Releasing a Book During a Pandemic

Erica here: I'm not going to lie. This is a tough time we're going through, fraught with uncertainties. Authors are not immune.

Several of my friends have and are releasing books during this time when our readers have to stay at home, when they might have reduced incomes, and when they certainly have increased amounts of anxiety and stress.

For myself, I released a book just about a week ago. A book that has been on the publishing calendar for almost two years. Nobody could have anticipated the current situation when we first signed the contracts for The Lost Lieutenant.

But authors are creative people. When thrown a curve ball, they choke up on the bat and take their swings. I thought it might be interesting to hear how some of my writer friends are coping, both with the pandemic and all that brings, and the release of a book during this time.

Ruth Logan Herne 

I saw a tweet the other day from one of our wonderful Love Inspired editors... she talked about a lot of things, things to be happy about, things to be sad about. In New York City, right now, with everyone holed up in their tiny apartments or out in tight neighborhoods on the island, working from home, the city that never sleeps is facing a crushing situation. And she talked about that, but she also mentioned that she was sad for her authors that had books coming out this month because people weren't out shopping. Would they see them? Think of them?

And you know, if this month's sales take a smackdown because of the Covid 19 virus pandemic, it's nothing compared to what small businesses are doing, feeling, suffering. Forced to shut down for weeks, maybe fail.... Millions of people... not tens of thousands, but millions of people out of work... So I decided that I'd let folks know about my book.... I'll use social media and my website and my newsletter, but while I want people to buy my book, I know that milk and bread and shoes are more important.

More important than me, than my beautiful book (which is in Walmarts and grocery stores from sea to shining sea!) and also available at Amazon.com , are those folks struggling right now. Trying to figure all this out, deal with it. My daughter messaged me today to keep writing. No matter what happens, she said, keep writing. Because as this plays out, people are going to need Ruth Logan Herne books to make them feel hopeful again. And that's like the best advice of all.

 

Kimberly Duffy 

My debut, A Mosaic of Wings, releases May 5 (Bethany House). My book will be releasing right in the middle of the global shutdown. There are no open bookstores, no signings, no release parties, which is a huge disappointment, but it’s also forcing me to think much more creatively. 

My publisher has been fantastic in supporting me and helping brainstorm. I’m trying to think in terms of community—so I’ve written a homeschool unit study (since everyone is homeschooling now) that will be available for high school students who read my book. I’m also gathering ideas to use on social media that will bring people together, using the themes and setting of my book as a launching off point. Because my book is set partially in India, I think it will prove a nice escape for people who can’t leave their houses. Vacations have been canceled so this might give readers a way to go somewhere.

I allowed myself to grieve the falling apart of what I thought my book launch was going to look like. It’s particularly hard because it’s my debut and it will be my only debut so I had grand plans of celebrating with friends and family and readers. I’m a planner and I don’t like when things take a turn I didn’t expect. But I also don’t tend to wallow, so after taking time to cry and eat lots of ice cream and talk to friend after friend after friend, I threw myself into embracing the change. I see it as a challenge now, to come up with interesting ways to get people excited for my book, and it’s also a releasing—in the most complete way I could have every imagined—of my dreams and book to God. I trust him to do better things with it than I ever could. 

BIO:

Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes readers back in time and across oceans. Her books feature ahead-of-their-time heroines, evocative settings, and real-life faith. Kimberly loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of 20 years. He doesn't mind.

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimberlyDuffy/

www.kimberlyduffy.com

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyduffyauthor/

Order from: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/a-mosaic-of-wings-9780764235634 

Jill Lynn 

We are coping day by day during this strange time. A lot of my time is spent coaching my kids on how to do this quarantine/stay-at-home thing when I’m not really sure how to do it myself! Ha! As for having a book release, that’s been interesting also. I’ve still been talking about my book releasing, because I think people need hope-filled stories right now. I think we always need hope-filled stories. So, I’m doing my best to walk the line of being sensitive to what’s happening in our world but also embracing and celebrating successes for me or my author friends who have books on store shelves. 

Jill Lynn is an award-winning author, hot mess, loud laugher and coffee addict who lives with her husband and two children near the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read—ones filled with grace, humor and happily-ever-after. Her current giveaway can be found at Jill-Lynn.com/news, and she loves to connect with readers online at www.facebook.com/jilllynnauthor and www.Instagram.com/jilllynnauthor.

Find her current release, Her Hidden Hope, at Walmart, grocery stores or online. Book links at www.jill-lynn.com/books. 

Barb Roose 

(Erica here: Lest you think only novelists are facing challenges in releasing books...nope. Non-fiction writers are bringing out books too. And sometimes, they're exactly what we need during a crisis!)

I have a new Surrendered Bible study on letting go of control that released
on April 7 that speaks right to where we're at right now.

AMAZING BONUS! My publisher, Abingdon Women, is making my six
Surrendered dvd teaching sessions available for FREE to everyone through
Amplified Media from April 7-June 30 (link below).

ABOUT THE STUDY:
Are you self-described control freak? When we're uncomfortable or in
crisis, fear often drives us to try to fix people or control outcomes.
The brand NEW study, Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus by
author Barb Roose addresses the five control-loving behaviors through
Jesus' example during his 40 days in the wilderness. As you study Jesus'
experience and apply six life-transforming tools, you'll learn how to
let go of what you can't control and experience God's peace, power and
provision during the tough seasons of your life.

LINKS
1. Sixty-second preview of the study: https://youtu.be/cnxvhj2Wz0c
2. Surrendered Webpage: https://barbroose.com/surrenderedstudy/
(includes non-Amazon ordering site)
3. LINK TO FREE ACCESS TO TEACHING DVD -
https://my.amplifymedia.com/amplify/series/unitedmethodistpublishinghouse/32668-
surrendered.

ABOUT BARB ROOSE
Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about
equipping women to win at life with Christ-empowered strength and
dignity. She enjoys teaching and encouraging women at conferences and
retreats across the country, as well as internationally. Barb is the
author of four Bible studies (Surrendered, I’m Waiting, God, Joshua,
Beautiful Already) and two books (Winning the Worry Battle and Enough
Already). She also writes a regular blog at BarbRoose.com and hosts the
“Better Together” podcast. Barb lives in NW Ohio and is proud mother of
three adult daughters. Whenever possible, Barb prefers to eat dessert
first. 

Beth Vogt 

My book, The Best We’ve Been, releases May 5. It’s the third and final book in my Thatcher Sisters Series. I’m encouraged by how many other authors have reached out to support me during this time. Some of these authors are close friends and some I know because we’re connected by membership in the same online groups. No matter how close the connection, I’ve heard, “I’m here to help you anyway I can” over and over again. The writing community has stepped up so beautifully during this time, and it’s reminded me to not just think about myself, but to support others, too. 

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA Award finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. After writing ten contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth transitioned to women’s fiction and her award-winning Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers includes Things I Never Told You (2018); Moments We Forget (2019); and The Best We’ve Been (2020).

Social Media:

Website:http://bethvogt.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bethkvogt/

BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/beth-k-vogt

ORDER LINK: https://bethvogt.com/beths-books/the-best-weve-been/ 

Lindsay Harrel 

My book The Joy of Falling just released on April 14, so I've been trying to find ways to connect with readers virtually. Before the book released, I read my first chapter aloud on Facebook Live, and on launch day, I hosted a Facebook Live event with another author whose book was releasing the same day.

I had all sorts of grand plans for a launch week giveaway contest where people would take pictures with the book in Target or out in the wild. Obviously, that couldn't happen, so instead I tried to think of a fun giveaway that would meet readers where they were at. Because one theme in my book is finding joy in all circumstances, I put together a "Choose Joy Survival Pack" that included a mug, a gratitude journal, a copy of the book, and a gift card.

Finally, in my most recent newsletters, I've offered to pray for readers if they need it. I feel like people need genuine connection right now more than ever--not to be "sold to." They want to know we care, and we need to remember that even though this is a business, many of us are authors because we want to serve readers and offer hope in trying times like the one we are currently facing. 

 

Where you can get The Joy of Falling:

https://www.target.com/p/the-joy-of-falling-by-lindsay-harrel-paperback/-/A-79514740 

Cynthia Ruchti 

As an author who lives 15 miles or so out in the country from the nearest medium-sized town, and who has worked from a home office since I was 27, some of the safe-at-home issues don't seem all that different from daily life. But the heart-heaviness of caring about what's happening to disrupt other families, threaten health or lives, and shove people into dangerous financial situations affects all of us. In addition to resorting to more web calls and cleaning my office, I'm coping with the writing life and with preparing for my latest novel's release in June (while writing a nonfiction book and editing a novel that releases in 2021) in three ways. 

"Adjust and Trust" has been a motivator for a long time whenever a crisis hits. If I adjust expectations, preconceived notions, standards means of operating...and then trust the God for whom I write...my mind and heart remain at peace despite the tempest swirling. 

I'm also learning not to neglect the power of creativity. It's easy to let any crisis dominate and cripple creativity. But creativity is healing. If all I can do is jot down one sentence, that sentence is a victory and often spurs me to write more. The process of putting thoughts on "paper" heals, strengthens, fortifies, and allows room for God to work. 

And that's not even counting how creative we have to be to sell books when fewer people are buying and some sources aren't shipping! As I near the release date for Afraid of the Light (which, interestingly enough spotlights extreme anxiety issues), I'm on the lookout for ways the book can be an answer for readers, rather than an advertisement for a product.

 

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed-in-Hope through her award winning novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and through speaking events for women. Her books have garnered industry recognition from reader, reviewer, retailer, and other honors. Cynthia and her grade school sweetheart husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and six grandchildren. Her tagline is: “I can’t unravel. I’m hemmed in Hope.”

You can pre-order Afraid of the Light HERE. 

You can find Cynthia online at https://www.cynthiaruchti.com/ 

Sharee Stover 

I’m a planner to the max. I love scheduling things and making to do lists. It gives me an illusion of control. Yes, I know it’s an illusion, but I like to pretend. It only stands to reason then, that of course, I had planned book signings for my new release, Untraceable Evidence, the first book in my ATF Heroes series. Covid-19 has decimated many a plan for all of us, so needless to say, my signings have been cancelled and optimistically rescheduled for later in the year. I remain hopeful.

Launching a book in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t something I anticipated; however, I think now is a great time for readers to have books in hand, especially those that are uplifting and encouraging. I’ve adopted the word GRACE for this time. With all the unpredictability and stress, it’s a means of survival. We are all doing the best we can with where we are and my expectations of myself and others has relaxed. Thankfulness is another key. I’m grateful books are still releasing. I am grateful for the online community reaching beyond social distancing, state, and even country lines. So, in this time, I’m communicating as much as I can using social media and other online tools to reach readers.

Someone’s after a deadly weapon… and only she can stop them.

It’s undercover ATF agent Randee Jareau’s job to make sure the government’s 3-D printed “ghost gun” doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. So when someone goes after scientist Ace Steele, she must protect him…before she loses the undetectable weapon and its creator. But with a mole inside Ace’s company and everyone a suspect, this assignment could become Randee’s last.

Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Nebraska Writer’s Guild. Sharee is a triple Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and her debut, Secret Past, won Best First Book in the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting, and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com.

Erica Vetsch

This has been such a push-pull for me, the releasing of The Lost Lieutenant in the midst of a pandemic. On the one hand, there has been a lot of online buzz about the book. A social media takeover on JustRead Publicity Tours, a blog tour with I Read with Audra Publicity, and another blog tour planned for next month. Yay!

And yet, I have struggled with anxiety about this book. It's my first with a new publisher (Kregel Publications) who has been nothing but lovely throughout this ordeal, and I want the book to do well for them as well as myself. They've invested time and money in the project, and I want them to get a good ROI.  It's my first foray into full-length Regency romance, and I want readers to have a happy, entertaining read...can they do that in the midst of the pandemic? 

All of this, however, has underlined again for me that I am not in control. God is the One who will decide how the book launches, into whose hands it will fall, and the impact it will have on readers' lives. And this has always been true. I am responsible for what I am responsible for, nothing more. Write the best book I can, be a good team-member with my publisher, agent, and marketing team. Reach out to readers how and when I can. Trust God for the rest.

You can order your copy HERE (amazon) HERE (B&N) and HERE (BakerBookHouse)

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!

I know this has been a lengthy post today, but I hope it was informative and encouraging. Tell us, how are you doing? Have you read any of the books featured here today? Are they in your TBR pile? How are you connecting with the authors you follow?