With Love & Lemmings
Oh hey V.I.P.s!
All of you know that I hosted a book signing for Lorelei this weekend. In fact, many of you were there.
For months I’ve been freaking out about the event. I obsessed over designing colouring pages, bookmarks, stickers, and signs that I thought would grab people's attention. Every morning I checked ticket sales on Eventbrite to temper my expectations. I was convinced the day would be either too big for me to handle or a tragically empty disaster.
The morning of, I was as prepared as I was anxious. Every detail was meticulously planned and equally as stressed over. It’s my perfectionist superpower.
The day went smoother than I could've hoped for. I was genuinely surprised by how many strangers were interested in popping in. My mom and mother-in-law took to the streets to hand out handfuls of bookmarks. They were untethered and unyielding in their promotion.
Because of their efforts, my book merch is currently floating all around the west end of Toronto. One new reader will be taking Lorelei to Halifax.
Many of my friends travelled as well. People from the other side of the city, Ottawa, and Montreal came in to support. They bought extra copies, listened to my reading, coloured in my worksheets, and asked thoughtful questions. I saw friends hear my story for the first time, and it was nothing short of magical. While signing books, I overheard people saying how proud they were of me.
That's something you never get tired of hearing.
There aren’t enough ways to thank everyone who came, voiced their support, or helped set up. Writing a book has always been a dream of mine, and opening that first page to read was beyond surreal. It was even more emotional knowing that so many people in the audience helped me edit the story, run the event, or kept me moving forward when I thought no one would want my book.
Despite being published, the success of my book is up to me. It’s overwhelming since I’m such a novice at promoting myself. I’m constantly worried about overdoing it or burdening people with my hobbies. I fear that my excitement will be construed as bragging.
Making any kind of progress as a writer often feels impossible. I'm nowhere near the point where people are seeking out my books. So far Lorelei has been a two-year-long journey, and I still am struggling to get traction. Having a UK-based publisher is a challenge with Canadian sellers, and I’ve been left wanting from their publicity efforts. The bulk of the promotion (and budget) is coming from my own grassroots initiatives.
In fact, I spent the better part of this morning handing out free copies to local stores with my mom.
To see friends genuinely enjoy themselves at my book signing was more touching than I could have imagined. Seeing people I admire enjoy my work makes the stress and the extra effort feel worth it. I know I have readers in my corner.
Knowing how much commitment it takes, I sympathize with up-and-coming writers who are trying to earn a living. I have the means to splurge on cool swag, promo copies, and event spaces. I have the know-how to design tote bags and approach booksellers. I am well equipped to at least attempt my own marketing.
Many others aren’t.
I want to thank you not only for supporting me, but for being an advocate for independent authors, local artists, and dreamers. Without your support (in person or otherwise), I would not be nearly as far along as I am today. It’s readers like you that give writers like me the chance to succeed. Moreover, you give me the energy to keep trying.
I love you all, and I am grateful to have you cheering me on. Thank you for believing in me, my book, and this blog.
With love and lemmings,
Jamie (& Lorelei)
