25 Comments

At our book publicity firm, we often work with authors in the non-fiction space months and even years after their book is published. It can be the beginning of your book and author/expert brand's journey. A book is a wonderful asset and credential that can be positioned for years to boost visibility to your ideas. Also loved what you said, "Here is the thing: you don’t need permission to promote your book or continue promoting it." Thank you, Kathleen!

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Great, informative post. Love the 'care' points. Very sound advice. Thank you.

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I’m yet to have a book published, but find this information really helpful. I’ve heard a lot about the post publishing blues.

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Joey, I envy your position. I am due for release in November and if there's one thing I regret, it's not learning more about publishing and marketing as I polished, edited, polished edited, etc., etc., etc. I was the foolish naive one who thought once I signed a contract, all I'd have to do is sit and write another book. My experience is with a traditional small independent, and only one at that. The big houses may be different but from what I've read, not so much unless you're one of the big boys or girls. Being here is a major step in the right direction for you.

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Hi Morgan, thank you so much for your insightful response. I’d love to hear more about your experience.

I’ve just finished my manuscript so in editing/ rewriting at the moment. Of course I’d love to have my work published when it’s complete, but I fear there is so much I don’t know about the industry. Here to learn as much as I can!

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Thanks, I needed this one month after my debut novel was published! I'm saving this post as a reminder.

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Loved this! And finding it very helpful right this moment. Thanks.

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As an author, thinking about how to reengage with my audience nine months after my last book was published, this post is so specific and useful. Thank you, Kathleen!

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I just saved the CARE acronym as a screenshot, as I know I will return to those suggestions often. Thank you!

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Insightful and useful as always. Thank you!

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Such a great topic 🙏

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I love how specific your suggestions are. Thanks!!

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I wrote a blog post about this when I experienced it after my debut launch - called it "When the Party's Over" - it's a real phenomenon and one agents and publishers should "warn" authors about. And yes to finding your audience, niche or otherwise. My May 21 book is a suspense - such an easy genre to identify readers. Women's fiction/literary? much harder.

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Love this, Kathleen! I just wrote a post about feeling "down" post-publication. You've lifted my spirits considerably, and I look forward to re-grouping in the ways you describe. Thanks!

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We are all here with you. I'm glad this lifted your spirits!

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Oh, this is so helpful and so timely! Thank you for writing it and especially thank you for not putting it behind a paywall.

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We're revising our strategy and would like to visit with you. Please watch for my email next week.

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Sure!

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Great points! Thank you for sharing this post and the clear, actionable tips!

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As always, great advice! I'm still wondering though why authors sit around and wait for agents and publishers when so many options for self-publishing, and self-promotion exist today. With so many authors, and so few agents and publishers - most of whom I suspect spend the majority of their time on 'the big boys and girls, I'm feeling like we'd be better off doing it ourselves and not having to answer to anyone. Thoughts?

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I think it’s a lack of author education. The more authors I speak to, the clearer it becomes that not many know what to do & when.

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How about hiring the expertise (a new sub-market for you Kathleen) - what's the saying, "everyone needs a rabbi?"

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I teach online courses and do consultations where people can learn!

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