Blurbs and the fear of asking.

When my publisher gave me a to-do list, I looked it over, and my heart nearly jumped out of my mouth. One item on that list sent a shiver down my spine. I was expected to ask other authors to read my manuscript, and if they liked it, to write a blurb that would be added to my book. It brought back all my insecurities, my ‘impostor syndrome’. I mean, asking published authors, who were certainly busy writing, to read through my first novel and write something nice about it.

Then I remembered how my publisher reacted after reading it. She said that it was great. So, I decided to keep her words at the forefront of my mind as I sent messages to several authors. I asked them if they could spare some time from their schedules to do me this kindness. I was flabbergasted! And I was so very happy and thankful. To say that the process of asking for other authors to read and hopefully write a blurb about ‘The Rainbow Killer’ was nerve-racking is an understatement. I was ready to curl into a ball at the first rejection. I am discovering that there is a generosity and a sense of togetherness within the writing-verse. I am so thankful for their kind willingness and support, and will gladly return the favour should any of them need it.

Their willingness to read my book is not an automatic endorsement. An endorsement comes in the form of a blurb when they think it is worthy. At the writing of this blog post, I don’t know how they will react. I’m nervous, and my anxiety, which is always near the surface, threatens to kick in. Despite my fear, I am glad to be pushing forward. The rest of the to-do list was easier: writing a dedication, an acknowledgement page, and a new synopsis.

The countdown, in my mind, has started with about 14 months to go before the release of ‘The Rainbow Killer’. I am so excited to share my debut psychological crime thriller with everyone. Do follow me on my Facebook profile and here.

Joelle