I think I am seeing a pattern with the self-publishing process. It could also be true for the traditional publishing process–dunno.
Here it is:
1. Work, Work, Work
2. Excitement: I’m almost finished with a book/promotion/project that I will soon unleash on the world.
3. Euphoria: It’s out there! People are looking at it and seeing what I did! Some people may even be giving me money! (!!!!)
4. Expectation: Now, how is this going to work itself out.
5. Disappointment: Oh crud. That was over quickly and it didn’t make me rich and famous.
6. Depression: Wah, wah, boo hoo. Nobody loves my book/promotion/project and it has only 10 views on my blog when I have 300 Facebook followers. I got 400 views on my blog but only sold five. Nobody wants to review my work. Nobody wants to post their reviews. Nobody wants to read the posts people made about my work. Nobody cares about my book/promotion/project and I spent all that money for nothing. Snivel snivel. (This is where I am right now and I’m disgusted with myself. This is the point where I need to push for #7)
7. Determination: I’m going to make this work. All I need to do is learn some miraculous new thing that will correct the flop I just had. Somewhere online is the answer to my problems.
Then back to 1. Work, Work, Work.
Is this how it is for you?
This is how I want it to work:
1. Work, work work (Yes, I am adult enough to know I will still need to do this.)
2. Victory: It’s done, it’s out there and it will be glorious!
3. Domination: Everybody loves it! I’m selling like hotcakes and everybody thinks I’m a genius. They’re starting a religion based on my work. (Well maybe not that far….)
4. Relaxation: This is going so well that I get some nice time off to bask while my product sells itself. Go me!
Does this even exist? Probably not, but I’m a fiction writer so whaddya gonna do?
Kate Policani 
You just keep going, girl!!!!
Thanks, Shana! I’m just trying to figure out which direction now.
Don’t get discouraged, Kate. 🙂 You are a wonderful writer, and you probably do have to work harder with promotions simply due to the fact that you are self-published. However, if you keep looking, and keep getting people to read it, and keep up the blog, and perhaps get the RIGHT person to read it, you will get noticed. In the end, it really is a matter of getting the right people to notice it. And you may have to shell out a few bucks for marketing. My favorite saying is, “You gotta spend money to make money!” 😉
Libraries are great places to start. If you haven’t already, you may want to learn more about library distributors. One thing I will say is that it is much harder for libraries to catalog a self-published book, because they often aren’t hooked up with a library distributor. But if you can donate a book to your local library (maybe you have already) and see to it that it is added into the system, more people will notice it.
I think that you should try to go to a traditional publisher with your next book. First of all, you ARE a great writer, and the fact that you already have two published books should say something. Secondly, if you get your third book into a traditional publisher, they will probably do a little bit of marketing FOR you, and you may sell better.
Do not despair. Like I said, both your books are GREAT, and you will do well…. Never give up! 🙂 And that’s the end of my long comment… lol
Thanks! I needed some encouragement. I have been thinking about looking for a publisher for How To Win Friends and Influence Magicians, partly because it is long enough for traditional publishing and partly because I could possibly fund my fiction-writing addiction that way 😉
I do have both my books in the local library, but they only accept books in the “circulating paperback” section.
I think a traditional publisher would take it! For one thing, that’s a fantastic title. 🙂 Just seeing the title makes me want to read the book. Keep writing!!
By the way, I’ll be posting your review as soon as I can…. Been so busy, I haven’t had much time to read or finish reading anything recently! 🙂
I understand! My February and March have been hectic too. Thanks!
Hi! I found your blog through a link from Rosa’s FB! Love this post. It’s so true! Just had to chime in and say that this is pretty much how it works in traditional publishing too! I’ve been in that biz for a few years now, and you pretty much hit the nail on the head. But don’t get discouraged, don’t give up on yourself, and don’t stop writing. Take one day at a time. Good luck with your writing, and looking forward to following your blog.
Thanks for the encouragement and new perspective! I am mulling over the idea of traditional publishing for my next book and I’m kind of reluctant to give up my control, especially if the experience will not be much different from self-publishing.
This post is so true to the writer’s life! Kate, just so you know, I gave my copy of ~The Lustre~ to a good reader. This means another reader.
A writer’s journey is one made up mostly of small joys and victories. Plus, you know the Lord is your fan. Perhaps this is a funny way to say this, and I don’t mean to be irreverent, but just that He takes joy in you.
You’re a fabulous writer. Unique. Go for it! It will be painful, victorious, joyful, all these things that you know already. You have given to others in your books. Hope they give back, and I want to buy another copy of this new book!
Thank you, Maria! I really appreciate your encouragement and support. It’s amazing to find good friends that I’ve never seen an may not see until we get to heaven!
ditto!
I think you expressed this well. 🙂
I have a feeling it is going to get easier to express the more often I experience it.
Whatever happens, just keep going! I am familiar with this pattern very well, and have been used to seeing cycles like this happen with each of my three books. And here I am working on a 4th.
Coffee and chocolate help lots.
I always love another excuse for more coffee and chocolate! Great idea!
Pingback: A Little Self-Publishing Solidarity « maggiepublishing
I appreciate your blog so much because it lets me glimpse the process that a devoted writer commits to following. And thanks for this post! Now I know a little more about what to expect, what my reactions will be. I’m learning from you, and from the writers who comment on your blog, that it takes courage, passion and perseverance no matter which route an author chooses. Ditto on the “don’t give up!”
Thank you!! I will not give up. It’s encouragement like this that keeps me going! I keep saying this: We writers are in this together.