Anyone who is a SATC fan, will likely remember Carrie’s A-list book release party, complete with Cosmos and cupcakes topped with little candy shoes. It was the sort of lovely, over the top party that only exists on television. While I knew my launch parties would be nothing like that, I still always like to make it feel special. It is a celebration and honestly, if I don’t make it special – who will?
Photo Credit: HBO Sex and the City (From Episode: Plus One is the Loneliest Number (TV Episode 2002)
Years ago, one of my books received an awful trade review. It might sound dramatic to say I was devastated, but the truth is – I was, at least for a weekend. The review was curt and dismissive, and made me feel like a talentless hack. More than anything, I was embarrassed. How could I promote this book that a reviewer made sound like worthless drivel?
After a good cry, I took a deep breath, had some quality chocolate, and ordered up a dress that matched the colors of the book cover. I got my nails done. I purchased bookmarks. I made plans for the launch event – joining a few other authors for a panel at probably one of the most fab bookstores on the planet. (Malaprops in Asheville, NC!!) Some family flew in, we spent a few days in the mountains. And when all was said and done, that awful review that had made me cry a few weeks before, seemed nothing more than a blip in the rearview mirror.
The truth is, there are going to be people who think your book sucks. And they will use such terminology. Mince no words. Find hilarious GIFs. Tell you exactly what they think of you. We are hardwired to remember these much more than anyone saying, “I loved your book” “This is my new favorite!” “Can’t wait for your next one!”
I didn’t intend this post to become about reviews – but here’s the catch – a lot of these come out in the weeks leading up to book release. And writers, believe it or not, are quite human. (at least for now...yikes!) Btw, I didn’t go looking for a bad review, I stumbled upon it while setting up purchase links on my website, so it was an unexpected ouch. My mantra is “reviews are for readers” because that is the truth. The book in question? You have no idea how many people have told me it is their favorite book I’ve written. So, at the end of the day, reviews, no matter who they come from, are just one person’s opinion. Don’t let them steal your joy!
The reality of release day is this – it comes, whether reviews are good or bad. Whether there is fanfare and hype, or none at all. Whether there’s a crowd at your launch, or a handful of your closest friends. Or no one at all. It’s inevitable. Whether I’m anxious, or happy, or sad, or a mix of all three. This will mark my first book release without my mom, who was always my biggest fan. I miss her.
And this is what I will do:
I will take a deep breath.
I will buy a pretty sundress.
I will get my nails done. Fix my hair.
And I will go to my launch knowing that it is special for me.
A new work of mine will be out in the world.
Something ten-year old me only dreamed of when she perused the Scholastic Book Fair flyer.
And that is something worth celebrating.