THREE LESSONS LEARNED FROM PUBLISHING THREE BOOKS

1. Set goals within a flexible plan. After you do your research into whichever publishing venue you decide, set some goals that include marketing and readership growth. Once your book hits the market, be open to changing your plans. If one type of advertising doesn't work, drop it. If you get a tip, try it. Reach out to other successful authors and talk to writers sitting next to you in the boat of publishing and ask them for ideas. Armed with ammo for the next release, you may just save yourself a few bucks in advertising and make some new friends along the way. Remember that overnight success comes over many-many-many nights--and I'm still working on the first 'many'. It'll be over some night, to be sure--just not tonight.



2. There's no publicity like free publicity. Whether it be word of mouth or hitting Amazon's lists, the best advertising out there are the readers themselves. I've read how authors can sometimes be the worse hockers of their material because they're--hocking. It's true you're hocking, but so is every other business--just wait for the next commercial break. Set aside those insecurities. Get your friends, family, and casual acquaintances to help spread the word. You'll be surprised how eager they are and what little hindrance they have. I asked my hair stylist if I could leave my postcards on the front desk at the salon. Now, my name and the covers of two of my books are right there for countless customers to see--and my sales spiked that night. People want to read--and they just may want your book.



3. Have a thick skin. Whether you're working with an editor to make your manuscript shine, or collaborating with a cover artist to paint a visual picture of your story, or waiting for reviews, don't take critiques and suggestions personally. You'll meet plenty of nasty people. Don't be this person. Bottom line is this is a business. Keep you eyes focused on the goal. Steer the direction of the conflict back to the end product. When dealing with professionals, stick with the facts and not your feelings. When handling reviews, don't respond--unless it's favorable ;-)--the last thing you want to do is get into an argument with a reader who just may give you another chance with your next book. You can't change someone else, but you can make sure negativity doesn't cripple you emotionally. Business relationships and readers will come and go, but you're stuck with you forever.



Are these the only lessons I've learned? Far from it. I've learned that even in a business setting, some people are empire builders and others aren't. People will cut you down while demanding your respect. Others are so generous--going the extra mile even though the first mile is more than enough. Publishing is a cutthroat business. Interacting with readers is fantastic. Strangers are varsity cheerleaders--no, make that professional-level cheerleaders. What I think is brilliant one day, is cheesy the next.



The room for personal and professional growth? Tremendous.