Celebrating 1 Year as a Self-Published Author
A year ago, I became a best-selling author. A sentence I never thought I would ever say in my life.
January 2021, I announced to all my friends and family I would be releasing my first ever children's book, Princess Gabriella and the Never-Ending Kiss. It was an exciting day, and the text messages were pouring in with support. I couldn't have been happier. I can still remember the overwhelming joy building in my chest.
Even though I had 4 weeks before the actual release date, the hard part was still to come. This included lining up ads, building hype on social media, and making sure Amazon released the book the day I wanted it to come out, all while starting a new job. What can I say, I like to carry a lot on my plate.
I learned so much in those 4 short weeks and the nerves grew evermore as launch day drew closer.
Then, I blinked, and it was launch day.
Let me tell you, it was very overwhelming and underwhelming all in one. The book I worked on so hard over the last year was now released into the world and... there were crickets.
While at work, I kept refreshing my page to see the reviews and purchases coming in, but nothing. The excitement I felt self-publishing my very first children's book was fading into disappointment and fast.
Then, around 5pm, the very first review came in... a 5 star! The disappointment was erased and overcome with joy again. It was that moment I reminded myself why I was publishing the book in the first place. It wasn't to see the 5 star reviews, or sell 1,000's of copies, but to enjoy the process of accomplishing a goal people only ever dreamed about. With that, I went to sleep soundly.
The next morning, I woke and before heading off to work decided to check the rankings not expecting much. But to my surprise, Princess Gabriella and the Never-Ending Kiss was ranking 7th or higher in several categories. Somehow, overnight, it jumped the charts.... I couldn't believe it!
I had to share the great news with the people who were supporting me and screen shoted the numbers. Let me just say whoa....
That screen shot changed the game. People were pouring in with their support and so were the book sales. Within a few more hours, we had climbed the charts even further hovering at #2. What in the world was happening?!
My dream of becoming a #1 best seller was just one spot away. This torture went on for a few hours as more reviews and sales accumulated. On the phone with my mom, I mentioned how awesome it would be to see it my book hit best seller live. And with that, I hit refresh once more and there in the #1 best-selling spot was my book.
I had done it! My dream of becoming a best seller came true in just 36 hours from launch day. I was flabbergasted as I took as many screen shots of the moment as possible.
That was a year ago but feels like yesterday.
Now we are celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Princess Gabriella and The Never-Ending Kiss. Since the launch so much has happened. First, working on the second book in the series, because one just wasn't enough! Then, launching the physical book for everyone to enjoy. Lastly, celebrating my 30th birthday by having the Dirty Thirty Sale where people who purchased the book for the month of October 2021 received a free, never before seen illustration of Princess Gabriella.
It's been a wild ride and I can't wait to see what more is to come in the next few years. Happy Birthday Princess Gabriella and the Never-Ending Kiss!
If you haven't gotten your copy, you can get the eBook today for only $9.99 on Amazon or get the physical copy at Blurb.com for $32.
If you've read Princess Gabriella's adventure, tell me in the comments below which page is your favorite! Mine is the unicorn!
