Five Lessons I've Learned Since Releasing My Book

In an email interview earlier this week, I was asked what I want my readers to take away from my book.

I had to pause to let those words – my readers – sink in. I have readers! 

It’s been nearly three weeks since my publisher, Wilson Lindberg Books, and I released my debut children’s book, Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan. Every morning since, I’ve woken up with a sense of gratitude, joy and a bit of disbelief that my dream came true.

I also wake up to a very long to-do list.

It’s been a whirlwind start to my #AuthorJourney, and in many ways, publishing the book was just the beginning. As someone who’s spent a career in communications and storytelling, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what marketing a book might involve. But experiencing it firsthand as an author has been eye opening.

Here are five big lessons I’ve learned in the first few weeks since releasing my book:

1. It takes an incredible amount of work – but it’s absolutely worth it.

Writing the book was one thing. For me, it was a huge thing that took a decade to finish. Bringing it to life and sharing it with readers is an entirely different beast.

Between marketing, events, media outreach, social media, and simply spreading the word through my network, the work doesn’t stop. I see how it could become a full-time job, and a fun one at that. It’s not mine, but wow – the hours add up quickly!

But every time a friend or relative sends a photo of their child reading my book, or someone tells me they’ve never read anything like it (in the best way), I’m reminded why the effort matters.

Seeing your story connect with readers makes every bit of work worthwhile.

2. Amazon pricing moves … a lot.

Shortly after my book released on Amazon, the price dropped – and my panic spiked.

I immediately texted my publisher since we had carefully worked together to determine the right price point for each format.

Then, a few days later, it dropped again. More head scratching. More messages to Hillary, who owns the small, boutique and relatively new publishing company I chose for my book

.

As it turns out, we learned something new: Amazon can adjust book prices whenever it wants – and it does so frequently.

The good news for authors is that these adjustments don’t reduce our royalties, which are based on the list price set through the publisher or distribution provider.

Of course, authors can lower prices, too. But if you notice a book’s price fluctuating, it can also mean Amazon is optimizing for sales.

In my case, Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan quickly earned the No. 1 New Release spot in Children’s Travel and Children’s Christmas Books. Because it was performing well, Amazon lowered the price to help keep it there for more than a week.

But going back to Lesson No. 1 – staying there takes time and effort. The book is back to its regular price, and that’s OK. I have a multi-phased marketing plan in place and will keep making it work to drive sales. 

3. Your network matters more than you realize.

In my corporate communications “day job,” I’ve learned that networking is essential – whether you’re growing a business, closing a deal, or landing your next job opportunity.

The same is true for authors. In fact, that’s how I found my illustrator and publisher.

Friends and family, colleagues, teachers, local businesses, and community leaders have all played a role in helping spread the word about my book, and I’m incredibly grateful. Publishing may feel like a solo accomplishment, but it truly takes a village.

For example, I lined up my first event through my son’s hockey organization where I had a table at the Muskegon Lumberjacks “Read to Succeed Night” for March is Reading Month. It was a huge success – especially considering most people came for hockey and didn’t expect to leave with a book.

Another great example is the hair salon where I’ve been a client for a decade. The owner generously showcased my book in her salon and on social media, encouraging customers to buy it at the first local store carrying it – which just happens to be right next door.

A friend and former colleague who writers for a local online magazine also published the first article about my #AuthorJourney and linked readers directly to my Amazon page.

And I can’t forget my teacher friends, who’ve encouraged their administrators to invite me to read to their classrooms. I already have multiple visits scheduled, with more in the works.

These are just a few examples of how powerful a supportive network can be.

4. Local support is incredibly powerful

Independent bookstores, local shops, schools, and community events are amazing places for authors to connect with readers.

Seeing my book appear in local stores like Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gifts and The Book Cellar in Grand Haven has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. These are the places where books turn into real-world moments and lasting memories.

A few more stores have already expressed interest, and there are many more I still plan to call. But let’s not forget Lesson No. 1 – it takes time!

5. Momentum builds when you keep showing up

Marketing a book isn’t a one-day launch event. It’s a series of small efforts that build over time.

A blog post here. A school visit there. A media interview. A community event.

Individually they may feel small, but together they create momentum.

And momentum is what helps a book find its readers. And that's the stage I'm living in right now with multiple school visits lined up for March is Reading Month, and several other book events on the horizon. It's my new happy place!

Publishing my first book has been an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful for every person who has supported this journey so far.

If the last few weeks have taught me anything, it’s this: once you start sharing your story, you realize how many people are excited to come along for the ride.