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Here is another #pubtip I find myself giving almost all clients at one point--perhaps something that would be useful to you as well if you're an author/aspiring author as Very Online as I am. It's about retraining your brain for the rigors and anxiety of a book-writing career.
It's this: ASAP, you need to get out of the habit of running immediately to the dopamine cash register with every little good idea and bragging point you have. (The agent says wisely as she dispenses valuable advice for free on Twitter for the dopamine and likes.)
One of the most common roadblocks my authors writing proposals or manuscripts encounter is the anxiety that comes from working speculatively. They can't stand not having the satisfaction of splashing their brilliance instantly against the wall.
Freelancers/career writers often tell me this is about money, which is fair. But generally I'm helping them get work that pays *quite* a lot more, in lump sums, from companies that one doesn't have to chase for payment. It is a MUCH nicer gig, but with fewer champagne pops.
(Also more uncertainty, of course, but if an agent is telling you there's a shot at a commercial book deal, the risk/reward is almost certainly worth it for most.)
This Dopamine Cash Register thing is also a problem with book promo. I often have to pull my clients back from running willy-nilly at every single online essay and podcast interview they can, because seeing your name in the media feels good. And it IS good, but!
...Most media hits reeeeeally don't sell that many copies. And believe me, your publisher will be familiar with and aggressively pursuing the ones that do. Most just serve the purpose of slaking your anxiety that you are Doing Everything You Can. Which, cool, you never know.
But if you have limited reserves of energy and time, I encourage you to use them to pull back and devise a MARKETING STRATEGY. Put in the less fun, less feedbacky work of becoming a career expert who does private events and advertising. Become your own media empire.
That shit sells copies. Way, waaaaaay, waaaaaaaaay more copies than almost any byline. Waaaaay. Did I say waaaay?
IMO, the kind of media coverage that generally ignites the best sales is the "people are talking about" kind. The kind that is about you and your impact. Feature coverage of *you.* And that stuff comes if (almost only if) you're centering your strategy on marketing.
LOL to the *three* beloved clients who have already checked in to ask if this was a direct subtweet
