What the f*ck is next?

On dropping a #1 NYT Bestseller that took a chunk out of my life...

My debut picture book just dropped on the 9th and after what seems like something that has taken over my life for the last 8 months or so, I’m finding myself like, “what the fuck is next?”

I had a seven month preorder. That’s a lot of promotion. Publicity didn’t kick in until about 2 months out. And they probably only came on because the book was doing well up until that point. This has been a fucking journey. A long ass one. I am worn out. I am exhausted. And I honestly do not know what I am supposed to be doing next.

I have some ideas. But I haven’t actually sat down to map them out. I don’t have the energy.

I don’t know if people know how fucking hard it is to publish a book. Traditionally published or self-published. This shit is hard. And they honestly don’t let y’all know that the bulk of the promotion and marketing falls squarely on the author’s shoulders. Unless, you got the budget for a publicist.

Which I fucking did not.

And they ain’t cheap. My contract stated that I should put aside my advance money to cover a publicist.

Shit, nope.

I was gonna do this on my own. And was fully prepared to do it on my own because I was doing it that damn long on my own, and having massive amounts of success with it. The addition of a publicist was a welcome surprise, but it was a surprise nonetheless, and something I don’t think most authors will have access to. Not for free at least.

So, here you are, an author trying to get your book out to the masses and you gotta let them know it’s coming. That’s a fucking job. A full-time one. And preorders let Book World know your shit is hot, poppin’, and in demand. If you are blessed enough to have a deal that nets you a decent advance, you can probably afford to put more time, effort, and energy into promoting your book.

Even still, regardless of advance monies, you gotta sell the hell out of yourself.

I know there’s these social media Book Gurus out there who tell you that you don’t need an audience to market a bestseller.

But they fucking lying.

Or they hit some luck with their shit.

You need a damn audience. It ain’t gotta be this humongous one, but it’s gotta be engaged as hell and your interactions with them gotta be purposeful as fuck. They gotta feel like they part of your journey and your success. Because they fucking are, y’know? You owe a lot to an engaged and supportive audience.

And you need that shit before you release a book.

Or some good ass luck. You do you, though.

I built an audience then I thought about writing a book. I changed how I shared on social media because I wanted to gauge how people felt about my writing. And I grew closer with my audience. They are like family now. So, when my book was announced, they were just as excited as I was. Just as engaged as me. And supportive as shit.

But it was still work.

You still out there grinding and making sure they know you got a book coming out. They can’t forget that they want that book. You can’t let them forget that. And you have to come up with creative ass ways for them to not only preorder the book, but share the book, talk about the book, and even buy the book for people they don’t know and haven’t met.

I did all that shit.

For seven fucking months. And spent two years prior building an audience that was supportive enough to put up with my shit.

That paid off, as I had a massive first week with landing number one on the New York Times Bestsellers List, knocking Eric Carle out the way. And several other classics and seasoned authors. I hit number 8 on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List. And I got several NYC literary agents beating on my door. Sorry y’all, but I already got an agent.

Thing is, this has been a journey that has been in the making for many years. I didn’t just get here. I feel like I have been working on it for a large part of my life for several years now. The book is birthed into the world, more people know my name and face, I have so many opportunities coming in, I am writing a second book (not a picture book), but I am doggone tired.

And I miss myself and my family. I am going on a self-funded book tour and I am dragging them along. I am happy for the time I will have with them making all these new memories, but also saddened that I will be “working” during this time as well.

Where the fuck is the downtime? The book is out and on a list I knew my ass was gonna be on, cause I worked too fucking hard for it to not make it there. But how does one stay on this list? Is it necessary for me to keep myself there?

Shit, I don’t know. I hit #1. Unsold and newly printed copies will don the “#1 New York Times Bestseller” sticker.

I did what I was set out to do. And I earned out my advance doing it. So, I am gonna have a healthy, happy royalty check. There’s talk of this book being a perennial hit, like all them damn Dr. Seuss books. Or Eric Carle. A few more secret things I cannot wait to share about this book will trickle out soon.

Haven’t I done enough?

An interview with Ebony dropped a couple of days ago. I have an interview with a New York Times Book Editor tomorrow morning.

This train hasn’t slowed.

But I have.

I took a few days off from social media. My son made a post from my account to say thank you.

Tiffany L Hammond

Tiffany L Hammond on Instagram: “Hello, I am Josiah. Thank you for supporting our family. Bye for now.”

May 20, 2023

But I have been trying to avoid it there. And yet, my mind still isn’t at ease. I start a new medication soon for anxiety and depression. I don’t know how it will work but I really hope it does.

There’s so much going on in my life that I can’t wrap my head around it all. People think this should be a season of celebration. And it is. But I am also stressed, sad, anxious, riddled with health issues, and overwhelmed.

Just as this book was a journey. So is happiness. I will find it. I just need to work at it.

That is what I intend to do.

I hope y’all are doing well.

Author Note: if you would like to purchase a copy, there are still some available. adaywithnowords.com or a Google search at this point to see who has some copies still. This first print will likely run out. There are more being printed but it will take some time to come in.