As most of you know, I took a break from my weekly Jaunts almost a year ago to sit down and write the next great American novel. I was so excited! I was so confident! For months, I spent hours getting lost in a world of my own making. Literally. I’d be deep in a conversation between Jen and Cate, and Matthew would ask when dinner would be ready. Dinner? What time is it? I just finished lunch minutes ago! I would be in Italy conjuring up images of Lake Como only to notice Rick standing beside me expectantly, waiting for a reply. I’m sorry, did you say something? I’ve been in Italy. One of the biggest perks is that I was able to create the perfect husband and be in a relationship with him. Now, when my own real-life husband annoys me, I shake my head and tell him, “Dan would never do that.”
I was so happy while I was writing this book. I was so proud of what I’d done! I felt important. I felt talented. I wrote a book! After all, how many people can say they’ve done that? (I’ve since learned, the number is in the millions.) And my friends who read it were so complimentary! It must be great! I had grandiose visions of being a #1 Bestseller. Invited to speak with Hoda and Jenna. Approached by Reese Witherspoon for the screen adaptation of my rom-com.
…And then I started the process of finding representation. A literary agent who would love my book as much as I do and set me up with an amazing editor, book cover artist and publisher. Who would vigorously promote my book and organize a huge launch and a slew of book signings that would be attended by hordes of adoring fans!
This is where the dream comes to a screeching halt. I spent months at my computer, writing a synopsis, bio, and catchy blurb, reformatting the first few chapters of my manuscript, personalizing every cover letter, and researching agents who specialize in my genre (women’s fiction) and represent similar books (feel good reads). It was hard work, but fun because I just KNEW I’d find my agent. Well, 79 rejections later I’ve decided to cut my losses and self-publish. Thank you, Amazon.
Looking back over this past year, I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions. Elation from writing a book I loved and was proud of. Validation by my early readers who confirmed that it was relatable and so much fun to read. Then, frustration as the rejections began to come in, and finally desolation as they continued for months and months. I even suffered from embarrassment, feeling that I must’ve been mistaken, and my book is just plain crap. To be completely honest, trying to find representation as a new and unknown author is a pride-sucking and soul-crushing process. I don’t recommend it.
BUT I’VE DONE IT!! My book is just days away from being published and launched on Amazon. And I need YOU, my community of readers, to help me sell it. I need to promote and publicize my book with a social media blitz. I’m asking all of you to read my book, post it on your social media and encourage all your friends to do the same. And all their friends. And so on and so on. Gift it to your girlfriends, moms, sisters and aunts. Rate it and write honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Know that I’m forever grateful for your support. I wrote this book about women for women (I do hope my men readers will enjoy it too). My greatest hope is that it is widely read and loved by a huge community of women who will enjoy reading it almost as much as I enjoyed writing it. Because writing it truly was a labor of love.
And maybe, just maybe, I can still become a #1 Bestselling author. I’d have all of you to thank.
So proud of you. Hope it hits the bestseller list.
YAY! So excited and happy for you! Can't wait to read it, recommend it and pass along to friends and family! How do I get a copy?!? Checked on Amazon and couldn't find it!