Oh the dreaded self-promotion...Yes, it's something that you must take part in when you write a book and hope to sell it. But, saying that doesn't seem to make it any easier. I have written four books and finally with the release of my latest book (obviously in the mood for a party)I decided that we would have a book launch party. The first thing to do would be to call up my best friend - who not only lives to plan parties but plans parties to live! She immediately had some great ideas for the party and almost made me forget the fact that it would be about promoting my book! It sounded like it would be a lot of fun! There were some hiccups in the planning - the date had to be changed a few times, the location had to be changed a few times, there was a bit of an issue with the ordered treats -- but for the most part, planning the party was fairly easy for us (of course, when I say "us" I totally mean "her" - because she did the majority of the work!!) The difficulty for me came when I realized (only hours before the party) that...oh ya, I would have to promote my book at this party.uhhgg.
So, the nervousness set in! While loading up the car, my husband very patiently put up with all of my moods and sarcasm - he knew how I felt about self-promotion. The plan was that I would sell and sign copies of the book at the party...but several times during that short drive to the party, I suggested to my husband that we not bring the books and we just enjoy the night. He laughed - telling me that people were expecting the book and wanted copies, blah, blah, blah...and he was right (of course.) But it's really difficult to wrap your head around that. It always feels like people are just "doing you a favour". I suppose the more times you do this, the easier it gets and it doesn't hurt to believe yourself that what you've written is actually worth buying. The party was a huge success and my favorite part was connecting with all of my friends that came out to support me. And the thought definitely occurred to me that I would do the same for any one of them...and then it hit me! That's the whole point - whether they are buying the book because they genuinely want to read it - or they are supporting you, does it really matter? Would it matter to me? Absolutely not. I would buy a book that a friend of mine had written if it was on the topic of algebra (and if you know anything about me whatsoever, you know that says a lot!!) The idea is people will want to buy your book because it is supporting you and something that you've acheived that is important to you. For this I am truly grateful...that I have friends and family that will buy a picturebook (when they have no young children of their own or don't know of any!!) - just to support me.
So thank you.
