Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Behind the Scenes (of an author)

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Browse the internet for a book.
Purchase book.
Open book.
Read book.
Review book.
Put the book away.

I was a reader before I became an author, so I remember when things were this simple for me. My biggest struggle was choosing which books I wanted to spend my Amazon gift cards on. But now, as an author, I realize how much more work goes into publishing a book. So let me set the stage for you.

As a full-time, working mom, my day job takes up 40+ hours a week. Then it’s off to the races as soon as I get home–preparing dinner for my family, traveling to my daughter’s volleyball games, and volunteering at church (my husband is a children’s pastor). Somewhere in there, I have to find time to grocery shop, do some laundry, and run any other errands that pop up during the week.

You might wonder when I find time to write or do other author things.

Balancing a full-time job, family, and being an author is tricky. I will admit sometimes I feel myself spreading thin like mayonnaise on a bologna sandwich…lol! I don’t always get to write when I want to, and sometimes even the best-laid plans can fall through in a heartbeat. Thankfully, my kids are older–my 2 boys both work full-time jobs and one just bought his own house, and my daughter will be 16 in a few weeks, so that will help with some of the running around.

But even when I’m not actively writing a book, I still need to sell the ones I’ve written. There’s research for keywords, impromptu book photoshoots, scouring the internet for stock images, scheduling social media posts, promotions, and ads to spread the word, planning book sales, creating teasers and graphics…I think you probably get the idea. I know this busyness I’m in right now is for only a season, so my philosophy is to take it day by day. When I have a free weekend, I try to get in as much as possible. It may be only one chapter, or it may be planning out my social media posts for the week.

I’ve been asked why I don’t just take a break, and the answer is absolutely not! I love it too much to give it up (even if it takes me longer to write a book than I’d like). It’s my joy and privilege to write stories. It’s because of readers like you that make our job so much fun. Knowing I could be a bright spot in someone’s day or give them an escape for a few hours makes me happy.

Every author has a different procces, so this is just my perspective. Some write full-time while others do it as a side job. Some do the heavy lifting of all the details, and others enlist the help of professionals. Regardless, it’s all important. It’s our job to make the process as easy as possible for readers to find us, read our books, and hopefully tell others about them.

Have you ever thought about what goes into marketing a book?

I’d like to encourage you to send a message to one (or a few) of your favorite authors. Comment on a social media post or send an email, but tell them how much you enjoy reading their stories. I promise it will be a bright spot in their day!

I’m excited for this year’s Back to School Bash and this is one of the books you can win in the giveaway.

 

 

K Leah (24 Posts)

K. Leah is a hopeless romantic and adores a good Hallmark movie. Growing up in the South, she likes her tea sweet and coffee strong. Family and faith are what matter most and she wears many hats, including being a wife, mom, and graphic designer. Other than being creative with designs or stories, she likes to spend her free time escaping reality into the pages of a sweet love story.


Comments

  3. Thank you for taking the time to write this blog and give us the insight into what it is like for an author.

  4. This is really interesting, I had always thought how hard it must be to write a book, but not about all the marketing and everything else.

    I love signing up for author’s newsletters and they often say to reply and get in touch – I never thought they’d really want to deal with lots of emails from readers so I never have, but now I will make a point of replying to thank them for how much I enjoy their writing.

  5. welcome today. wow you are a lady of many hats. I totally concur with you not giving up. I was like this at one time. I loved to sew and so wanted to sew my children clothes (this was back when prices for fabrics were so much cheaper) I found the time. And then I learned to machine quilt and yes still found time to fit it in a little here a little there. Now I am retired and strangely enough I still have to find to time to quilt. LOL Life never really gets un-busy unless we put ourselves in a bubble and dont leave it. Not an option. God wants us to be out there and to interact with Him daily.

  6. That’s why I always leave a review and try to encourage the author. Thank you for all your hard work. Blessings

  9. It always amazes me what goes into publishing a book besides writing the book. I also enjoy learning more about author’s lives. Thanks for sharing with us a little about your life.

  10. Yes! I personally love when readers reply to my newsletters and know many others do as well. I enjoy making the connection with readers and sometimes that email might just be the encouragement I need for the day.

  12. Yes, I’m sure as my kids get older and all are out of the house, I’ll trade one busy for another. haha! As long as I keep God the center of my life, I pray He will keep blessing me with time to do the things I love.

  19. I interact with quite a few different authors every day, and have come to realize just how involved publishing a book is for an indie author!! I find it interesting, as I had to take marketing and advertising in college. My teacher for both courses told me I was the person advertisers hate! Probably so, because I do NOT have to jump on any bandwagon for something as soon as it comes out!

  20. Thanks for sharing this peek into your life as an author. Through posts like this, I have gained a new appreciation for the dedication and perseverance it takes to get a book published and into the hands of readers.

  21. I’ve heard some from the authors I follow, but I’m always grateful for all the work that you do and put behind every book. It’s truly appreciated!

  22. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve always been told that I should write but I don’t have the courage at all so I applaud you!

  23. Hi, I enjoyed reading your post , Thank you so much for being an author, you are truly appreciated. have a great rest of the week and stay safe.

  24. This was such an interesting post! I love your books and I am so glad that you choose to write

  25. I often send an email to an author after reading a book I love. I will review etc. I also interact with some newsletters (ones who ask questions I can reply too) I stopped with a few authors who ask questions but never reply. Its also interesting to know how an author fits writing in. I know a few authors who would write while kids were at different practices and they were sitting in the car waiting for the practice to finish. I know of many who get up at 4 or 5 am to get an hour in first thing in the morning before the house rises.

  32. Yes, everyone has their own process for sure. I’ve been know to sit in my car while kids were at sports practices and write on my iPad. Just whenever you can find the time. I love hearing from readers when they reply to my emails.

  33. Thank you for your blog. It was very interesting, something (I hate to say) I never thought about. I will be more mindful. I have started following authors (alot of authors!). I do comment, but will make more of an effort to comment more. I am amazed and thrilled at all of the Christian authors I have met this summer, thanks to promos and giveaways. So, thank you!!

  34. Thank you for keeping up with all the busyness! I really enjoy the beautiful words you share and am selfish enough to admit I could never do what you do!

  39. I have talked to a few authors about their marketing process as well as their writing process. Thank you for all your hard work. God bless you.

  45. I didn’t really understand the time and commitment involved in a book until I started following authors more closely. Once I realized though I started trying to be better about posting reviews and thanking authors for their work because it really is appreciated and they work so hard on what they do.

  49. I do not know how y’all do it. I honestly don’t. Just one of those hats would wear me out, let alone all the ones you wear.
    Thank you for the work you do and for taking the time to write this post. :)
    HAVE A GREAT DAY! :)

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