Ten Things I’ve Learned after My First Book was Released

1) Romance readers have some serious depth.  I spent several emails with one fan about the philosophy of good vs. evil and whether the Kurjans even had a chance to be good.  Loved it!

2)    Any jackass can leave a review on goodreads or amazon.  My favorite was the gal who sent people to buy her book instead.  Classy.

3)    Readers like the heartwarming stuff…even in a sexy book.  I’ve had more comments about how cute the big, bad, vamps are with little Janie. 

4)    People who tell you the ‘sex is too much’ in book one…have already preordered book 2.  Yeah.  You know who you are.  🙂

5)    If someone tells me how wonderful the “world building” was…the sex may have been too much for them.

6)    Getting stressed about aspiring authors dropping your name to your editor or agent is just silly…they’re used to it.

7)    It’s a high-low profession.  One day a national magazine recommends your
book…the next day another national magazine doesn’t like your characters.  Keep it steady by remembering…it’s all about the story.  Forget the rest.

8)    Promotion and social media are a must.  But writing the story should always come first.

9)    Your editor is on your side—completely.  Anyone who thinks it’s a battle between the author and the editor…probably doesn’t have an editor yet.

10)  It’s okay to say ‘no’…even if you’re a nice person and really do want to help people.  Unfortunately, there’s only so much time in the day, and hopefully you have a life too.  Protect that.

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14 thoughts on “Ten Things I’ve Learned after My First Book was Released”

  1. SaydeGrace says:

    I’m kinda nervous about one or two of those!! Especially number 10 as I was so going to send you a “don’t ya wanna” email today!! You’re killing me. And by the way, where’s my ARC?

  2. jeff7salter says:

    Very good list. I’m amazed at the brass of the individual cited in # 2.
    #8 — the story comes first — definitely
    #7 — high & low — I’ve had the high in non-fiction, but still waiting for it with my novels. There’s been an abundance of low, however. LOL

  3. vicki batman says:

    This is a good list. I’m sharing it with friends!

  4. Love it…and true.I liked the world building AND the sex though 😉 But Im perverse like that. LOL

  5. Marlo Berliner says:

    Great post, Rebecca – thanks for sharing! I checked out your “winning” query letter, too. It’s so helpful when authors share these. Wishing you many sales!

  6. jeffekennedy says:

    I can’t believe someone tried to send readers to their own book! People are just insane at times.

  7. rfirasek says:

    Awesome post. I totally click with the romance readers have depth. 😉 Can’t wait for Book 2! Claimed sounds awesome!!!

  8. Brooklyn Ann says:

    I love your world building. 😉 LOL, teasing. The sex was great too. And I do love the Awww moments. Especially the vamp with the pink nail polish. 🙂 Cannot wait to read CLAIMED.

  9. Hi Rebecca – totally agree with all the points. You left one off though.

    11. Writing as a career is HARD, but it’s such FUN we LOVE it!

  10. Lynn Rush says:

    Nice list. It’s amazing what we learn as we go, huh? I totally agree with the high/low statement. Whew. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep up with the changes. LOL.

    Write on, my friend.

  11. I loved this post. Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned!

  12. You mean you can’t have world-building and sex? LOL
    Great list, Rebecca.

  13. Tam Linsey says:

    Number eight hit home to me just now. I’ve been learning FB and Twitter and working on my blog, but I have not touched my new story in three weeks. Time to disconnect my Internet. Thanks, Rebecca.

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