How to launch a book

There are few experiences like holding your book in your hands for the first time. It's physical proof of your ideas, your hard work, and above all, your willingness to keep going. As of today I’ve had that privilege ten times: my new novel, Good for You, was just released as an Amazon First Reads pick. 

Launching is as thrilling now as it was when my debut came out more than a decade ago. 

Confession: It’s also really overwhelming. 

Even now, it can feel like a lot. People are happy for you (well, most of them), so they send messages of support. They share on social media. You’ll hear from your colleagues and, if you’re working with one, your publisher and your agent. All of that is really amazing. At the same time, it can feel like someone turned on an emotional firehose in your head.

But there's a lot you can do to reduce stress and actually revel in the day. Here’s how I handle it: 

*Do as much as you can in advance. Give yourself at least a week to prepare graphics, emails, social media posts, and messages to your launch team. (A launch team is a group of readers who agree to read an early copy of your book so they can share honest reviews around publication time.)

*Don’t try to respond to every message or social media post on launch day. I’ve attempted this. The result? I barely had a chance to eat, let alone lift a glass of champagne in celebration. Gratitude is important, but not at the expense of your energy or health. 

*Do set (and enforce) boundaries. I’ve discussed this before, but decide in advance how you’re going to handle negative feedback. Your cousin wants to tell you how to make your next story more believable? You’ll have to call her back … in 2025. Get tagged in a mean review on social media? Instant block. People are allowed to have their opinions—and you’re allowed to protect your mental health. 

*Don’t forget to celebrate. More than 80 percent of people want to write a book. Less than .1 percent do it. Whether you just finished your first draft or published your thirtieth novel, never discount that accomplishment. 

Have a book coming out soon? Let me know if you have questions or would like to be coached for an episode of You Should Write a Book. 

Happy writing,
Camille