I’m a fan of Randy Susan Meyers. Ever since I heard her speak at the 2010 Backspace Conference. Here first novel, The Murderer’s Daughters, is exquisite. I’m 100 pages in and I can’t wait to get back to it. So when I saw she co-wrote What To Do Before Your Book Launch I had to pick it up.
Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose provide an intimate portrait of what happens to a writer during the book launch process. It reminded me of what Anne Lamott’s book Bird By Bird does for the writing life.
They provide real life examples and insights from insiders in the business. They help authors manage expectations and learn when to speak up and how to put their best foot forward.
I appreciated their chapter on manners for authors–it’s really about being nice. Genuinely nice.
The writer’s launch “ten commandments” are rules every author should live by.
Once my book is published, I know I’ll be re-reading her chapter on consolation for bad reviews, where she doesn’t shy away from talking about the pain of reading them and how hard it is to not be hurt by them.
Many authors will find her timeline for the year before publication useful. If you’re not a great planner, it’s an indispensable guide to when things need to happen.
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Please stop by the blog on Monday to ask all your burning author marketing and promotional questions! Jennifer Fusco of Market or Die Author Services will be answering my questions and yours all day.
Last night was memorable. Randy Susan Myers met with my book club and we were captivated! We had just finished “The Murderer’s Daughters” and we all agreed we could hardly put it down. We pounded her with questions which she so graciously answered. Our next read is “The Comfort of Lies”. We hope when her third books comes out, she will return to Charlotte and will visit our book club again.
Sounds like a night to remember! How amazing to have her there to answer all your questions about the book. 🙂 She’s such a genuine person. I felt so nervous talking to her, but she was kind and friendly and immediately put me at ease back at the conference. I am hoping to finish her first book soon. But also kind of sad to part with it. It’s one of those books you want to devour and savor simultaneously.
Thanks for the info–I’ll add this one to my wish list.
It was a quick read. Very conversational and like a workshop. Definitely glad I read it now rather than later. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to check this book out. Glad to see that being genuinely nice is part of the formula!
It was nice to hear. The genuine part is really key too. Reaching inside and bringing that out–people can sense it’s you and not just a role you’re playing. 🙂 btw, I think you have definitely mastered the genuinely nice thing.
Thank you! It’s something I always strive to do!
And you succeed. You and August have been role models for me in how graciously and kindly authors can behave. 🙂
I would have liked that book several months ago. Sounds like a great resource. But it’s never too late. I’ll have to go check it out.
LOL. Isn’t that always the way? It’s really worth reading..in prep for the next launch. 😉
Good luck with your book. Bad review? Any publicity is good.
Thanks! True, but some publicity makes you cry into your mint chocolate chip ice cream and some makes you peacock proud. 😉
I really appreciate the many things I am learning from you. Thanks for the tips and referrals. It is also fun to feel like I am along for your “big” ride 🙂
LOL. Never a dull moment around here. My parents love the rousing ISBN conversations over dinner. 🙂 Aw glad to share in the good stuff I learn. You are a definitely a part of my ride. And there will be a shout out to you in my book’s acknowledgements. 🙂
I’m going to have to check out all these books. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely worth reading. I love sharing a great book. 🙂 It’s half the joy of finishing the book–knowing I can talk about it with you!
I saw Randy Susan Myers in the AWP Conference in Boston. You are right. I second your opinion. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, Kourtney!
Thanks for weighing in it, Subhan.:) I’m glad you had a wonderful experience with her too. Hope your day goes well!
That looks like a very helpful book! Another one to add to the must-read list, which is really getting longer…. And my day job hours are increasing…. Not a good combination for writing!
It really was. More so if you are traditionally publishing, but still very helpful for indies too. I have the same problem. The pile on my nightstand is a wall. And there are 2 full bookcases of to be reads waiting in the wings. Ugh. That’s terrible. Write first. Read second. It’s been weeks since I got through a novel though. 🙁
Another book to check out. I’ll add this to my list. 🙂
It’s a great book for before the launch. Really helps manage expectations. 🙂 And gives you a sense of what should and shouldn’t be going on.
“Once my book is published… ” fabulous words… I’m so glad you’re in this space 🙂 and that you have the smarts and resourcefulness to find and use resources where necessary to navigate the process confidently 🙂
It’s pretty cool to be able to say those words. I was meeting with a venue yesterday to plan an author event and they were amazed that a creative person was so punctual and organized. They wanted to know what I did in my previous career. I said auditor and they smiled knowingly. I never realized how much my financial services career would help me as a writer and in my own marketing. Reminds you that not a moment is wasted. Even the moments you were working all day at a different career. 🙂
That does sound like a great book, and one I’ll be adding to my list. Thanks, Kourtney!
It was a quick read too. Very common sense approach and helps keep you in line with what will be going on in your world pre-launch. 🙂
Good to know that there is a document like this one – hope you are doing well!!
Thanks, Christy! I was thrilled when I stumbled over it! Working hard. Loving it, but excited for a break next week when I go see Taylor Swift. 🙂
Ummm excuse me, Taylor Swift!!! Wow! Tell me all about it after 🙂
Will do. My friend and I sprung for the VIP tickets so we got mad swag. I got a Taylor Swift blanket, tote and concert books for each of her tours to date! Pretty cool. I’m a huge fan.
Woot, swag is awesome!! 😀
I think so too! 🙂 it’s a nice thank you to the recipient.
Reblogged this on Self Publishing.
I notice generosity as one of your qualities as you share this document. I can see that it would support many other aspiring and wannabe writers. I wish you all the best going forward.
Shakti
Thanks, Shakti. Just practicing Randy’s principle of being genuinely nice. 🙂 Thanks. I really appreciate that!