As soon as I finish this post I’ll be uploading my formatted files of LIGHTBRINGER to Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords. Since part of the reason for this series is to share the emotional aspects that can trip us up on the way to getting our work out there, I have to confess: I’m nervous.
My anxiety is potent enough to make me procrastinate a little, but only so long as I don’t examine it. When I start to look closely at what worries me, it loses much of its power.
What am I afraid of?
It’s silly. I mean Really silly. I’m afraid I’ll do it wrong. That I’ll feel stupid and frustrated with the process. Sheesh. How many thousands have already done this? It can’t be that hard.
What else?
Lurking in the back of my mind is the concern that after all my effort to prepare a professional product, my sales will be dismal.
That’s always a risk, whether you’re published by a traditional publisher or you go indie. I’m prepared to wait until I have several books on the virtual store shelf and have developed some momentum before I start to worry too much (well, that’s what I tell myself, anyway). But there is that lingering echo of the old “produce model” of book sales as Dean Wesley Smith and Kris Rusch call it. A desire to see it do well right away. Well, in most cases it won’t. It will take time for fans to find it. That’s the new model. Get used to it.
There you have it. The best antidote to fears like these: Don’t let them lurk in the shadows. Shine a light on them. See them for what they are. Then get moving.
That’s “all” there is to it.
Frankie's Soapbox 
Frankie – you can do it! And no worries on the sales. Remember – e-books never go bad. They live forever as long as you keep them out there. I can tell you, I’m waiting to read this book. I know it’s as awesome as Veiled Mirror.
Thanks, Casey! I really appreciate your encouragement!
I’m glad someone else feels like that! And, of course, you’re right; it’s just fear, the trick is not to give in.
Enjoying your blog! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly. 🙂
Thanks, Karen! From your fingertips to God’s ear? 🙂
Frankie, I’m so thrilled that you shared your self-publishing journey. My first self-pubbed has been up for a week. The night I did it I only slept 4 hours. Thoughts were whirling in my head like a tornado. Did I push the right buttons? Did my description sound okay? What if no one buys it? Ok, that last one is every writer’s worry. Wishing you mega-sales.
Thanks, Jill!
It annoys the heck out of me that my emotions can get so knotted up, but it does no good to pretend they don’t have any impact. Much better to face them, silly as they are, sometimes.
I hope your book flies off the virtual shelves too!