It’s Almost Here!

Publication Day is just around the corner!

Reminder -- You can get To Catch a Spy from Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

It’s Really Happening!

Wow, publication is just around the corner -- April 1st. 

The irony of launching on April Fool’s Day is not lost on me. I laugh when I think about it, and the jokes just flow. But please know it’s really happening; this is not some long-term prank I’ve been setting up. 

I have a hard time believing the book is about to hit the market. After years of writing, preparing, and promoting, it’s finally happening! 

The publisher has arranged for a book signing/launch at the Barnes & Noble in Eatontown, NJ, on Saturday, April 5th, from 1:00 to 3:00. I lived most of my life in that area, and I’ve spent hundreds of dollars at that store (at its two prior locations). 

Then there are book signings down here in the Bluffton, SC area. The first one is at the Barnes & Noble store on Hilton Head Island on Tuesday, April 8th, at 6:00 PM, followed by another at the Barnes & Noble in Savannah, GA (the Oglethorpe Mall) on Saturday, April 12th from 1:00 to 4:00. 

And there will be more to come! Please attend if you can. 

I’m also presenting at a couple of locations just before the book launch; it’s very exciting! Plus there’s going to be some media coverage, which is always wonderful. 

I’m getting nervous, but the thing that calms me down the most are the early reviews on Goodreads. People who don’t know me really like the book, which means I’ve been able to provide a little entertainment/escapism for them.  

And that’s what it’s all about!

Different Perspectives

Here’s something that a lot of folks can relate to…

Like most authors, I think my book is fantastic. I’ve beaten the odds to get it to a big publisher (6,000 to 1 odds of getting an agent, then 67% chance of placing the book), the cover design is fantastic, I’ve gotten blurbs by great authors, and Goodreads early reviews are wonderful. 

On top of that, I’ve gotten great support from the marketing & publicity team at my publisher. So everything is falling into place for success, assuming I have the right expectations. 

But what I’ve learned is some authors want more, especially when it comes to publicity, which they look at as a silver bullet. If their book does so-so after launch, they often blame the level of promotional support. I don’t think that’s fair. 

Perspective helps to understand it all. To start, I’m a debut author with no track record. And my imprint, Poisoned Pen Press, has other authors that are immensely popular; they’ve written great novels, and have a history of tremendous sales. 

In addition, Poisoned Pen publishes at least 3 books a month! Each book has its own unique marketing & publicity plan. All those plans have to be executed, which is a lot of work for a lean organization. 

Poisoned Pen wants all of those books to succeed; that’s how they make money. Also, in a world of limited resources, they have to prioritize. They have authors who are cash cows, and those investments must be optimized. But like every good business, they need to cultivate future revenue streams; they want new authors who can write several great books.

We’re aligned on that. I’ve always thought beyond my first book; in fact, I’m writing my second John Robie/Francie Stevens novel now, and I’ve got ideas for many more.  

A good friend of mine named Jim once told me to ‘focus on what you give, not what you get.’ He was talking about religion and relationships, but that incredible advice applies to everything. 

When it comes to publishing, I know I’m one piece of a bigger puzzle. And my job is to give great content to the folks who bring the book to market. Also, I have appropriate expectations, which makes all the difference. 

With all that said, I still dream about wild success! Who wouldn’t?

What’s Next?

Some folks have asked me what happens with my newsletters and postings AFTER To Catch a Spy is published, and I have some answers.

The next couple will provide updates on how it’s all going; To Catch a Spy will be in the market, and I’m hopeful I’ll have good news to write about. 

After that, I’m going back to the original format where I can share the research for my next book. 

So there you have it! An April (and maybe May) update, then back to research. 

Final Note…

I just want to thank everyone for their support. You all have been wonderful about this project, even from the early stages. It’s been so much fun, and that’s thanks to all of you.

Stay tuned, though. There’s a lot more to come!