What I Learned About Launching A Book

An all-important event in my life happened on Friday, September 9, 2011. I’d been waiting for it with my heart in my throat, but as the date grew closer, I seriously questioned my sanity. What had I done?

My book, ALL THAT MATTERS, was about to be released for the entire digital world to read – and review. Not only that, but it was the launch book for a brand-new company, Tell-Tale Publishing Group. I fretted and stewed. What if no one wanted to buy the book? What if those who did buy it, didn’t like it? What if...? What if...? There were a lot of what if’s riding on the success of my book and the success of the company. No stress there, right? I was about to find out.

Blog tours, reader reviews, a new PC and printer that didn’t want to play nice with my laptop, everyday chores reminding me that I had family to take care of, fear of being invaded by dust-bunnies....Suddenly, reality hit me—hard. Launching a book ain’t for sissies, folks. It didn’t take me long to learn I couldn’t do it alone. Seriously. Thank goodness for my wonderfully supportive publisher. Help was on the way!

To begin with, my totally awesome cover, designed by the magic of talented artist, Patricia Lazarus, was the best lead-in promo I could’ve asked for. Yowzah! Without the untiring work of Tell-Tale’s editorial staff, along with amazing technical help from My Girl Friday VA, who kept our online presence in the public eye, we never would’ve had the wonderful response that greeted us on Launch Day. Their belief in me was the rock that supported me.

I quickly learned the truth about the importance of social networking. Numerous comments on Facebook and Twitter proved that point many times over. The unsolicited praise from Award-winning authors Nancy Gideon, Susan Mallery, Eileen Dreyer and Katharine Ashe, to name a few, quickly spread word of Tell-Tale Publishing and ALL THAT MATTERS across the country. The kindness and generosity of these wonderful authors, along with the whole-hearted support of my family, friends and fans, made my heart smile so big, it ached with happiness. I am humbled and forever grateful. I thank you all.