Twelve months ago, almost to the day, I started querying agents with my novel. Today, I spent the majority of the day working on marketing. The similarities are eerie. So here is my take on the two, side by side.
The Query Process: starting out SUPER excited!! I'm gonna get me a fantabulous agent!
The Marketing Process: starting out SUPER excited!! I'm gonna sell me a million books!
The Query Process: realizing quickly, holy smokes, I don't know a thing about this!
The Marketing Process: realizing quickly, holy smokes, I don't know a thing about this!
The Query Process: sorting through a gazillion websites and blogs on how to write the perfect query to entice agents into thinking I have a book they need to read
The Marketing Process: sorting through a gazillion websites and blogs on how to get word out that I have a book they need to buy
The Query Process: accumulating a list of a hundred agents perfect for me
The Marketing Process: accumulating a list of a hundred reviewers perfect for the book
The Query Process: writing the perfect query letter; tearing it up and starting over with a more perfect query letter
The Marketing Process: writing a perfect plan, then adding to it obsessively with new plans
The Query Process: motrin
The Marketing Process: motrin
The Query Process: worrying no agents will want me
The Marketing Process: worrying no reader will want the book
The Query Process: rejections from agents
The Marketing Process: rejections from reviewers
The Query Process: compulsively checking QueryTracker for agent updates
The Marketing Process: compulsively checking YouTube for new book trailers
The Query Process: blogging nonstop about it until blog readers' ears bleed
The Marketing Process: blogging nonstop about it until blog readers' ears bleed
The Query Process: dreaming about book covers and doodling author bio
The Marketing Process: sweating over book covers and crying over author bio
The Query Process: dreaming of interviews and media spots
The Marketing Process: struggling to find 2 people/newpapers/blogs/TV/radio shows to even ask
The Query Process: worrying everyone else has a better query
The Marketing Process: worrying everyone else has a better book
The Query Process: summing up the book in a 5 sentence pitch
The Marketing Process: summing up the book in a one sentence book trailer
The Query Process: having people constantly asking me, "So, when's you're book coming out?" and having to explain how long the process is
The Marketing Process: having people constantly asking me, "So when's you're book coming out?" and getting to say, "Soon. Do you want to be on the mailing list?"
The Query Process: sanity saved by people who have read the book and believe in it - and me.
The Marketing Process: saved by people who have read the book and believe in it - and me
:-) I loved this post! It is very alike, I can agree! (I think the subbing aspect is also the same, btw)
ReplyDeleteWell done! You're doing fabulous!
What a clever post and a neat peek into what kind of excitement/stress/euphoria/panic will go through my own brain when I start on the hunt for an agent!!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! I promise to do my part to try and help support my fellow authors-so let me know if I can put your book trailer on my FB or blog :)
Haha, great post! It's all a little overwhelming, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteYou mean it doesn't get easier? Ugh!
ReplyDeleteJen - I can imagine the subbing process would be just as awful and wonderful - only maybe more so. At least in querying and marketing I get to do something. subbing is a lot of waiting around and not having a lot of control of it. That's the worst!!
ReplyDeleteKristi - what an awesome idea! I should put out a plea for everyone to spread the word and trailer site. Tomorrow I'll put up the link and ask if people will put it on their blogs or facebooks or myspace. You're awesome!
Kim - it's a roller coaster ride, isn't it? I'm trying to figure out how to get to Seattle when your book comes out so I can come to one of your launch parties or book signings or something. How cool would that be??
Natalie - you know, I've heard when you finally can breathe with one book, it starts all over with the next! :)
ReplyDelete"sanity saved by people who have read the book and believe in it - and me." :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Awesome post. It sounds overwhelming, but you'll do it.
ReplyDelete