Exactly one year ago today, my greatest author achievement was unlocked as SKYLIGHT, my debut middle grade fantasy novel, became officially published. I had high hopes and to be completely honest, the moment felt extremely surreal. Truthfully speaking, even a year later, it still feels like a dream to say, “I’m a published author!”
Unlike any other job out there, writers and authors don’t have a clear rulebook or career guide to follow. Everyone’s journey is unique and while we all learn the basics, it almost feels like a rite of passage to candidly share my own experiences. So, on my one-year book-versary, here are my key highlights and lessons from my debut year.
EXPECTATION VS. REALITY
As many new authors discover, Tuesdays are apparently THE day for new book releases in traditional publishing. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, I logged in for my virtual book launch event with my publisher. Nerves ran through me as I sat in front of my laptop, my own book in hand, anxiously waiting to be let into the Zoom meeting.
Now, as a communication professor, I don’t normally get nervous when it comes to public speaking. But this event felt very different from any tournament I competed in or any class I taught. This was my publishing debut – a moment that only happens once in a lifetime!
Spotlight – Designed by Freepik
Even if I publish “debut” novels in other genres in the future, this would be my first official introduction to the world as an author. Reality finally set in that my work was literally available to the world and anyone had the ability to pick it up. I let the idea simmer in my mind as I was finally let into the Zoom, excited to see how many people would join.
I quickly discovered that reality does not always meet one’s expectations when I saw a handful of participants and my family made up half of the audience. I tried to swallow any disappointment building in my mind and focused on the win of becoming a published author instead. Thus, my launch event went off without a hitch!
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND MORE
The next milestone I experienced during my debut year was attending my first book conference – the American Library Association Conference in San Diego, California. My publishers arranged for my book to be on display at the conference, increasing its exposure to librarians from across the country. I was super excited to showcase my book and answer questions about my work. While I had no idea what I was getting into, I promoted my “appearance” at the ALA conference across my minimal social media presence and made myself available to sign books for attendees.
I fully expected to see my book on display with several copies to distribute or sign, but I was sadly mistaken. In fact, the conference experience was nothing like I anticipated and while my book was present at the event, it was neither prominently displayed nor easily discoverable amongst hundreds of booths and thousands of other books. It was at this moment that I began to understand that publishing a book was a great accomplishment, but gaining visibility for one’s book felt like an impossible uphill battle.
I admit that during the drive home from ALA, I was extremely disheartened at my so-called “accomplishment”, and I felt defeated in the face of so many other authors in the overcrowded field. While I found joy participating in the annual WriteHive Conference, I really had a difficult time pulling myself out of my marketing slump which led to a writing slump among other things. Getting my book traditionally published was an amazing achievement, but I truly had no clue about how my launch date was only the beginning of a never-ending marketing campaign. And I truly had no desire to do that!
FACING REALITY
SKYLIGHT LA County Library
Most new authors underestimate the amount of marketing we must do – especially when you are published with a small press.
It’s hard enough to get your story out there, and I truly thought that having a publisher would open doors to other opportunities. However, I was only met with closed windows and locked door after door. Finding my book in my local library became another victory and seeing it available in other libraries was pretty neat.
But having my book in libraries does not lead to sales and I will admit that I laughed out loud at my first royalty check!
I was fortunate that my publisher picked up another chapter book story I had written which placed a second published title under my belt. Yet the speed at which that acquisition was made was worlds away from the year-long lead up to my debut novel. I sometimes wonder if their decision was in my best interest or to simply to add another title to their catalog. While I’m happy to have two published books out in the world, I’ve slowly pulled myself out of my writing funk to draft the second book in the series, along with other contemporary works too.
Officially Published
As I reflect on this past year, I would say that I’m much more experienced and grounded in my career as an author. I’ve shelved my delusions of grandeur and tried to focus on the joy of writing instead. I often remind myself that my work might help a young reader dream bigger some day. Moreover, I’ve realized that like life, a successful career as an author is marathon, not a sprint.
To close, I write this review not to discourage others, but to provide an honest glimpse into my unique experiences. I love the writing communities I’ve found, and I love being a writing mentor for young creatives. I still plan on finishing the various works-in-progress I have floating around in my head and perhaps one day, those stories will debut with a grand parade rather than the silent sparkler SKYLIGHT experienced. Writing is tough! There’s no doubt about it, but, I know that during my debut year, I’ve grown tremendously as a writer and I graciously look forward to completing this marathon with everyone.
Casey, can you tell us a little about why you chose to write a graphic novel and if you worked together to create the story and illustrations?
