So, You Published A Book—Now, What?

---

In response to a recent post of mine, Confessions of a Writer: For Anyone Interested in Publishing I received the following comments from a Steemian and new follower, @nobyeni

"Very encouraging to hear about this. I have been carrying around manuscripts for a while, and have my first book coming out with a small but respectable publishing house in one month, after having given up hope several times...

It's a philosophy [book, in Dutch] for general audience, so will have to think of how to reach people. I'm very bad at networking & marketing, rather spend my time writing...

looking forward if you would write about how to approach that... the hurdle after finding the publisher so to speak ;)"

So, this post is dedicated to her, and all aspiring writers.

I realize that what to do after publication might seem like a stretch for writers who are still getting started. But, with the publishing world in a state of transition, it’s never too early to start preparing and modifying expectations. For non-writers reading this post, I think it might be of interest in demystifying the writerly life and, perhaps, busting some myths along the way about books and writers.

Parenting Tips For The New Author

So, imagine, after years of carrying a living, pulsing dream, aka manuscript, a publisher says Yes, I will help you deliver it into the world. Euphoria ensues, huge relief, validation, and an urge to broadcast your news and celebrate, once you still your beating heart! Ah, finally, you can, now, put your feet up and earn some hard-won rest, basking in a sense of accomplishment, as your book finds its way. Maybe, you'll rise to answer the phone if it's a reporter looking to interview you or the postman beating at your door to deliver your royalty check. Otherwise, your work is work, fame and fortune are yours.

No. Unless you are the lucky .00000001 percent to have your book made into a blockbuster or Oprah espousing your genius at the top of her lungs or, more rare still, a critically-acclaimed, bestseller championed by the New York Times.

Think of it as parenting. Do your responsibilities end with having a baby? No, they begin. Here's how I described this arduous task in a poem of mine, How to Make a Name for Yourself (then, I promise, I'll try to break it down, in prose)

A Name...

To have a name and make a name is not the same
True, both are spun of love and will and dreams
But one is blindly granted as we blink in the light,
The other we must forge from our innermost

Nameless, once more, we are reborn into the world
From the soul’s furnace, we strive to stake our claim
Hotly hammering desires, giving shape to longing
And setting it to cool, approximating an ideal

Then again, we must teach this babe to crawl ahead
Mothering it with care, fathering it with courage
So that, one day, it can freely live apart from us
And find its place in our clamoring times and after.

Most publishers, small and medium, increasingly rely on author to do the heavy lifting in getting word of their books out, through social media and beyond. They may have a limited budget, to arrange a book reading or two, even try to get you a review, here or there, but the rest is up to you.

Book signings, even for fearless exhibitionists (which the majority of writers are not) can be daunting affairs. In addition to mustering the courage to share your (oftentimes, intimate) thoughts before a room full of strangers, you must brace yourself that, in most cases, the room will not be full. Accept the empty chairs, overlook the yawning, texting, etc.. and pardon the many who will walk out before purchasing a book copy. The ones who do, and engage in meaningful conversation with you afterwards, will make it all worthwhile.

I have to back up for a moment. As part of your book publishing preparation, try and secure an endorsement or two from an established author—these will make a difference in your book’s reception and audience turnout at signings. Again, this is not easy to do, but if your writing is strong and you, politely, approach an author who works in the same genre, it's well worth your time and effort.

Remember, you're new in this town, nobody knows your name, and there are countless others vying for readers’ limited attention. Before folks can give you a chance, it helps if someone higher up the chain gives you their stamp of approval, signaling that you're worth their time. As in life, not just what you know, but who you know counts—so begin networking, and try to do so with elegance and grace.

Before Steemit, I virtually lived on Facebook and Twitter. With a combined following of around 10K, I relied on this community for much: emotional support and critical feedback, publishing and literary leads, even crowdfunding my last book. If I read an interesting article or book (and the author was still alive) I would see if I could follow them, online, to hear from the horse’s mouth about the ins and outs of the industry—including what journals, magazines, blogs featured the type of work they did (and that I was interested in): philosophy, poetry, spirituality, or culture.

It was through Twitter, for example, that I learned of NPR*'s call for micropoetry and, as a result, had two of my 140-character-poems featured: Bodies Are like Poems and A Word-Shaped Web. Later, I had the good fortune of being invited to the NPR studios for a full-length interview, to discuss my new book and An Artist's Story of the Arab Spring

To those unfamiliar with National Public Radio (NPR) it’s worth mentioning that NPR reaches 30.2 million weekly listeners through more than 1,000 public radio stations. Online, NPR.org attracts a growing audience of 36.9 million unique monthly users. Needless to say, this is far more potential readers than any book signing can promise. Also, it is worth adding that getting on the radio is not the easiest thing to do, either, luck plays a big factor, yet podcasts, now, abound.

The other time-tested route to share your book news is through reviews. Again, your chances increase, online, with all the new outlets available--do your research and find the best match. Unfortunately, book review sections in major newspapers are caving in (as, regrettably, are bookstores themselves) so if you discourage easily, this is not for you.

Still, it doesn't hurt to try your small(er) city paper or magazine, as they are more likely to consider sharing news of a local kid that did good. Haunt libraries (yes, they still exist) for tips and find out if they are hosting any cultural events or if you could join a group reading or donate your book, if they will not consider ordering it from your publisher. Meantime, continue writing, not another book, but shorter pieces that you can place in current publications. Your byline, featuring news of your new book, becomes your banner, your personal book ad embedded wherever you publish your work.

Of course, always, rely on the support of others, near and far: biased family members and cheerleading friends spreading the word, but also enthusiastic readers, and kindred spirits you meet along the way.

Once, again, I hope this might be of some use or interest to readers and writers on Steemit. I've never quite put all this in writing, though I've been asked many a time in person, or via email, by readers, students and aspiring writers. For the future, I will have this link to direct them to :)

And, if you've read this far, perhaps, you might also enjoy viewing this perk of publishing a book: being asked to participate in a book festival. This reading is from San Francisco International Poetry Festival:

---

(Images: Pixabay)