Note: This has been cross-posted to my genealogy blog Who We Are and How We Got This Way.
After nearly eight years, my novel, Nothing Really Bad Will Happen, has been published on Amazon!
It has been quite the journey. As my Daily Writing Sprint friend Pam aptly put it, “It takes a village to publish a book!” Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but bringing a book to life is anything but. You need alpha readers to sift through messy drafts, beta readers to review revised versions, and a developmental editor to provide impartial feedback. You need someone (or several someones) with keen eyes and a grasp of grammar to go through your manuscript once the final draft has been completed. You need knowledge of book formatting – interior as well as cover design (or someone who can do that for you.)
Tons of decisions need to be made once the writing is complete. Self-publish or traditional publishing? Ebook, softcover, or hardcover—or all three? What size book? How much marketing do you want to do?
I think I must have changed my mind about most of my decisions several times throughout this process. And, for each minute, mind-numbing choice, I probably asked my family and friends hundreds of questions. Thank goodness, I listened! (If you know me, you know I might have a tiny issue with control.)
Since the book’s release, I’ve temporarily traded my author’s hat for a marketer’s visor. (I like to think it adds a touch of intelligence!) The initial excitement of daily sales has naturally tapered off, but I remain hopeful that as readers finish the book, reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads will help reignite interest. (Hint, hint!)
Not to be a “Debbie Downer,” but according to my research, lifetime sales for self-published books on Amazon averages 100 books. I am now more than 2/3 of the way to that! Hmmm…
It was never my intent to become rich with this project. It really isn’t about the money. It’s more important that the story is told—that people gain a better understanding of the times and why people made the choices they made.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my “village” of supporters, particularly my writers group, the Daily Sprinters. Their unwavering encouragement throughout the writing process has been invaluable. Not content to simply cheer from the sidelines, they’ve now taken on the role of advocates, spreading the word about my book. In fact, we’ve even established a new tradition: “Support Your Writer Friends by Buying Their Books Day,” which we observed on March 12, 2024. (Yup! The day my book was released!) It’s a date I’ll be marking in my calendar for years to come, ensuring we continue to celebrate and uplift each other’s literary endeavors.
As I continue to reflect on this journey, I’m reminded that success isn’t solely measured by sales figures or financial gain. It’s about the connections we make, the stories we share, and the communities we build. With the support of my incredible “village,” I’ve not only realized my dream of publishing a book, but also experienced the power of collaboration and encouragement. So, as I continue to navigate the world of writing and publishing, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the gratitude for each person who has played a part in this adventure. Here’s to many more chapters ahead, both on the pages of my books and in the stories of our lives.”
nothingreallybadwillhappen.com 