The prepublication jitters—every writer gets them. You’re on a unique emotional journey, and let’s face it, you’re freaking out. From debut authors to seasoned veterans, nobody feels like they’re doing enough for their books prior to release, and beyond the dependable wins like a glowing review in The New York Times or a Read with Jenna book club pick, it’s hard to say nowadays what actually moves the needle on book sales. You’re looking for actionable ideas and emotional support, and the process is beginning to feel a bit overwhelming.
The truth is, the publishing industry is ever-changing, and good literary citizens and writing gurus—from podcasters to BookTok influencers—build eager followings with their investigative attempts to better understand and explicate the vast and often opaque publishing landscape. With over three hundred thousand books being published in the US each month—good god—there is no opportunity more sought after by publishers and authors than surefire ways to elevate a new book above the fray.
We spend years writing our beloved books, draft after draft, down to the final comma. And yes, selling a novel is a rare and jubilant experience, an exclamation point on a formidable task completed, but once the excitement around the sale fades, you’re suddenly faced with the daunting task of how to publicize and market your work, to find those devoted readers and superfans who will delight in the special world you’ve created.