For many of us writers, getting published is the ultimate endgame. We work so hard to get to that point, we don’t really think about what comes after that. But post-publication is a whole new world and you’ll find yourself learning and discovering a lot very quickly. Here are a few things I found out after I published my books.
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- Writers are lovely people. I can’t emphasize this enough. I never thought other writers were bad people, of course, but I didn’t realise just how kind, generous and supportive they could be until I started really connecting with them after I published my first book. I joined a Facebook group of fellow debuts and they’re always willing to lend support through suggestions and social media boosts, answer questions and commiserate when things aren’t going well. They are invaluable.
If you write, definitely find some other writers (either face-to-face or virtually) to hook up with, and don’t hesitate to contact writers with questions. They’re a helpful lot! - You have to be your own publicist. Unless you’re an established bestselling author or you have a major contract with a Big 5 house, you’re likely to get little-to-no support when it comes to publicising your book. It’ll be on you to hustle and get your book out there, which can be very time-consuming. This is something I really wish I knew when I published my first book!
If you already have a social media presence, build on it. If you don’t, you’re going to need one, I’m afraid. This is the world we live in! If you’re short on time (like I am!) than focus on a particular platform. I put most of my effort into Instagram and use Canva to create nice-looking posts. If you’re into videos, then maybe TikTok is more your speed.There are also publicists who specialise in books (although they can often be expensive) and freelance social media managers you can hire.After you publish, consider heading out on a blog tour (there are loads of blog tour managers out there who can make the arrangements for you—ask your fellow writers for some recommendations!) - And finally, the negative reviews will be the ones you dwell on the most. You can get 100 glowing reviews but the one bad one will nag at you like crazy. Brains are funny things that way!
I’ve dealt with that by basically never reading the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I’ve found that many of the bad reviews on those sites come down to matters of personal preference—someone who doesn’t like books written in the first person, for instance—and it’s impossible to cater to everyone’s likes. Personally, I’ve found it’s better to avoid the negativity altogether, or it’ll just discourage me. But when I do come across a review that gets me down, I have my fellow writers to help pick me back up again (see #1 above!).
Publication Date: Septemer 7, 2021
England, 1931Astra Davies finds herself in rather a tight spot when her parents die suddenly, leaving her with a heap of debts and damaging family secrets to sort out. Unwilling to enter a loveless marriage with a wealthy suitor, she instead makes the audacious decision to make her own way in the world.
But the road to financial independence is a rocky one, fraught with hazards and heartbreaking choices. A brainless business partner threatens to ruin both her reputation and their company. Family mysteries and startling discoveries make her question her parents’ motives and her relationship with them. And when she catches the eye of the extremely eligible (and rather poor) Earl of Dunreaven, Astra winds up directly in the crosshairs of her longtime nemesis: the wealthy, influential Lady Millicent, who’s now hell bent on bringing her down for good.
Astra will have to dig deep and call on strength and skills she never knew she had if she’s going to prove to herself and the world that she is more than just a pretty Bright Young Thing.
Excerpt | Chapter 1
Brianne Moore is a writer, editor, baker, knitter, and lifelong history lover. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she spent her childhood spinning tales of bold princesses and brilliant ladies and developing a deep love for British history.She moved to the glorious, history-soaked city of Edinburgh nearly 10 years ago and felt like she’d finally come home. She now lives by the sea in an East Lothian town with its very own castle with her husband, sons, and bulldog, Isla.
Her debut novel, All Stirred Up, was published by Alcove Press in 2020.
September 8 – RABT Book Tours – Kick Off
September 9 – Stormy Nights Reviewing and Blogging – Spotlight
September 10 – Lilyana Shadowlyn – Spotlight
September 11 – Salt and Novels – Guest Post*
September 12 – Across the Sky in Stars – Review*
September 13 – Momma and Her Stories – Excerpt
September 14 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – Spotlight*
September 15 – So Many Books – Spotlight
September 16 – Novels Alive – Guest Post
September 17 – The Faerie Review – Spotlight
September 18 – The Avid Reader – Interview
September 20 – Nanas book review – Spotlight
September 21 – My Reading Addiction – Interview
September 22 – Momma says to read or not to read – Spotlight
September 23 – Texas Book Nook – Review
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September 28 – On a Reading Bender – Review
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September 30 – The Indie Express – Review
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October 5 – Dina Raes write stuff – Spotlight
October 6 – A Life Through Books – Interview
October 7 – Teatime and books – Spotlight
October 8 – RABT Reviews – Wrap Up
- Writers are lovely people. I can’t emphasize this enough. I never thought other writers were bad people, of course, but I didn’t realise just how kind, generous and supportive they could be until I started really connecting with them after I published my first book. I joined a Facebook group of fellow debuts and they’re always willing to lend support through suggestions and social media boosts, answer questions and commiserate when things aren’t going well. They are invaluable.
I love reading historical fiction. Sounds like a great read. Looking forward to reading the book.
What inspires your book plots?