The Challenges of Publishing a Book

In July I signed my contract for a book deal with my publisher. Weeks later my siblings each commented, “Are you so glad to be done with your book?” I laugh now, as I hadn’t a clue the journey that was about to unfold. I was just sharing with a friend the other day that I feel like I am back in college. Deadline after deadline.

Last night, while answering some questions about my book with some friends, they asked if it’s just all the re-edits that the editors make you do in the midst of such a project or what? To their amazement, I shared with them, “No! It’s the pre-prep of making sure you have a social media and website presence; creating accounts on book-reading platforms I’ve never even heard of before; working on my bio; scheduling the book launch; setting up interviews and preparing for your “tour”; and of course then there is the whole book launch team to round up.

Of course all of this has me on social media more than I ever thought possible. And you know what I have struggled with? Imposter syndrome. I’d see fabulous speakers’ posts llke Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer. I’d see successful business coaches and motivational speakers’ posting about their latest program launch or newest class offered. I’d see published authors posting about how many copies they’ve now sold or their latest book now out. And I felt so overwhelmed and out of my league. Then it hit me. I’m not called to be a theologian. I’m not pushing toward fame nor notoriety. I’m not trying to make it rich or even start a sales funnel. I am simply keeping a promise I made to my mom on her death bed, all while trying to daily seek the Lord’s will for what He’d do with it. And that, my friend, is no imposter - that’s living an authentic vulnerable life all for the glory of God.

I welcome you to join my book launch here.