We can’t say what things, but we can most assuredly say some.
The past couple weeks, that included:
- family illness
- editing errors with the sequel requiring rework
- the shipping address field having an error for certain customers, and I can’t replicate the issue to resolve (if that’s you, contact me, let’s get your order in!)
- a payment processor accidentally deleting my user profile and being unable to retrieve it
I just about wanted to flop. Instead I started drafting this post for you, lost the energy to finish, and am coming back to it now that I’ve bounced back.
You probably know what that’s like. Because inevitably, things will go wrong. We can only guess what and when, but something will derail us, if ever so momentarily.
But, two things I keep in mind:
1. I built in buffer time.
I built in buffer time for things to go wrong. I am down to 7 weeks til launch and still have plenty to do, but, it’s still enough time.
2. I’m further than I was last time.
The last book I published, there were different problems, things that are now a relative breeze. This time, I have new problems because I’ve conquered those. Next time, I’ll find more new problems. That’s progress.
So, that is to say, it’s important to build in time for things to go wrong. And even when they go wrong, to remember it’ll get better. It is getting better. Take a breather, then, hang on for the ride.
Thanks for sharing. As we say in our house, life happens. I thought I’d share some of the things that happened with my first book:
1. I got the cover done in time–but the interior chapter icons delayed my publication by a week.
2. After 10+ rounds of editing (my first time with an editor) I read the manuscript before submitting the it to Amazon–and I found another error. I called one of my 82 characters by the wrong name. No one would have been able to see that but me. That was another couple of days delay.
3. I got my proof copy and ordered sales copies. I was sweating bullets they wouldn’t arrive in time for my launch date–but they did, with a couple of days to spare.
4. My launch date was October 31st. I thought it was appropriate for my book ‘Zombie Turkeys’ but I didn’t realize it would keep my attendance down.
Still, it worked out.
Thank you for sharing! I’m working on a blogpost for next month about what went wrong publishing my first book, so soon you’ll learn all my problems too hahaha. And yes, you kept going and made it happen 🙂