So the book is out and it succeeded/did OK/sold nothing. But now what to do next? It’s really the same however the book did at release. I like lists, so here’s a list:
- Pat yourself on the back! Never forget that whether it did well or not, you released a book! Don’t let the feelings you have about your income cloud that accomplishment.
- Don’t confuse anticlimax with failure. You can’t reasonably keep up a book release day excitement up indefinitely. It’s a climax. Appreciate that and build slowly. That is the kind of work that builds a lasting platform.
- Contact more reviewers. You did this for your release, hopefully, but you can’t have too few reviews. I’m going through the lists at http://www.theindieview.com/indie-reviewers/ and http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/reviewer-list.html.
- Look into promotions. Yes they are endless, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them. There are ways to promote for free and there are costly ways. You just need to decide how much work you want to do versus how much you want to spend. When one goes up the other goes down. Just do it. It won’t hurt that much.
- Write more books! It looks more and more like what sells books is more books. That’s what you were excited about in the first place, right? Writing books?
Kate Policani 
Great post! I’ve been attempting to figure out my best next move, though that certainly is tricky. Thanks for the links, too!
It’s a tough time when that book is out on its own, kind of like an empty nest. Hang in there!