I feel so seen. Thank you Lisa. I’m forwarding this essay to a friend who just published a book of essays and has been through the ringer with anxiety, worry.
My book just went live today on Amazon. This advice is like a magical elixir brought back from your journey. Thank you for sharing your feelings, thoughts, and helpful suggestion! xo
Thank you for sharing this, Lisa. As you say, we need to feel part of a community, and knowing that we all experience this to some degree is very helpful. I’m hoping my book will come out in September. I say hoping, my last publisher sold the company right after I handed in the final draft. Once bitten... Even this time, handing in the final draft, I didn’t feel that sense of elation or the social media glee I see. Thus far it has been a jumping through hoops exercise, which I have chosen to do. I'm "have something they need to say" category. Again, thank you.
About to publish my fourth book and so much of this still resonates. I’m much more pragmatic now about the emotional realities of publishing but I am also sad for the loss of the more innocent, excitable version of my earlier author ‘self’. Thanks for this!
This is SO GOOD, Lisa! As a writer and first-time author (currently in the liminal space between manuscript deadline and developmental edits) I needed to read this now to mentally and emotionally prepare for the road ahead and gather my people (and a sparkly tiara!). Thank you for sharing!
I feel seen. In the middle of self-publishing my first book and I am all over the place! This makes me feel okay about my emotions 😆 definitely coming back to read it again after I publish!
Congratulations on reaching this momentous milestone—making it to the middle is a big deal! All emotions are welcome (and needed) here. Please know that you're not alone, and I’m here if you need support..
I recently made the decision to ditch traditional publishing and go the self publishing route because I am surrounded by talented friends and family who are supportive of my work and want to help. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Just another affirmation that I’m on the right track.
Crystal, I love hearing this—and I can feel the clarity and empowerment in your decision. Trusting your community and honoring your voice is such a powerful move. Cheering you on as you forge your own path. You're exactly where you need to be.
I feel so seen. Thank you Lisa. I’m forwarding this essay to a friend who just published a book of essays and has been through the ringer with anxiety, worry.
Thank you, Hol! This message makes ME feel so seen. So grateful :> Best of luck to your friend and hope this piece is a support to them!
Wow! I'm about to publish my first book and I am so grateful to you for sharing this so that I might prepare myself. Thank you!!
Thank you, Yolanda and congratulations! Stay connected as the launch grows near and reach out anytime if I can be a support to you!
My book just went live today on Amazon. This advice is like a magical elixir brought back from your journey. Thank you for sharing your feelings, thoughts, and helpful suggestion! xo
Thank you, Courtney, i really appreciate where you are and you're not alone! Consider me part of your publishing buddy team!
So good! Felt this in my soul and couldn't consider publishing another one for a very long time. Appreciate your writing here!
Thank you so much for sharing, these words mean so much to me. xo
All so true. The word I always think of regarding publishing is "fraught."
This was so affirming to read. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this, Lisa. As you say, we need to feel part of a community, and knowing that we all experience this to some degree is very helpful. I’m hoping my book will come out in September. I say hoping, my last publisher sold the company right after I handed in the final draft. Once bitten... Even this time, handing in the final draft, I didn’t feel that sense of elation or the social media glee I see. Thus far it has been a jumping through hoops exercise, which I have chosen to do. I'm "have something they need to say" category. Again, thank you.
About to publish my fourth book and so much of this still resonates. I’m much more pragmatic now about the emotional realities of publishing but I am also sad for the loss of the more innocent, excitable version of my earlier author ‘self’. Thanks for this!
I finished a book proposal a month ago and have only just been querying agents, and it’s already the loneliest I’ve ever felt. Thank you for this!
You’re not alone!
Thank you for sharing—preparing for my debut year and this is just the wisdom I needed. 🤍 Very grateful!
I love this so much. It’s so true. It’s the work we are doing with www.TheWayBack2Ourselves.com. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
This is SO GOOD, Lisa! As a writer and first-time author (currently in the liminal space between manuscript deadline and developmental edits) I needed to read this now to mentally and emotionally prepare for the road ahead and gather my people (and a sparkly tiara!). Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Leslie; these comments mean so much to me. I'm grateful these words resonate, and I am here to support you in any way I can!
I feel seen. In the middle of self-publishing my first book and I am all over the place! This makes me feel okay about my emotions 😆 definitely coming back to read it again after I publish!
Congratulations on reaching this momentous milestone—making it to the middle is a big deal! All emotions are welcome (and needed) here. Please know that you're not alone, and I’m here if you need support..
I recently made the decision to ditch traditional publishing and go the self publishing route because I am surrounded by talented friends and family who are supportive of my work and want to help. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Just another affirmation that I’m on the right track.
Crystal, I love hearing this—and I can feel the clarity and empowerment in your decision. Trusting your community and honoring your voice is such a powerful move. Cheering you on as you forge your own path. You're exactly where you need to be.