Around the time of publication, these non-writing activities can really pile up.
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A book launch is not a given. You need to actually pull your finger out and tee it up yourself. Start contacting venues at least three months out (bookshops and libraries are the most common go-tos).
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It’s absolutely delightful to see other people posting and talking about your book on social media. Knowing that others are reading (and enjoying!) that thing that you slaved over for all those months/years is by far one of the most unexpected perks of becoming a published author.
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People actually think your job is pretty cool. It’s the fairy tale dream job for many, and even for those that don’t have an interest in writing seem to find it pretty idealistic. You’ll find yourself getting the full 20 questions from other parents at school drop off, your doctor, your friends husbands that never really spoke to you that much before etc.
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The world keeps turning even though you’ve published a book. What’s more, publication day may just disappear in to the ether like every other day. Yes, you still have to make the kids’ lunches, wipe your toddlers bum and hang out that eighteenth load of washing. Surprisingly, you’re the only person that it’s actually a really big deal for. Sigh.
Photo credit: David Lezcano via Unsplash
