Book Launch

Well, the truth about life is that if you are truly living, you are learning everyday. As I get older, I seem to fall into a little trap called “I now have enough life experience to know how things work.” It’s safe to operate that way; there are less surprises. But am I closing myself off? The truth about life is we don’t know what’s around the corner. The ‘learning experience’ du jour is what it’s really like to launch a book.

Since I signed the contract for my book this past summer, I have been working with WNBA member and publicist Kim McMillon to set up readings and interviews. And despite the fact that most newspapers’ book review sections have been drastically cut, we mailed out over 60 galleys and review copies. We sent letters and press kits. And, in the middle of everything, I had a pre-publication reading and celebration in November. By December, I was having anxiety dreams – showing up for readings naked, being unprepared.

The book’s publication date was set for Jan. 6^th but by the end of December I had only 2 commitments for reviews. I was bumming.

January 6^th came. And suddenly, things kicked in. I’ve gotten invited to do a teleseminar with the San Francisco Writers Conference on January 22^nd, and also to be interviewed on several blogs and radio shows. In a total twist of fate, I ran smack into the poetry reviewer of a major newspaper – at the gym!

The lesson? While it’s important to prepare for your book’s launch, surprises happen! And, success builds on success – something I teach in my “Submission Strategies” class. Looks like I might have a successful launch after all! See www.joangelfand.com for updates on upcoming events and classes.



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