My Book's Published - Now What???

Many authors while going through the publication process for the very first time ask themselves, "My book is being published, what will I write next?" I know I did, but a funny thing happened along the road to becoming a first-time published author that answered this question, but not quite the way one expects for there is more to being an author than writing novel-length works. This peculiar funny thing occurred on the day I became a published author (Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12 p.m. CST). It happened the moment I caught myself asking, "My book's published, now what do I do?" seconds after that particular momentous 12 noon. This odd funny thing brought a knowing smile to my lips as the light bulb turned on in my brain. I reminded myself to, "follow the advise in My Book's Published - Now What??? by John F. Harnish and Jane M. Martin."

In that precious moment of remembering what I had learned from this particular non-fiction book, it dawned on me that my publisher had sent me a very valuable resource. My reading My Book's Published - Now What??? was instigated by Infinity Publishing sending this well written piece complimentary, as a thank you for choosing them. At the time of reading this book, I had not realized what publishing a book was truly like. I was still going through the publication process and part of that is the pain staking reading word for word of the proof book sent; make certain nothing is left out, misspelled, and so forth. Little did I know that upon the very second of my book was published and released for sales that my maternal instincts would kick in, and a very sudden panic attack would pounce upon me, catching me completely unaware. There was no way of preparing for or stopping this panic attack. It is similar to having a child and praying you are going to be a good parent while holding that infant for the first time in your arms, looking down at its adorable face, while wondering what to do next. It is a happy, yet strangely scary feeling. Looking back on this once in a life time moment, I do not believe there is such a thing as a calm author when their first book is published. I certainly was the furthest thing from the definition of 'calm'. I was too busy feeling accomplished and awesome (like reaching the top of the highest mountain after climbing it). Like a new parent, I excitedly telephoned my mother. She asked me if I was well and to speak slower because my enthusiasm had me talking in whole words per each second without taking a breath. Okay, my mother was not the only one telephoned. I admit it. I called and emailed every family member and friend. Could not help myself and found out just how human I was that particular Friday afternoon. You would have thought I was a proud new parent who had a real baby the way I carried on. My husband thought my exuberance charming. He was happy for me. I am still glowing over this experience (almost as much as when I had my sons); undoubtedly shall for the rest of my life.

Knowing the contents of My Book's Published - Now What??? lessened my motherly instincts toward my newly published novel as well as the panic attack of what to do next. The valuable information it taught me about what I could do next to promote my novel including getting the word out made it worthy of the time spent reading it. Following the steps listed in My Book's Published - Now What??? helped me set my promotional goals, be prepared with plans, and have them in place to be accomplished the minute publication happened. I knew what to do next.

My Book's Published - Now What??? includes advice from established authors, people who's career is marketing books, and other publishing professionals. They share what they know about marketing and promoting (even give some advertising recommendations). I found these tips to be wonderfully insightful. I did not realize promoting one's book could be inexpensive or accomplished at no cost. To find out these frugal methods, made me feel like I could do a promotional campaign that would bring not a big spot light, but some lime light onto my first novel Just Alex. Gave me the informational tools so I can do something important for my book, instead of standing on the side-lines waiting.

This book was not just written for authors who publish through Infinity Publishing. The pearls of wisdom and tips within its pages can be used by and possibly invaluable to any author published via any method (traditional, print-on-demand, subsidy, self publish, etc) through any publishing house. This is a great reference book that in my opinion every new author (and not so new) should invest in for their at-home library. Worth the price (might even be a tax deduction, don't forget to ask whomever prepares the tax forms).

One of the great things about My Book's Published - Now What??? is that it is not written in a standard text book dry non-fiction format. It teaches the publication field's terminology so one does not guess what the terms and anagrams mean. It is a very enjoyable read set at a moderate pace (not too fast, not too slow). The authors do not mince words. This book gets down to the "nitty gritty" expediently in a fun manner with some great humor added. Caught myself chuckling a few times. Highly recommend!

Enjoy!

For more more about and a sneak peek of My Book's Published - Now What??? please visit: http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/Search.aspx?kw=0-7414-5000-3&typ=ISBN