#IWSG - Pre-release Jitters

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to mastermind, Alex Cavanaugh's page and display the badge in your post.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for today's IWSG posting are Gwen Gardner, Dolorah, Sarah Foster, and M. Pax! Show your support by visiting their blogs. When you're at M Pax's blog, tell her Kai sent you. She's a phenom writing buddy to have.

This month I'm going to address my pre-release jitters. I'm balancing on the precipice of a book release. Though I have a couple young adult romance novellas released, FINDING THOR is my first full length YA romance novel. Honestly, when I was doing one of the final rounds of edits on this book, I said to my husband, "This might be the best book I've written to date." I don't believe I say that for every book. What I do say about every book is, "I'm so excited about this one." As if I wasn't excited about the last one and expect the next one to be very humdrum. What I really mean is that I'm particularly excited about the message I'm portraying in this (whichever current) book I'm releasing or I'm excited to enter a new genre with this (whichever current) book. 

Even with all that confidence and some bravado, I find now that I've sent the ARC out for a few early reviews, I'm shaking in my boots. (Gah, how I love boots - but I digress) 

I worked in corporate America for years and years. I worked my way through the ranks into middle management. Along the way my performance was reviewed by my managers as well as my employees. Technically it's the same thing. I did work. I received feedback on the work I did. 

But it feels so much different when it's feedback on a book I've written. Maybe because the feedback itself isn't public when I was sitting across the desk from my manager. Instead, someone posts it on Amazon or rates my work on Goodreads. And if they thought it sucked (which-face it-it happens) EVERYBODY knows it. Yeah, that must be it.

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this, right? Who else gets that, "Oh my god! What was I thinking?" feeling when a book is about to go out into the world? Feel free to share advice on how NOT to obsess over reviews and sales rank once the book is out there. Do you even read your reviews?


Comments

  1. I'm not published yet, but I'm sure every author goes through what you're going through. It can be terrifying putting your work out there, but there will be people who will love your story. Congrats on the upcoming release!

    February IWSG Co-host

    ReplyDelete
  2. The days leading up to a release are nerve-whacking. I've only ever released eBooks, and I'm also racked with anxiety. Congratulations on your upcoming release! I'm wish you all the best. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think I was wringing my hands as the first 10 reviews came in. After that it wasn't such a big deal and I only stalked Amazon and GR once a week instead of daily. So just get over the hurdle of the early days (working on another project helps) and then you'll be fine! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a very good point! There is a time where the novelty wears off. I'll keep that in sight. It's sure to help. Thanks, Lexa.

      Delete
  4. I guess no matter how many books you have out waiting is tough. From what I've seen of this one, it's a winner. :) It won't be long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And then the funny thing is - once it's out...it's out. And then I turn my focus on the next, which in this case comes very shortly afterward! Yay and Ack!

      Delete
  5. You'll know I'll help. I hope to see you next week and I really hope to no longer be sick by then. PLEASE!! It will all be well, Kai. You're a great writer. I'll bring dessert next Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Everything's better with food. Especially sweet food :) Thanks, Mary. Feel better.

      Delete
  6. I'm always nervous before release day. I actually prefer to be months away from a release, enjoying cover reveals and Waiting on Wednesday posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love all the build up, too. It's all part of the fun.

      Delete
  7. Congratulations!
    It is scary when the feedback is public for all the world to see. But while there will be bad reviews, there will also be great reviews. Focus on those!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alex. And good advice. I love when my book resonates with readers. I'll stick with those reviews.

      Delete
  8. Congratulations on your latest "baby"!!

    Wishing you all the continued success!

    Don't let any negative feedback destroy your talent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Donna! I'm lucky not to have gotten too much in the way of negative feedback, but I've certainly been able to slough it off and keep going. Haters gotta hate. Unfortunately.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Susan Kaye Quinn, Author of Open Minds, Presents:

I Want More – The Story Behind the Story, I Am Me