NBD, just new author anxiety...
I'm fine. It's fine. Everything's fine.
#WednesdayWisdom
“Be so focused on creating a life you love that you have no time to compare yourself to others. Identify who you want to become, outline what’s required to be them and begin acting accordingly. In everything you do, consider — would my ideal self do this.” ~ @itsthefemmemuse
Morning Musings
Every now and then at work we joke about how there’s a coach for everything—menopause, productivity, standing, you name it! And as I approach the launch of my first book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, I often find myself wondering if there are coaches for debut authors specifically (though I suppose technically that’s my literary agent).
Lately I’ve been feeling a lot of what I’ve dubbed #NewAuthorAnxiety. Preorder sales are at about 80 right now, which seems super low to me, but my publisher assures me is just fine four months out from publication.
None of the bookstores I’ve reached out to so far (and politely followed up with) have gotten back to me about scheduling dates for a potential book tour and I’m trying not to panic. But I get it, I’m not a big name in publishing (yet), so why would they want to take a risk on a first-time author with a modest following?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have grand dreams (and perhaps delusions) of a multi-city book tour in actual bookstores. I feel like every author does, but the reality is that’s not a possibility for many of us (Fun fact: a lot of authors end up paying for their book tour out of their own pockets. Publishing is NOT a lucrative career for many of us!).
And then, of course, there’s the twinge of jealousy every time I see an author I know either IRL or via social media on a short list or long list; winning this award or that award; appearing on daytime television and getting coverage in The New York Times.
Listen, I would loooove to be a NYT bestselling author—who among us wouldn’t?! And I know to even have a chance of making those lists we’re talking thousands of book sales…did I mention I’m hovering around 80??
As I mentioned earlier, we’re still four months out and anything can happen, but with so much up in the air I’m feeling sooo ~anxious~ (and not in the good Ginuwine way)! I did, however, recently receive the most amazing blurbs (aka endorsements) from fellow Black women authors I absolutely adore and that is definitely serving as a much needed bouy these days.
If you’ve already ordered your copy, thank you! Preorders are so vital to a debut author’s success and I’d really like to make a career out of writing books, so help me please. You can also request the book at your local library and other ways to support include sharing with a friend (or two, or five) and posting to your social media.
I cannot wait to get this book in your hands and in the meantime I appreciate your support and encouragement. I know I’ve said it takes a village to raise a family, but the same can be said of authors, too!
ICYMI
Perhaps you’ve heard about the golden hour, but what about the “scary hour”? Learn all about the latest productivity hack in my latest for Fortune. Plus, Starbucks added new olive oil-infused drinks to the menu and…reviews are mixed.
Links I Love
Women Have Reclaimed Ambition — Now Let’s Reframe It (Marie Claire)
Are You Okay Or Are You an Eldest Daughter? (Refinery 29)
When to Quit Your Job and How to Do It (Teen Vogue)
My Latest Obsession
Have you seen Swarm yet? I’m not really into psychological thrillers, so it took me a while to get into it. But after reading an interview with the show’s co-creator Janine Nabers (not to mention the very obvious references to Beyoncé and the BeyHive) I had to keep watching. I still have a lot of questions, but one thing I know for sure—the lead Dominique Fishback is that girl!
Now Hiring
Senior Social Media Lead for Lean In
Arts & Culture Editor for Block Club Chicago
Communications Director for Movement for Black Lives
Senior Manager, Communications for Essence Festival of Culture
Director of Communications for Latino Policy Forum
Vice President, Storytelling & Culture Change for The JED Foundation
Director, Brand Partnerships for Motherly
Health Reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle
Preorder Stop Waiting for Perfect
My first book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, drops this summer! This book will force you to stop playing small and encourage you to fully step into your power and walk in your purpose. It will awaken the dreams you buried deep within your soul long ago because you thought they were impossible, unattainable—available to other people, but not you. Until now.
Thank You
A special thank-you to Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah and Camesha for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support!
I'm no expert but it sounds like you're doing all to be done as an author without a few mil in advertising and marketing to back you. Those ARC's and blurbs are super duper important! Congrats on the new book! Will be ordering!