Tomorrow

So. Tomorrow, my debut novel, The Case Of The Cheap Suit Plot, is officially released. It’s been on pre-order for some time, but starting tomorrow that bad boy gets downloaded to readers’ devices of choice, and those who want a physical copy can get the paperback as well. 

At my day job recently, a co-worker asked me, “So, the day your book comes out, are you going to have a party?”

Hahahaha…no. I’m fucking going to bed.

If you do your job right as an author, you’re going to be tired by the time Release Day finally rolls around for your book. I drafted it. Then I edited it. Then I edited it again based on the critique partner feedback. Then I edited it a third time when beta readers weighed in. Then I worked with a cover designer to get it looking right. Then I edited it a fourth time once the professional edits were finished. Then I formatted it. Finally, the proof copy came and there were still some lingering formatting issues, so I fixed those. That’s a lot of emotional labor, being honest with yourself, and remaining open to criticism. 

The romanticized view of what an author does once their book finally comes to fruition is “have a party, cry over the book, feel triumphant,” etc. And of course, watch the sales roll in. I have been super fortunate, however, to have friends I’ve made in the writing community who’ve been in this space before, and helped me temper my expectations. Honestly, I don’t want to have a party, because of the aforementioned tiredness. I also understand that for everyone but me and my household, this is just another random Tuesday. I’m taking the week off work, and my wife and I will go out for dinner that night to celebrate, but other than that, I’m content with just relaxing tomorrow. The work has been done, the social media posts have been scheduled, and the emails to ARC readers have been queued up. At some point, one has to make like Elsa and let it go.

I’m also aware that Post Release Burnout is a thing, and another good way to avoid that is by having realistic expectations about your creativity and energy levels as a writer. I’m not going to force myself to start the beta reader process on Book 2 of the Chloe Stewart novels immediately. I’m not going to jump straight into drafting the book after that one. I’m going to allow myself at least a week to relax and take a breath before jumping back into the whole process to do it over again. 

Don’t worry, though. I have no intention of George R.R. Martin-ing this series and leaving readers hanging. Book 2 has already been fully drafted and self-edited. We’re on our way.