The Myth We All Believe at the Beginning
People love to say that writing a book is the hard part. Sit down, open your laptop, pour your heart onto the page, and eventually the manuscript will be finished. Then you close the computer and imagine everything after that happening with ease. I believed that too. When I wrote my first book, The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You, I thought finishing the writing meant the work was almost done. If you write it, they will come. That was my hopeful little mantra.
It took almost no time to learn that this is one of publishing’s biggest myths. Writing the book is only one piece of the journey. A meaningful piece, yes. A vulnerable piece. But still only one part of a much longer road.
Now, as I prepare for the release of my second book, Real Confidence, I see the full picture clearly. I know that writing is the beginning, not the end. And I know how much courage it takes to bring a book into the world. Preorders are now open at https://realconfidencebook.com, and this time, I understand what that phase really asks of an author.
The Real Wake Up Call
Those early days after my first launch felt exciting and full of possibility. Friends texted congratulations. People posted photos with the book on their counters. It felt like everything was happening exactly the way I imagined. I thought the momentum would carry itself.
Then the quiet days arrived.
Sales slowed. Visibility dropped. Ads felt unpredictable. And reviews came in slowly, far more slowly than the number of people who told me they loved the book. I realized that books do not magically find readers. They need real, consistent support, they need visibility, they need community. They need time. And they need the author to guide them into the world rather than sitting back and hoping they take off.
This was the moment I understood something important. Writing the book was emotional work. Marketing was strategic work. And both were equally necessary.
The Review Reality
Reviews matter more than most people realize. They help new readers decide whether to take a chance on your book, they affect search results. They influence how a platform chooses to recommend your book or hide it. Readers trust reviews. Authors depend on them.
But here is the truth that no one talks about. Even the people closest to you will not leave a review unless you ask. Not because they do not care. Not because they did not read it. Because life gets busy.
I remember sitting with my phone one night, asking myself if I should text a friend again. She had already told me twice that she planned to review it, she meant it. She just forgot. They all forgot. I finally sent the reminder, and she replied, “Thank you for reminding me.” That simple message shifted my entire perspective.
People want to support you. They just need the nudge. Once I understood that, asking became easier. It became part of the process rather than something to feel guilty about.
The Unexpected Work of Book Marketing
Nothing prepared me for how much energy the marketing side would demand. Writing a book is deeply personal. Marketing one requires consistency and courage in a completely different way. You become a storyteller in one moment and a strategist in the next. You reach out to people, you talk about the book long after launch week, you create posts, plan events, answer questions, and keep the momentum alive even when you are tired of hearing your own voice.
With my second book, I am approaching this phase with new awareness. I understand what it takes, I know that visibility is intentional, I know that community matters, I know that a book does not rise by accident. It rises through effort, relationship, and persistence.
And this time, I am inviting people in early. I am sharing updates. I am giving sneak peeks. And I am making preorders available at https://realconfidencebook.com so readers can join the journey from the start.
Why Your Village Matters
Every book has a village behind it. A village that cheers you on, that shares your work, that talks about your message, that helps your words reach people you could never reach alone. A book grows because people help it grow.
During my first launch, I learned how powerful and necessary that village is. Not just emotionally, but practically. People want to help. They just need to know how. Once you tell them, they show up in ways that change everything.
Here are the five simple things that make a difference.
Leave a short, honest review
A sentence or two is enough. Honest means more than polished. Every review helps the book get seen.
Share the book with one person
A single personal recommendation is stronger than any ad. One real conversation goes a long way.
Post a photo of the book
A simple picture expands visibility more than most authors can do alone. It reminds people the book exists.
Request the book at their library
Libraries respond to reader requests. A few inquiries can get your book onto shelves that reach readers for years.
Attend an event or share the invitation
Events build connection and momentum. Even sharing the invitation helps spread the word to new circles.
The Bigger Lesson Behind It All
Writing a book stretches your creativity. Launching a book stretches your courage. Both parts matter. Both shape you. Both reveal something about who you are and what you are willing to risk for your own growth.
As I prepare to share Real Confidence with the world, I am stepping into this phase with more clarity and more humility. I know the energy it takes. I know the persistence required. And I know I do not have to do it alone.
If my journey taught me anything, it is this. Writing the book is brave. Sharing it is even braver. It requires support, community, and a willingness to ask for help more than once. And when you do, your village will show up in ways that remind you why you wrote the book in the first place.
Be part of this next chapter
Preorders for Real Confidence are now open at https://realconfidencebook.com. When you preorder, you will also receive exclusive bonuses designed to help you build your own confidence from the inside out. These bonuses are my way of saying thank you for supporting this book before it officially enters the world. I would love for you to be part of the journey.
