I have done many book launches. Also, I have chosen to publish books without any fanfare beyond a social media post. They both bring complicated feelings. I've had very well-attended events, and events with two people. I've had books that sold one copy on their launch day, and ones that sold many, many more. None have gone as expected or blown up as hoped. But I've enjoyed the process.
My main takeaway, though, is to do what you enjoy with the launch. If you serve yourself, know you'll have fun, then no matter the outcome, it will be incredible. Whether you sleep through the day or have a party that took months to plan (I have done both), you can feel great about what you've done, because YOU planned it, it was what YOU wanted. If you make what others want or design for readers, you may wind up disappointed. I always think (as do many writers I know—award winning, best selling included) "if no one came, would I have fun?".
So have a fucking blast! Be proud of what you've created, what you are creating, what you will create. Enjoy the community, the people around you. That is where your heart is, anyhow. The book promotion is nestled in that.
Amazing advice! So true, be true to yourself, do what you want to do not others. That’s where I screwed up with my wedding. Thank you so much for this! 💕
I feel this tension ALL THE TIME. I can barely bring myself to use Notes. It seems to me that making art and self-promotion are two separate, almost conflicting muscles... I've got a whole piece to write about how using social media to drum up attention leaves my brain feeling like static on TV. It WRECKS my art-making process. On the other hand, aren't we lucky to have all of these avenues available? I mean, I'd be writing into a drawer without Substack, so... "grace for the machine," as my friend Alice says. And man do I wish I were closer, because I'd love to see you launch! 🚀
YES!!! It's like the marketing part takes us out of ourselves, so we're lookng at ourselves/work as commodity, objectively, which feels so left brained maybe? How to meld the two in an authentic way... I'll read that post, for sure! My writing group friends say that the marketing is just noise, but we do have to do it if we want to make money from it. And yes, I feel extraordinarily lucky to have Substack, esp in the early days, we hope! Thanks so much for your support, momma, I appreciate it <3 <3 <3
Two things. You are not your book. Writing is mostly about failing well.
I regard my books like I imagine I would regard my children (I don't have any). I loved them, I worked hard on them, but once they're written, they're kind of on the own. There are people who love me whom don't care for my work, and people who love my work often don't find me particularly compelling as a person. Hell, sometimes I don't like my books! I'm still trying to decide if the one I just finished is just a subconscious confession of my innermost character flaws. If I decide it is, I'll be kind of happy when people don't want to read it.
So sure, if your mental posture is "Hi! I'm summer and I'm fucking awesome!" you should be all cringey and awkward about it. Consider a posture like "Here's my book, here's a bunch of information about it, here's what it is about, if you don't care, then get out there and fucking dance because that's the only other reason to be here." and then assume most people came to your event to shake their booty, which is why I'd be going.
I get the people pleasing thing, though it took me 54 years to drop that rock, just keep telling yourself, you are not your book. You aren't promoting Summer, you're promoting a bunch of words on paper that people may or may not be ready for, or care about, or even want to engage with. People don't like to read. Books are a chore, like homework. They're wrong, and people who limit themselves that way nuts, but that's their problem, not yours.
I imagine that if I had kids, if someone didn't like them, I wouldn't be that bothered, unless I agreed with why they didn't like them. People meet books like they meet people--on their own terms, through their own filters, not seeing what they consistently don't see in them.
Books fail, Summer, all the time, every day. Good ones, better ones than either of us can or will write go broke and get ignored. The weird surprise lottery win is when they don't. Bet on getting down at your party, not getting validated.
This is so great! I have been thinking a lot about the tension between creating something you want to share and being good at Substack - you can be good at both but they are not the same thing! I love writing and speaking but when I post to Substack and then wait for the response, well, that part gets very weird very fast for me, even if the response is supportive.
I can laugh about it though because it always reminds me of this BRILLIANT conversation between Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Coleman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iJzuTL7NAI) that I have watched a million times. Their friendship is a delight to witness. At one point they talk about how they love making the art but hate the idea that anyone will see it. "I would quite like no one ever watch it." Ha!
So yes, making the art - hard work and also the best. Actually putting it out there and promoting it is a totally different thing!
Thank you for sending me this video! This also reminds me of a podcast. I recently listened to with Sam Irby where she said how weird it is when people talk to her about her work. She said she hates it when people talk to her about her work because when she creates she imagines, she is only writing for one person and that’s how she wants to keep it. Even though she’s a huge successful author!
This helps me understand why, when I have spoken with artists or writers or musicians or actors and tell them I have loved a piece or a performance etc they seem uncomfortable....maybe it is because I am confronting them with a difficult reality: other people have in fact seen the work that they might have, on some level, made only for themselves :)
It's so interesting because I feel the same way when people talk to me about what I've written. It's major cognitive dissonance and it ALSO makes me really uncomfortable, because I'm not in front of my computer with time to formulate a response etc. and the context feels weird... sort of like when friends want to talk to me about their kids who are my students when we're up at the ski hill or something. It's weird because on the one hand I DO want to be read! But I guess I want the work to be self-contained, and not spread out into my personal IRL life...?
Yes - this makes me wonder if the cognitive dissonance is sort of about the idea that is is really hard to put into words where art comes from and where it goes in someone else. So when we try to "say" what we liked about it or why it resonated, it falls a little flat. I think there is always - both as the giver and receiver of art - some part of me that knows experiencing someone else's art or creating art is happening not at the purely intellectual / conscious level but at some deeper level that I cannot name....
No need to reply here. I am not trying to keep the convo going forever I am just having so much fun in these comments :)
Ha! Love this, friend, more than I can say (and wishing I were in Alaska the 11th!). First off, I know you know you got this, 1000%. The performer and storyteller inside you has never disappeared. What I'm wondering about are the inner voices that are trying desperately to protect you from exposure. The real work is engaging with them, drawing them close, whispering words of safety and acceptance to them. I've had a shaky moment or two onstage myself, but also been stunned by the simple power of sharing tender stories--and then watching the room open up as it invites others to share theirs as well.
But as a mother, a writer, and a performer, you already know all that. More than anything, I'm thrilled to see where this takes you, both in the outside world and the inner one.
Great questions, and reflections! I'm meeting with my therapist tomorrow so we'll dig into this. Thank you for asking these questions and reflecting back to me. And thanks for the support <3 <3 <3
Congratulations! I know book launches can be super intimidating. I try to encourage authors to remember why they're writing their book and the message in that since most people are obviously pretty passionate about their books, and if you look at it as a way to share that love of what you're writing about with people, it can sometimes feel less scary.
And writing a book is totally worth celebrating! Honestly, having a launch while still writing sounds pretty motivational and super fun. I'm sure you'll have a great time! :)
Thank you! I don't know anyone else who launched a book before it was finished. In my case, I didn't have a choice, because the grant, but I'm curious to see if it actually works better than the traditional way... I plan on gathering emails for my newsletter, maybe it will help spread buzz...? I'll let you know, and thank you for your comment, and good reminder to share the WHY :)
Hey you!! I’m so excited for your book event! Who did that awesome poster? I too was intimidated by the “platform” part of marketing a memoir. Groan. So I ignored that and kept writing. You are the belly dancing queen of introverts. I’m an extrovert doing the twist in the shadows!❤️
Haha! Well put, Linda! It would be great if you could come, and I'm thrilled to see and listen to your story at Mudrooms next week! I made the poster... you like it? I'm definitely not a poster maker, lol! I googled "Latin American art" and found a piece I liked and used Canva to make the rest. Break a leg and see you Tuesday!
My own book launch is coming up the end of this month and the idea of even speaking on a podcast makes me sweat! I am a writer not a speaker...but moving outside our comfort zone is how we grow (or so they say). Good luck with your launch and try to enjoy it....
I also prefer to write over speaking, I need to think about words and go back and revise.. that's why we're writers! Yes, we're growing our muscles, for sure! Good luck with and enjoy your launch!!!!
oh, amazing you! love the poster. from reading your posts you have the gift of gathering supportive friends and creative people who nurture each other and isn't that what it is about? not "likes." (though i "likes" you.)
most of my friends who have launched books have gone with small presses, so intimate launches and word of mouth. being surrounded by those who want them to succeed not in the way "of the capitalistic world," but because they believe in their story. i guess that is my wish for you. oh, and i'll pre-order your book when it is ready.
Thanks so much, Anne! That's what I was thinking for this show, too. Kind of freaked myself out with the "facebook event," although I only invited like 500 "friends" and kept it private... I'll let you know how it goes <3
this inner conflict between self-promoting your art and creating your art… yes, and so many of the folks commenting here have written about it so well
the rapper origin story you told at Mudrooms — wow, had me smiling all the time — and in that story the inner conflicts/tensions you write about in this post are SO evident, all of it, and to me quite charming
Really relate to this! Love the Winnicott quote and hope your event is a huge success. Can’t wait read your book and I’ll choreograph a dance for you about my book to pique your interest!
I do love to dance. I have studied all kinds of dance. Mostly I sing now and learning the ukulele. It's a great thing to play on a long winter night, but what do I know about that next to you!
THANK YOU SISTA!!! I know you relate to the performer introvert thing. I was shocked when you told me you were an introvert, too! We performers hide it well, lol! Gotta put that mask on... thanks so much for the love and support.
Martin Landau, who was an acting coach for James Dean gave Dean a chance because Dean was shy. Martin said good actors are shy. When I met author Barbara Marciniak at her book 📖 signing, she told me she loves writing but hates book signing that her publisher forced her to do. If I were near your area I would be there for you. Enjoy 🎉!
Congrats! And also yay!
I have done many book launches. Also, I have chosen to publish books without any fanfare beyond a social media post. They both bring complicated feelings. I've had very well-attended events, and events with two people. I've had books that sold one copy on their launch day, and ones that sold many, many more. None have gone as expected or blown up as hoped. But I've enjoyed the process.
My main takeaway, though, is to do what you enjoy with the launch. If you serve yourself, know you'll have fun, then no matter the outcome, it will be incredible. Whether you sleep through the day or have a party that took months to plan (I have done both), you can feel great about what you've done, because YOU planned it, it was what YOU wanted. If you make what others want or design for readers, you may wind up disappointed. I always think (as do many writers I know—award winning, best selling included) "if no one came, would I have fun?".
So have a fucking blast! Be proud of what you've created, what you are creating, what you will create. Enjoy the community, the people around you. That is where your heart is, anyhow. The book promotion is nestled in that.
Amazing advice! So true, be true to yourself, do what you want to do not others. That’s where I screwed up with my wedding. Thank you so much for this! 💕
Well said! Filling one’s own cup with joy helps to unhook from the desperately-seeking-audience vibe.
Thank you! You, as well. Love "unhook from the desperately-seeking-audience vibe" very much.
I feel this tension ALL THE TIME. I can barely bring myself to use Notes. It seems to me that making art and self-promotion are two separate, almost conflicting muscles... I've got a whole piece to write about how using social media to drum up attention leaves my brain feeling like static on TV. It WRECKS my art-making process. On the other hand, aren't we lucky to have all of these avenues available? I mean, I'd be writing into a drawer without Substack, so... "grace for the machine," as my friend Alice says. And man do I wish I were closer, because I'd love to see you launch! 🚀
YES!!! It's like the marketing part takes us out of ourselves, so we're lookng at ourselves/work as commodity, objectively, which feels so left brained maybe? How to meld the two in an authentic way... I'll read that post, for sure! My writing group friends say that the marketing is just noise, but we do have to do it if we want to make money from it. And yes, I feel extraordinarily lucky to have Substack, esp in the early days, we hope! Thanks so much for your support, momma, I appreciate it <3 <3 <3
Two things. You are not your book. Writing is mostly about failing well.
I regard my books like I imagine I would regard my children (I don't have any). I loved them, I worked hard on them, but once they're written, they're kind of on the own. There are people who love me whom don't care for my work, and people who love my work often don't find me particularly compelling as a person. Hell, sometimes I don't like my books! I'm still trying to decide if the one I just finished is just a subconscious confession of my innermost character flaws. If I decide it is, I'll be kind of happy when people don't want to read it.
So sure, if your mental posture is "Hi! I'm summer and I'm fucking awesome!" you should be all cringey and awkward about it. Consider a posture like "Here's my book, here's a bunch of information about it, here's what it is about, if you don't care, then get out there and fucking dance because that's the only other reason to be here." and then assume most people came to your event to shake their booty, which is why I'd be going.
I get the people pleasing thing, though it took me 54 years to drop that rock, just keep telling yourself, you are not your book. You aren't promoting Summer, you're promoting a bunch of words on paper that people may or may not be ready for, or care about, or even want to engage with. People don't like to read. Books are a chore, like homework. They're wrong, and people who limit themselves that way nuts, but that's their problem, not yours.
I imagine that if I had kids, if someone didn't like them, I wouldn't be that bothered, unless I agreed with why they didn't like them. People meet books like they meet people--on their own terms, through their own filters, not seeing what they consistently don't see in them.
Books fail, Summer, all the time, every day. Good ones, better ones than either of us can or will write go broke and get ignored. The weird surprise lottery win is when they don't. Bet on getting down at your party, not getting validated.
Here Here Richard! Boogie down is always the right answer.
This is so great! I have been thinking a lot about the tension between creating something you want to share and being good at Substack - you can be good at both but they are not the same thing! I love writing and speaking but when I post to Substack and then wait for the response, well, that part gets very weird very fast for me, even if the response is supportive.
I can laugh about it though because it always reminds me of this BRILLIANT conversation between Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Coleman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iJzuTL7NAI) that I have watched a million times. Their friendship is a delight to witness. At one point they talk about how they love making the art but hate the idea that anyone will see it. "I would quite like no one ever watch it." Ha!
So yes, making the art - hard work and also the best. Actually putting it out there and promoting it is a totally different thing!
Thank you for sending me this video! This also reminds me of a podcast. I recently listened to with Sam Irby where she said how weird it is when people talk to her about her work. She said she hates it when people talk to her about her work because when she creates she imagines, she is only writing for one person and that’s how she wants to keep it. Even though she’s a huge successful author!
This helps me understand why, when I have spoken with artists or writers or musicians or actors and tell them I have loved a piece or a performance etc they seem uncomfortable....maybe it is because I am confronting them with a difficult reality: other people have in fact seen the work that they might have, on some level, made only for themselves :)
It's so interesting because I feel the same way when people talk to me about what I've written. It's major cognitive dissonance and it ALSO makes me really uncomfortable, because I'm not in front of my computer with time to formulate a response etc. and the context feels weird... sort of like when friends want to talk to me about their kids who are my students when we're up at the ski hill or something. It's weird because on the one hand I DO want to be read! But I guess I want the work to be self-contained, and not spread out into my personal IRL life...?
Yes - this makes me wonder if the cognitive dissonance is sort of about the idea that is is really hard to put into words where art comes from and where it goes in someone else. So when we try to "say" what we liked about it or why it resonated, it falls a little flat. I think there is always - both as the giver and receiver of art - some part of me that knows experiencing someone else's art or creating art is happening not at the purely intellectual / conscious level but at some deeper level that I cannot name....
No need to reply here. I am not trying to keep the convo going forever I am just having so much fun in these comments :)
Congrats on your event, which looks like so much fun.
I ADMIRE THIS QUOTE:
"Reader, I spent 40 YEARS unlearning the need to be liked." Exactly!
Thank you, Andromeda! Do you have any self-promo or book launchy tips?
Ha! Love this, friend, more than I can say (and wishing I were in Alaska the 11th!). First off, I know you know you got this, 1000%. The performer and storyteller inside you has never disappeared. What I'm wondering about are the inner voices that are trying desperately to protect you from exposure. The real work is engaging with them, drawing them close, whispering words of safety and acceptance to them. I've had a shaky moment or two onstage myself, but also been stunned by the simple power of sharing tender stories--and then watching the room open up as it invites others to share theirs as well.
But as a mother, a writer, and a performer, you already know all that. More than anything, I'm thrilled to see where this takes you, both in the outside world and the inner one.
Great questions, and reflections! I'm meeting with my therapist tomorrow so we'll dig into this. Thank you for asking these questions and reflecting back to me. And thanks for the support <3 <3 <3
You got it. And if your therapist feels the need to express their gratitude, I'm on Venmo....
Haha good to know!
Congratulations! I know book launches can be super intimidating. I try to encourage authors to remember why they're writing their book and the message in that since most people are obviously pretty passionate about their books, and if you look at it as a way to share that love of what you're writing about with people, it can sometimes feel less scary.
And writing a book is totally worth celebrating! Honestly, having a launch while still writing sounds pretty motivational and super fun. I'm sure you'll have a great time! :)
Thank you! I don't know anyone else who launched a book before it was finished. In my case, I didn't have a choice, because the grant, but I'm curious to see if it actually works better than the traditional way... I plan on gathering emails for my newsletter, maybe it will help spread buzz...? I'll let you know, and thank you for your comment, and good reminder to share the WHY :)
Hey you!! I’m so excited for your book event! Who did that awesome poster? I too was intimidated by the “platform” part of marketing a memoir. Groan. So I ignored that and kept writing. You are the belly dancing queen of introverts. I’m an extrovert doing the twist in the shadows!❤️
Haha! Well put, Linda! It would be great if you could come, and I'm thrilled to see and listen to your story at Mudrooms next week! I made the poster... you like it? I'm definitely not a poster maker, lol! I googled "Latin American art" and found a piece I liked and used Canva to make the rest. Break a leg and see you Tuesday!
This is so great and so relatable on many levels. Your event sounds incredible and if were anywhere near Juneau I would be sure to attend!
It would so be my honor! Maybe I'll come through your area some time, Stephanie! Thank you for the love <3
My own book launch is coming up the end of this month and the idea of even speaking on a podcast makes me sweat! I am a writer not a speaker...but moving outside our comfort zone is how we grow (or so they say). Good luck with your launch and try to enjoy it....
I also prefer to write over speaking, I need to think about words and go back and revise.. that's why we're writers! Yes, we're growing our muscles, for sure! Good luck with and enjoy your launch!!!!
oh, amazing you! love the poster. from reading your posts you have the gift of gathering supportive friends and creative people who nurture each other and isn't that what it is about? not "likes." (though i "likes" you.)
most of my friends who have launched books have gone with small presses, so intimate launches and word of mouth. being surrounded by those who want them to succeed not in the way "of the capitalistic world," but because they believe in their story. i guess that is my wish for you. oh, and i'll pre-order your book when it is ready.
Thanks so much, Anne! That's what I was thinking for this show, too. Kind of freaked myself out with the "facebook event," although I only invited like 500 "friends" and kept it private... I'll let you know how it goes <3
this inner conflict between self-promoting your art and creating your art… yes, and so many of the folks commenting here have written about it so well
the rapper origin story you told at Mudrooms — wow, had me smiling all the time — and in that story the inner conflicts/tensions you write about in this post are SO evident, all of it, and to me quite charming
Awww thanks, Jack!
congratulations!! excited for you. also hope you make it through without puking.
Haha thanks, Alycia!
Really relate to this! Love the Winnicott quote and hope your event is a huge success. Can’t wait read your book and I’ll choreograph a dance for you about my book to pique your interest!
I love that idea! Are you a dancer? I think we should incorporate as many senses as possible into our art and book events!
I do love to dance. I have studied all kinds of dance. Mostly I sing now and learning the ukulele. It's a great thing to play on a long winter night, but what do I know about that next to you!
I’m sure you know a lot!
I am so proud of you, Summer sister! I know your struggle, and I love your vulnerability and courage. You are doing it!!!
THANK YOU SISTA!!! I know you relate to the performer introvert thing. I was shocked when you told me you were an introvert, too! We performers hide it well, lol! Gotta put that mask on... thanks so much for the love and support.
Martin Landau, who was an acting coach for James Dean gave Dean a chance because Dean was shy. Martin said good actors are shy. When I met author Barbara Marciniak at her book 📖 signing, she told me she loves writing but hates book signing that her publisher forced her to do. If I were near your area I would be there for you. Enjoy 🎉!
Awww 🥰 thank you! Interesting what Martin Landau said about James Dean and shy actors! Thanks for sharing that!
Had that same experience re: memoir and “likes” (platform). They feel contrary for sure. Still haven’t figured it out.
Onward and upward to you. This is an exciting place to be in an artist’s journey. I wish you the absolute best! 🙌🎉🥂
It's so weird, right? Here's to finding the balance. Cheers back at you, salud!