Embarking on the thrilling journey of launching my debut book feels like a dream come true. The road to becoming an author while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and a leadership role has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Countless late nights, early mornings, and stolen moments have been invested in crafting this literary work, each word a testament to my unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the field of education. The excitement coursing through my veins is palpable as I stand on the brink of introducing my labor of love to the world.
Benches in the Bathroom not only represents the culmination of my commitment to educator wellness but also stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a story of balancing the demands of nurturing a family and nurturing a passion, of finding inspiration in the everyday chaos of life. I can’t help but feel grateful for the support of my loved ones and the countless cups of coffee that fueled this journey.
As I take my first step into the world of publishing, I am filled with hope and excitement, eager to share the words that have taken root in my soul and to connect with readers who may find a piece of themselves in the pages of my book. The publication of the book in May 2023 was only the beginning; there is a book launch adventure that still lies ahead.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about the book launch process throughout the last few months:
- Consider book launch events at locations other than bookstores. There are so many outlets to share your work. My next event is at Loyola University Chicago, where I am an invited presenter for graduate students and faculty. Look for creative opportunities to share your work with your target audience.
- Generate a profit or break even. In a perfect world, authors would be well paid for each event. However, as a first-time author this may not always be the case. That said, book sales should offset the cost of your participation in, or hosting, a book event—otherwise you are operating at a loss. You have already sacrificed to become a published author. Your insight is valuable, and compensation is a reasonable expectation.
- Determine your costs. Be certain that you include hidden costs like travel expenses.
- Require a minimum book purchase by organizers to offset your expenses when you are an invited guest.
- Set sales goals for any book event that you host and ensure that the guest list is curated accordingly.
- Engage your network. You will need friends, allies, and encouragement on this leg of the journey. You need people to not only purchase the book but also help amplify your message. Generate a list of people who are willing to assist you. This list of people should have direct access to your target audience and feel passionate about the topic. I had a successful book launch in New Jersey because one of my loved ones is a member of the school board. Naturally, she is committed to improving educational outcomes, she has access to my target audience, and she joyfully shared the book event. As much as I’d like to plan a book launch in Cabo San Lucas, I don’t know a soul who lives there. Effective book launch events require some local connections.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to stay motivated, no matter where you are on your own path. Remember, every story, every book, every endeavor is a ripple that has the potential to create waves of change. I believe in the power of our words to inspire, educate, and transform. Together, we can make a difference, one page at a time.
