Release Week Reflections
In which Bev tries to wrap her mind around all that happened
Updates
We’re officially two weeks out from release for The Necromancer’s Apprentice. It still feels really surreal to know that my book is out in the world now, finding its readers, and its spot on many a bookshelf.
My release week did not go as planned, as I’m sure many of you know. I had a bit of a sore throat the Sunday before, it continued through Monday turning into a 100 degree fever before I took two Covid tests back to back. Both Positive. Without a shadow of a doubt.
I spent my release day not feeling great. Muscle aches, general fatigue, brain fog, and a lot of scrambling to figure out if I could beat this thing before having to reschedule all of my plans. I could not. Symptoms remained mild, I was never super congested, I had only 2 nights of coughing fits, and the worst part, loss of smell / chemical burning sensation in my nostrils lasted 2 days. It was probably the worst time to ever get Covid, especially considering this was my first confirmed round of it. Get your vaccinations, friends! Don’t forget your boosters!
There was a lot of prayer, a lot of impatience, a lot of hazy journaling, and some tears. When the weather finally turned nice, I would take myself outside in the evenings to sit in the sun and breathe fresh air like the most grumpy of houseplants.
It was lonely, it was quiet, it was miserable.
But the book still made it out into the world!
The Necromancer’s Apprentice has earned a number of Orange Banners. These are given to Top Sellers in Amazon’s Book Categories. They allow for a LOT of visibility, and are something that every author likes to see. The first, arrived a few days before release. Children’s eBooks on Death, Grief & Bereavement. The second #1 Top New Release in Children’s Coming of Age Fantasy books came later.
If you want to see some of the company my book has been keeping, check out those lists! They include a number of classics and the recent Newberry Award Winner. It’s wild.
Sales have been steady, with enough (I believe) to cover the production costs for my next book (more on that later). This is HUGE and honestly, the biggest success and goal: a self-sustaining publishing business.
I’ve so enjoyed seeing folks share photos of my book out in the wild. Shout out again to Luisa Galstyan, my cover designer for making The Necromancer’s Apprentice look so dang PRETTY!
I feel like my emotions might settle more once the release party happens, but right now I’m feeling very grateful. Tired (thanks Covid) but thankful. It’s been such a long road to get to this moment so I’m going to try and sit with it as long as I can.
Extra Special Fun News!
I’m delighted to share that the Finding Fantasy Reads Podcast will be producing an episode featuring my newsletter short, Skullduggery! That’s right! Audiophiles can listen to my Necromancer and the Void traversing the Necromantic Archives on October 22nd, 2024. Please show all the love to Karyne and Paeter for tackling all of the Finnish and Latin spells I wrote having never imagined that someone would be forced to read them aloud.
Next Steps
Launch Party! For real this time! Friday, October 18th! See This Post for further details, instructions, etc.
I’m having a little bit of trouble transitioning back from PROMO ALL THE TIME! to being a writer, simply writing things. There is a distressing trend where when I post promo, I can get 1-3 sales! Whereas, if I don’t post anything, its crickets. While this does boost my confidence in my marketing abilities, it’s not sustainable. Sadly, however many graphics I make, not one of them has actually written any words for me.
Bear with me as I find the balance and an extra special thank you to all the readers who hype up their favorite books. You’re the true marketing geniuses!
Writing Updates
I had intended to poke at a few writing things during release week. But Covid and further health flares have really extended my writing break. I’m hoping, praying, and crossing all of my limbs, to be able to have some steady good health days ahead to focus in on the next thing.
The good news is that my next book is already written. It’s actually the middle grade book that I wrote and queried before The Necromancer’s Apprentice. It is a very different book, with very different vibes. I’m a little nervous that my readers will get whiplash, and yet I’m so immensely proud of this story.
It already has an absolutely beautiful cover that I can’t wait to show you. My hope is that I’ll be able to tell you / show you more about it closer to its tentative release date. No more yearly marketing campaigns if I can help it / my health allows for it.
But as a little teaser, my mentor, Laura E. Weymouth, calls it, “the most beautiful, deftly-told, generous-hearted little fairytale” and she’s never wrong.
The Cats
My boys were my steadfast companions during my sick week. They provided lots of snuggles and moral support. Banjo and Harley are both really enjoying the nicer weather and all the cozy sunbeams.
Thank you for reading! I hope that, with all books, you find them exactly when you need them.
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