Writing a book was full of surprises. Like, for one, I felt reasonably good at it (who knew?). Or, for two, I didn’t have a single meltdown during the process (not what I was expecting, to say the least). But I was much more scared about promoting a book and sending it out into the world. The day before APW Book Buy Day I said, “It’s hard for me to let go, and know that I’ve done everything I can do, and that I have to entrust this to your hands, and just let it fly, but here we are.” So the really surprising part about book promotion has been that so far, is that it’s been wonderful (stressful, tiring, emotional, scary, and wonderful).
One of the first surprises for me, was that when people got their books, they started sending me pictures on Twitter. First it was one picture, then two, then an avalanche. And when I mentioned this to APW Editor Kate, she said I had to make a montage of pictures, to keep. So, with APW Editor Maddie’s help, we did. And the picture at the top center? The one that has my heart? That’s one of the first readers of APW ever, and the first wedding graduates ever, with the book and her daughter. That research paper yesterday on how you guys stick around to create this community? You really do.
And now, I’ve been surprised again. As you guys are starting to read the book, I’m getting more and more thank you emails, which is completely unexpected and mindblowingly awesome. I love you guys.
So before we dive into proper book promotion (the book officially comes out on January 1!) I have a few holiday requests of you guys:
- If you read the book and liked it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Elissa R. Photo’s review is currently among the nicest things anyone’s ever said about my work. Plus, you’ll do an extra holiday good deed! My grandmother is closely watching all the Amazon reviews, so you have the chance to totally make her day.
- Ask for your local bookstore to stock the book, and tell them why you like it. The next hurdle as a first time author is getting the book onto shelves where beleaguered brides and grooms will actually see it, pick it up, and then run holding it like a football under their arm, to the register (or that’s how I imagine it).
I’d be super grateful.
And finally: New York City, save the date for a book talk and after party in Park Slope on the afternoon and evening of Saturday January 28. More details to come, but it will be good. Excellent, even.
And with that, I’ll see you all on Tuesday January 3, well rested, and ready to do this thing. (Though, you might stop back now and then over the holidays. With a book out there, you never know when some interesting press mention or book tour date might come down the pipe. If it does, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, I’ll be napping with some eggnog within easy reach.)
All the love in the world, ladies. And peaceful, restful, holidays.
xoxoxoxo
Meg
Photos (clockwise from top left): @LisaRicePhoto, Nicole, @PracticalAlyssa, @MEdgemont, @KoruWedding, @KalinKadink, @SmartyMagee, @ElissaRPhoto, @LoweHouse
