“Write a book, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.” It all started innocently enough. A children’s picture book, about fairies…what’s the worst that could happen? No, the fairies didn’t transform into zombies and begin eating children. It’s much, much, worse. I self-published a children’s picture book. Not scary, you say? Try promoting it.
Yes, book promotion is the dark underbelly of the kiddy-lit world. It makes seemingly normal people do very un-normal things (like make their own bookmarks). If you are at all squeamish, it may be best to change the channel. The ending is pretty graphic.
You might assume, as I did, that a children’s author lives in a land filled with only rainbows and butterflies (yes, once in a while a unicorn pops by). Clicking away at the computer, she releases musical notes with each keystroke. That’s how it started (except in my story, the unicorn is actually a hairless cat perpetually curled up on my lap). Anyway, it was all good; I birthed that first story in record time. I connected with an illustrator, who brought my story to life in a way words alone could never do. I found a “publisher”. No, not a real publisher. I am self-published via a Print-on-Demand service called Lightning Source. So, I am able to order print copies, and my book is available on Amazon. It’s actually a pretty cool thing. But, I digress.
Was it scary to approach a complete stranger, online, and ask him to illustrate a book about dust bunnies and fairies? Yes, yes, it was. Was it frightening to reveal to him that I am just a mom, from Iowa, with absolutely no experience writing or self-publishing? Abso-freakin-lutely! But that’s nothing compared to the horror that is book promotion.
(Insert Twilight Zone intro music, Rod Serling voice, optional) Imagine being born prior to 1970. Now imagine your only experience with social media has been email and Facebook. I know, freaky, right? You’ve just written and self-published a pretty darn good kids’ book. The good news is that people like it; they actually really, really like it. The bad news is that you are related to, or acquainted with all of those people. The walls begin to cave in as you realize YOU have to convince other people that THEY will really, really like it. Yes, you have to promote it, “duhn, duhn, duhn” via the internet.
Thus began my horrifying journey into the realm of social media. Remember, I am a child of the 70’s. When I hear the word troll, I think of the fuzzy-haired, bubble-eyed dolls we all collected back in the day. You charge me with the task of creating a blog, website, and Twitter account…and I’m instantly transformed into one of the crappy tributes from the Hunger Games-the ones who get picked off in the first battle. But, crappy or not, I must fight to survive.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinding my way around building a web site was a bit like an ape teaching herself how to tie her own shoes (not pretty to watch, nor is it necessary, but it can be done). With shoes tied, Gorilla-girl went on to create a blog (imagine the ape teaching herself to tie her shoes, blindfolded). Twitter, I’m still trying to figure out that whole mess.
Embed from Getty ImagesFast forward a few months. I’m blogging away, dutifully updating my website, and haphazardly tweeting. Oh, and I’ve got my book as a giveaway on Goodreads to boot (shameless plug, self-publishing made me do it). I’m so busy bopping around, online, that I lose sight of the fact that I have my book launch party scheduled for November 13. I am thrilled to be holding the event at our local animal shelter. I want to make it special, and I want it to be a fun night for the kids and their families. Oh, and I want to give out some freebies. Reality check…I just spent a small fortune to get this book made. Sorry, sister, no money for freebies.
What’s a girl to do? Here comes the scary part…”Go ahead”, says one of the voices in my head. “Check out some ideas on Pinterest. It won’t hurt, it’s just a look.” I know, I know, I should have known better. I’ve been sucked into the Pinterest vortex too many times to mention. But, like the clueless chick in the horror movie, I wander into the darkness.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat’s the worst that can happen? It’s not like Pinterest can devour my soul. I know I can never duplicate the absolute perfection I see proudly displayed on the Pinterest boards, but I’m drawn to them, like a moth to the flame. Each time, I enter, it’s the same routine. I flit from one pin to another, soaking up the warmth. Hours later, I extract myself, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. But, with slavish-trust, I repeat the cycle again and again.
Yes, Pinterest devoured my soul, and all I got was a lousy bookmark….and a few other crafty ideas for my book launch party.
Pam Bonsper
October 22, 2014 at 6:24 pm
Michelle- Your story is the same as mine. But add several decades to your age and you can imagine my situation. I watch the numbers on the sales of my book and just want to cry. Last night I finally broke down and joined an on-line book club. Another $150 but that is minor compared to what some “marketers” (dare I call them marketeers?) charge. I like reading your posts as I realize I’m not alone. We have to believe in our books, our craft, and our fellow writers. Creativity is something one cannot make up. It is in our DNA. We must support each other! If you’d like to check out my fledgling website, I’d love a visitor…so far I have mostly spammers!! http://www.arosage.com
Good luck- whenever you feel down, just write a post. It may not help just you, but someone (like me) as well!
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Michelle R. Eastman
October 22, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Hi Pam. Thanks for reaching out. I’m glad my weird, little post touched you in a good way. If I stumble across any magic beans for book promotions, I’ll be sure to share. In the meantime, I’ll check out your site. Best wishes to you!
Michelle
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austrob
October 23, 2014 at 12:05 am
One of secret little side projects has actually been writing a children’s book as well. It’s not something I’ve told anyone about, but I would absolutely love to publish it as well. Reading your story has definitely been informative. I do have a question though – just how did you go about finding an illustrator, etc? Because yes, it is terrifying!
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Michelle R. Eastman
October 23, 2014 at 12:19 am
Hi there. I used a site called Elance. It sort of an online “want ads” for freelancers. It was free for me to post an ad. You may also want to check into publishing via Createspace. It is free to create your book. The only charge is when you order copies of the book for your self. They are an Amazon company, so you can sell your book at amazon.com. If you have any other questions, I am always happy to help out a fellow indie author.
Take care,
Michelle
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austrob
October 23, 2014 at 12:22 am
Thank you so much for your info!!
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Nicholas C. Rossis
October 23, 2014 at 11:30 am
As I’m about to publish my first children’s book, I sympathize… 😀
I’ve never made it as far as Pinterest, even as I keep saying I will. Your post makes it sound intriguing. Might have to go through with it some day! 🙂
Loved the images!!
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