I thought this post would be much harder to write because, like Lori, I don’t quite feel like quite enough time has passed between now and my launch to effectively look back and reflect.
But then I realized we don’t always have to let a lot of time pass before reflecting. We can look around and see where we are now and take a moment to assess what we’d like to change going forward.
Where I am now: I’ve had an amazing launch. The kind that’s exceeded my expectations in most ways and forced me to check my expectations in others. So amazing, in fact, that now that life is slowly settling into a new sense of normal, I look around and think, what the hell was I so worried about?
Because worry I did. So much. Even in moments of pure bliss and gratitude, there was always a little part of me that had no idea what to expect next. And that was both exciting and terrifying.
Here’s the thing you might not know about me. I hate stress. (I know, we all do.) But picture me in grade school: I was the twelve-year-old who divided her science fair project into daily tasks weeks before the due date—Tuesday: hypothesis. Wednesday: buy board and start experiment. Thursday: pinpoint control and variable—because I didn’t want to end up doing everything at the last minute, stressed and worried over how it’d turn out. I did this and have done this with every major deadline I’ve ever dealt with. It usually works. It keeps me on task. It keeps everything under control.
But when you’re publishing, launching, and promoting a book, there is so much that’s beyond your control. Whether or not you’ll land an agent or publishing deal in the first place. After that, whether your editor will like your edits or how much your publisher will market that book once it’s out. And after that, who will review it and how they’ll review it and where you’ll host your launch and how many people will attend. The ultimate thing beyond your control: whether or not people will buy your book. Whether or not they’ll love it.
Did the fact that none of these things are beyond my control stop me from worrying? I’m embarrassed to say they did not. And looking back (and forward) I realize the worry did nothing to affect the outcomes. While it’s true that a bit of stress can be healthy, pushing us to be proactive and persistent and pursue opportunities that a more relaxed version of us wouldn’t, there really must be a better balance.
Worry some. Embrace the unknown. And then, after you’ve done what you can, let it go.
Thanks for shining the light on the path that (hopefully) lies ahead for those of us climbing behind, Natalia. I can never hear this lesson enough. Best wishes for forging ahead!
Thanks so much, Vaughn! It’s definitely the kind of advice I have to constantly remind myself of 😉
Great post, Natalia! It’s true: so much of publishing is about learning to let go! As a control freak, I definitely found that to be a challenge with my debut. Here’s hoping I learned my lesson and can do a better job with book 2 :).
Best of luck, Dana! Can’t wait for your book 2.
Soo true, Natalia! You seemed really on top of it, to me — working well ahead. I’d never have know you were in AOS if not for our behind-the-scenes conversations!
Thanks, Lisa! (But what’s AOS?)
Excellent advice, Natalia!
I needed to hear this! I’m smack in the middle of the worrying phase. (It is a phase, right??) Great reminder that worrying doesn’t change the outcome. Thank you!