Insecure Writer's Support Group: No Fanfare Was My Best Idea Ever

So, I released a book at the end of July. I bet you didn't know that because I didn't do any hype. I didn't ask for help. I just decided to hit publish and took action. The only thing I did was send a newsletter out with the announcement and shared it over on Substack Notes the next day.

It was probably my best release ever.

I had KU reads. I got paperback sales (people got their copy before I got my box of copies.) I sold 11 copies. And the best thing?

I didn't feel like I had to beg for any of it.

Usually, I put the book up for pre-order and I send out a call for help. Then I spend the next month or so sharing the book and feeling like I'm having my teeth pulled. Pre-orders trickle in and when release day rolls around, I have friends sharing the news and celebrating with me, but not much happens sale-wise. The pre-orders show a nice little spike on my dashboard, but I can't say many new sales join them. It makes for a weird day as I try not to focus too much on sales and enjoy the success of finishing a book and seeing it out in the world. (I mean, it's not like future book buys will never happen.) But I'm still left feeling like I'm begging people to go buy.

So, it was nice to not feel that way. To see people be excited without me prompting. Some of the KU reads I got happened before I sent the newsletter. That blew my mind.

I'm not about to advocate that everyone just hit publish. You do you and what works best for you. I'm just saying it was nice to have a book release that didn't include a bit of disappointment. Going forward, don't be surprised if more of my releases have little fanfare. It was less stressful for me and that's what I need in my life right now.

And the book in question for those curious.

A thousand year curse.
A mythical creature of the deep.
Is true love enough to save a cursed mermaid?

Deep Curse is the first book in the Cursed Waters series.

I'm hoping for 4 books, but we'll see. It's taken me over a year to figure out book three and get started. There's gonna be two books at least, but cross your fingers for me that I end up with four.

Today's post was part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Created by the ninja captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, it's a group for writers struggling with writing insecurity (AKA all of us) to gather and discuss their fears or to celebrate writing victories. If you are a struggling writer or need encouragement and friendship, join us. (Someone might have cookies!)

Remember to visit the co-hosts and give them a shout-out for helping. Beth Camp, Jean Davis, Yvonne Ventresca, and PJ Colando!