Wow, what a crazy last couple of weeks it has been. My first novel is finally finished, put out to the world, and seemingly, so far, well received by the people who have read it. That is truly the best part, and everything else is just icing on the cake after that.
In its first ten days, it has sold just over 40 copies, and that is exciting, because some of them are even to people I don't know. I do have friends waiting for the e-book version to be released, and my husband is juggling a crazy time at work (days way from his company's product launch) to finish making the e-book for the Amazon Kindle.
Where to, next? Well, I am getting pulled in many directions. The first is a promise made at the end of Book One to have Book Two published in April, and so editing and more editing is on the horizon. As well, we need to build our creative website (behindblueeyes.ca) to develop an online presence and engage in some publicity and marketing. The e-book needs to come out and I need to work on getting that recognized more widely as well. I've also got a Facebook page for the book, and have apparently joined the Twitter universe, although my husband has largely done that for me and I haven't had the time to actually investigate any of it. I will be known as badmansadman because the title of the book was already taken.
I have to say, in the middle of all this madness, it really is rather exciting to be building something from the ground up, and to have the support and encouragement of lots of wonderful friends, colleagues, and family around me. Many of you have been incredibly supportive and helpful and I do hope you know how much it is appreciated. I am quite excited at the idea of doing this all independently, on my own terms, with the input of people whose judgement and talent I value. I am enjoying the ride, and hope everyone who is coming along with us gets to feel great pleasure in reading the books. That's what it's all about, in the end.
5 comments:
Anne Marie, I so admire you. You have been ten times more professional about this launch than I have ever been. I realise it helps to have a technowledgeable partner, but you have approached it so professionally with your launch party, promotion on FB, Twitter and the rest. I have been dragged rather reluctantly into the promotional side and realise I should have done what you have. My only excuses are lack of real interest in marketing (even though I come from that world) and the fact that my audience here is very limited, so book talks and book signings are an uphill struggle to organise. I never even thought of having a launch party! Well done you!
Oh, you know, I just like having parties. ;)
As far as the rest of it goes, I think my effort does come from wanting to make a series out of it and knowing I have such great tech and art support. I already have one offer to speak to a book club sometime this year, and there is still the great luxury of having more than six months still ahead to to do all this work that needs doing. You didn't have that, and I can tell you, it makes a huge difference.
Thanks for the ongoing support, my dear. I hope you will enjoy the final version of the book.
xx AM
Hi Anne Marie,
Its really more than just launching a book, you are setting up an empire of sorts!
It all sounds very exciting and I imagine overwhelming at times?.
Twitter is an odd place to me. But it certainly does serve as getting information "out there".
congrats, again, on all of it.
xo
Hey that sounds very exciting! I'm on twitter! Follow me, I'll follow you!
Congratulations, Anne-Marie!
You must also be very proud!
Where may I get this book?
badmansadman - very clever!
xo
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