Guest Blog: Book Releases: Blessed Events

Great news. One of our blog readers had a book released August 1st. Ever curious about new releases, I asked her to blog with us about what a writer goes through when launching a new book. So, everyone, here is Elizabeth Spann Craig. (Oh, and be sure to check out her blog, too. Lots of good stuff for writers, and she makes me laugh.)

My second book, Pretty is as Pretty Dies was released last Saturday, August 1. In a lot of ways, having a book released is like the birth of a child.  There’s excitement, anxiety, and joy. There’s also a lot of frantic rushing around in preparation for the blessed event.

Getting the nursery ready for the new arrival:

There’s plenty of sprucing up to do when you have a new release.  Here’s a little glimpse into my prep work:

Had a photo made for my website, the publisher’s website, and promotional materials.  Tried not to wince. The photographer actually had to make funny noises at me to make me more relaxed. This is similar to having your photo made when you’re pregnant. You’re supposed to look all spiritual and earthy, and you really feel like you might need to use the restroom.

Spruced up my blog for visitors.  This is sort of like the nesting that went on when I was pregnant.  My blog got all pimped up with social media outlets, the book’s cover, my most appealing reviews, etc.  I scrubbed it until it was shiny.

Had a baby shower.  Well, not exactly.  But it’s sort of like that—you get goodies like interview and book review requests and share cover photos (instead of ultrasound pictures) with unsuspecting reviewers.

Sent out baby announcements.  Press releases: it’s a brand new cozy mystery! 206 pages long, trade-paperback length.  And has a specially-chosen name.  These announcements go to bookstores, libraries, reviewers, friends, contacts on your newsletter list.

For an idea what you should add to your to-do list for your release, check out Laura Baker’s article on “The Timely Approach to Promotion.”  She offers a timetable for various chores related to your book’s release.

Took a prenatal class:

I signed up for a blog book tour class that taught me what to look for in a blog host, as well as how to spruce up my own blog. Although Dani isn’t offering any more classes this year, you can get an overview by visiting:
http://quickest.blogbooktourguide.ever.com

Witnessed sibling rivalry.  My twelve-year old son said, “Your book is ruining my life!” (Okay, so he has a flair for melodrama.)

Suffered post-partum blues:

The guilt starts early….have I done all the right things, promotion-wise? Do readers like my bundle of joy out there in the big, bad world?   Sometimes you feel like you’ve spent too much time with your book (when you have other deadlines) and sometimes you feel like you haven’t spent nearly enough.

Reconnecting with family and friends helps with the problem.   So does getting a little extra sleep (if you can.)

Having a book released really is a little miracle.  Good and bad, I feel very fortunate to be experiencing it all.

Elizabeth Spann Craig

Pretty is as Pretty Dies

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com