THE END – I typed the final two words and six letters of my novel PROVENANCE and burst into tears—which I now realize was the appropriate response—but not for the obvious emotional reason. I thought, after seven long years of writing and rewriting, that I had reached my goal, I had a completed manuscript, a book, better yet, a best seller! All I had to do was hand it off to my publisher and they would get it to booksellers who would then supply clamoring readers. As the author, my work, was done.

Those of you who have already published a book can stop laughing now. What I’ve since learned is that The End, is just the beginning of being a published author. When the writing ends, the next phase of being an author begins, the publishing and promotion part.

Once upon a time, in a publishing era not so long ago, authors gladly relinquished all aspects of publishing and promotion to the publisher. They did the editing, proofreading, interior design, cover design, pre-launch promotion, publicity, post-launch promotion as well as whatever hand-holding was necessary to make an author’s book a success. They planned and paid for the launch party, they scheduled interviews, book signings and appearances at book festivals. They got the author on television, radio or whatever broadcast media was available. But that was then, this is now. Today—and it doesn’t matter whether you are traditionally, self- or hybrid published—if you what an audience to discover your book, YOU, the author, have to get involved in all of those previously outsourced publisher responsibilities. That is how you make your book a book a success. Now writing a book almost seems like the easier part.

I realized I can’t do all this publishing and promotion part alone – I need you to come along with me for advice, counsel and moral support. At least a couple of times a week I’ll write about what’s going on in this process of becoming a published author. I hope you’ll read, contribute, commiserate, celebrate and support me as I blog my way to publication and beyond. You can subscribe to my blog (see info on the right) or LIKE my author page on Facebook to see my linked posts there.

Seems THE END was not the finish line, it is just the beginning of the next chapter.

UPCOMING POST: What’s Your Book About? From story, to synopsis, to elevator speech.