Taking My Launch Break

Pardon me, but I’m pooped.

I’m not complaining, mind you. It’s completely a happy kind of tired. But launching A Very Strange Reversal of Scales into the world January 15 by myself packed so much new knowledge into my brain, taxed so much of my patience and persistence, and pulled me so far out of my comfort zone that I just wanted to curl up in a cozy hoodie, enjoy the cold weather, and nap.

Done.

Now, let me assimilate all the lessons learned from the launch of my debut book and apply them to the next one!

First Lesson Learned: Vigilance Is Key

When the idea for Creekline House first took root in my mind last year, I thought through all the hats I would have to wear and was entirely overwhelmed. But, like the start of any new job—when anxiety makes you want to run away—I discovered that I didn’t have to learn or do everything all at once. What I did have to do, though, was stay vigilant.

Vigilance in achieving something with the scope of publishing a book was not just about writing, editing, navigating wayward proofs, learning about Library of Congress and copyright filings, setting up accounts, purchasing ISBNs, making a website, establishing social platforms, corralling beta readers, designing a cover and interior pages, etc. Vigilance in making this happen was an exercise in believing in myself and reminding myself over and over that my work was worth the effort.

Second Lesson Learned: Stay Excited

One would expect that when my book showed up on Amazon or when I held an actual copy in my hand, I would have been over the moon. But here’s what one doesn’t expect when starting out…one is often ready to move to the next project long before one is done with the current project.

I might be chomping at the bit to begin writing something new, but as an independent publisher, I have to stay excited for past projects, too!

Because I have read A Very Strange Reversal of Scales more times than I can count; reviewed the layout and cover design time and time again; written about it; posted about it; talked about it; and dreamt about it for months, I can be easily thrown when someone asks me if I’m excited. And I’m even more thrown when someone walks up to me at church, sends me a text, or reaches out online to say they are excited.

But it’s not enough to respond with grace, gratitude, and enthusiasm. I need to feel grace, gratitude, and enthusiasm. Building this imprint and sharing my work is a privilege and is exciting. And staying in the moment with a story is just as important as planning ahead.

Third Lesson Learned: Prepare for Hiccups

No matter your vigilance or excitement level, hiccups happen. Navigating them with grace is a necessity, but so is appreciating that they help make your future path smoother.

This launch taught me to order proof copies more than two months in advance. It also taught me that connecting vendors with your print-on-demand platform can take hours, days, or even weeks and should be built in to your launch plan. Neither of these hiccups hurt the launch, but I allowed them to be high stressors. Next time, I won’t. I’ll be better prepared for those issues, but even more important, I’ll realize stress doesn’t fix a problem. It heightens it. So rolling with the hiccups is my goal for the future.

Fourth Lesson Learned: Take the Win

All in all, I consider this launch a success. I spent the first day tracking orders and watching my social feeds. By the end of the day, I had 20 sales and lots of likes. At that, I called the game. I had won. I published a book, people bought it, and folks congratulated me. After that first 24 hours, I decided to close the sales reports and not look again for at least a week. Do I want to look? Sure. But to what end at this point?

I’m a new author/publisher. I’m building my house. Every positive is a win. It’s not about numbers right now. It’s about connections and foundations—and those are happening. I’ve received interest from bookstores and media. Friends have ordered. Family has ordered. I know at least one teacher who plans to read the book to her third-grade class. All of that is winning, as is the encouragement from readers and supporters like you. And I’m so very thankful.

So, I think it’s okay to admit that holding the physical copy of my published book in my hands makes me feel as wonderful as it makes me feel weary. That’s the gig. Putting something meaningful and special into the world is a learning process, and I’m in. I mean, I may need another tiny nap, but I’m ready to do it all again for April’s launch…I promise…just as long as I can keep wearing the hoodie.

Author Shelley Powers holds Creekline House’s debut book A Very Strange Reversal of Scales.