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Last week, my wonderful son-in-law, Adam, helped me revamp my website -and it’s so impressive, that I wanted everyone to see it! Thank you, Adam!
https://www.cathyshieldswriter.com
As I was checking out my revamped website, I saw an old blog post that had this photo of Jessica, along with the caption, “My Glow Girl.” The post talked about the long list of rejections I had received.
Glow Girl refers to a scene in my book where my religious cousin came for a visit and told me children like Jessica are angels who glow from within.
What I didn’t know (when I posted this two and a half years ago) was six months later, I would have a contract from Vine Leaves Press. My forthcoming book debuts next month!
But back when I wrote that post, I had become frustrated by the number of rejections flying in week after week. By that point, I had already moved on from querying agents and switched to small independent presses. Although compliments were sprinkled in the responses, the answer remained no. It was hard to keep the faith when so many of my writer friends were moving on with offers. My inclination was to feel envy. Doubt snuck in unannounced, but I fought back with stubborn determination.
I am retelling this story because I recently read a post in one of the Writer’s groups on Facebook - that the author didn’t know where to turn or whether to give up altogether. I’m here to say to those of you who are waiting for your turn, don’t give up!
How did I combat the doubt?
I had an unwavering belief that my story was one which needed to be shared. I was sending out queries in batches of twenty, and as I compiled batches of rejections, I revised. The rejections taught me something - indications my book just wasn’t ready. But I refused to give up even after 150-plus rejections. I fought for what I believed in.
I have already shared the story about finally hiring an editor who came highly recommended and how I believed that once I finished the major revisions, I would join my friends in that exclusive club called “published authors.” It took time to achieve. But now I am facing a new challenge
How does a new author handle promoting a book without paying a fortune for publicity? And have I done enough marketing to promote it?
The answer to that question is a mystery. Day by day, I gain a few more followers - yet it doesn’t feel like I am doing enough. Am I aimlessly wandering in circles, trying to build that elusive list? I have followed the advice from those who have published before me but I can’t tell if what I am doing is working.
And how much does this matter to me anyway? Especially in the face of all the awful things that are going on in the world. These concerns seem insignificant, puny, and meaningless when people are dying. Although I can’t change what is happening in the world, I wish to promote peace and understanding. Perhaps sharing this will help someone. . . So this is what I’ve done:
I entered a few contests, sent out numerous requests for reviews, contacted organizations that might be interested in hearing me speak, and scheduled interviews and podcasts. Am I doing enough? Doubt comes roaring back. I brace myself because I have no idea what’s in store - all we have is hope. For now, I am going to focus on what I can control. The launch.
Launch day will include a reading, food, and prizes. Because this celebration feels similar to having a baby, I’m sharing a video from one of the scenes in the book.
If you can get five people to sign up for my newsletter, send me your name and I will enter you in my next giveaway to win a BookBub gift card. You will have to provide me with the names of the new subscribers.