There are three weeks left until my book release. Not sure exactly what that means, besides the fact people can go to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and get it – lately I’ve been overwhelmed with the marketing end of authorship.

When I typed my last word and inserted my last period – for some strange reason I thought I was done.

Wrong.

So, here are seven things I’ve learned about authorship.

You’re Not Done – From the time your amazingly fantastic book idea goes from your head to book proposal to contract to book, it could be anywhere from one to three years. And, once the book is done the real hard work begins. I’d rather sit all day and write or encourage women in person, but that marketing stuff is real and it’s a BIG DEAL.

LOVE Your Book Topic – I had a great talk with my agent recently. We were discussing my next book project. I am in LOVE with it. With my book coming out, I’d much rather hide away and work on it. I told my husband, “I’m so excited about my next book. Rachelle LOVES it too! I can’t wait to work on it.”

My husband threw ice water on my creative fire, “Well cutie, you were just as excited when you began Just Too Busy too, remember? Before you jump into book number two, you’d better save some of that excitement for the marketing of this one.” He’s such a cool drink of water on a hot day.

Media-kits – They are a big deal. They include everything from an excerpt of your book, a book trailer (if you have one), your bio, and anything else that whirls and whistles that might get the attention of someone who will write about or review your book.

News Release – Public relations people love these. Reporters are going to be your new BFF’s. A news release is written with a punch, and includes all the information that will give the press the ability to write a story. I learned I am no press-release-writer. Thankfully, I have a friend who writes these and understands them. She did a great job of helping me!

Networking– If you are trying to garner attention for your book, this one is the MacDaddy of all. Who do you know? Better yet, who do you know that they know? You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help you get the word out about your book. Friends and even friends of friends have been a big help. Ask them to do a book review, write a blog post, or Twitter or Facebook about you/your book.

Authors tend to hang out at the same water cooler. So, I’ve been blessed to make quite a few writer-friends who are more than willing to share some amazing contacts. Who do you know that can help you?

Money – Do you have any? Before you publish your first book you’d better have a little cushion in the bank. Putting a news release on Business Wire? $500. 35-Second Book Trailer? $385. Posters, bookmarks, postcards, business cards? Depending on what your publisher does for you- $100 to $300. Interested in attending a conference? Plan on spending $100 – $900. What? You want a booth at that conference too? Add another cool $800 – $2400.

Creative Marketing is HUGE – You must learn to think outside the press-box. You must jump on the social-media train! Blog tours, Facebook meet and greets, Twitter tours, the sky is the limit with technology and reaching your readers. Our family is driving to Tennessee this summer, which opens the door for some creative marketing. I plan on using Twitter/Facebook/My blog to let my readers know where I’ll be stopping so I can meet them! First to show up gets a free book! I’ll be using my newest gift of news releases to alert the local news media, just in case they want to get the story of a family who lives a little radically. And, they might possibly get the exclusive from a mother who wants to kill her own children after driving in the car with them for four days. It all depends.

This has been quite the learning curve. Thankfully, God has opened doors and is still faithful to put wonderful people along my path who take me by the hand when I get overwhelmed.

Apparently, it’s all a part of authorship and clearly the ride of my life .