Writers Who Kill

 

Surviving the Debut Author Experience by Jennifer Sadera

 

(I met Jennifer Sadera at Bouchercon and fell into her net as described

below. Inviting her to post on the Writers Who Kill blog was a given. She has

great advice for debut authors.)  --- Susan Van Kirk

 

On November 11^th, I will officially cease to be a debut novelist. My psychological

suspense novel, I KNOW SHE WAS THERE (CamCat Books, November 2024) turns

one year old as the paperback version hits store shelves. Like so many others, I’m a

touch emotional about it. Last year, just before my book released, suspense novelist

extraordinaire Carter Wilson told me something like this: Releasing your debut novel is

both the most exciting and most disappointing experience you can imagine.

 

He’s right! After 12 long years in the querying trenches I couldn’t fully believe I sold my

novel. In the blink of an eye, my advance reader copies arrived. Staring at my name on

a beautiful book cover was surreal. And then—Pub Day—my book was out in the world.

Thrilling, right? But panic turned my breathing shallow as I agonized over that one

looming question: Would anyone read it?

 

How, exactly, do you get your debut novel into the hands of readers? You’ve covered

the basics, appearing on podcasts and other authors’ blogs, securing book events at

local bookstores and libraries and hitting up every book club you know. Your publisher

has even reached out to various virtual and physical outlets, providing you with

opportunities to share your story. You start to pick up traction, and then. . .nothing.

The days tick by quickly, reminding you that you are not out pushing your book. A sense

of doom begins to invade.

 

Most authors know this feeling. At best, it’s a very uncomfortable space to exist in. At

worst, it’s a cliff edge. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how I survived and—dare I

say—even thrived while launching my debut suspense thriller.

 

The best way to spread the word? Talk about the book! It seems obvious, but if you’re

like me, you’re hesitant to draw attention to yourself. Writers tend to cringe at the idea of

tooting the proverbial horn. Many of us are reticent by nature and bragging—even

humble-bragging—is about as much fun as enduring a thousand cuts with a butter knife.

How did I solve this issue? I got someone else to do the bragging! When I was out and

about with my husband, he would chat up anyone on my behalf. He would start

conversations with this question: Did you know my wife here is a famous author? I did

not ask him to say this and the first ten times he made the outrageous proclamation I

blushed profusely. I would declare I was far from famous and try to escape each

encounter with my dignity intact. But soon, I was playing along. I learned how to deflect

his grandiose claim and twist it into the truth: I was not famous, but I did get my

suspense novel published, and it was getting pretty good reviews.

 

Next, turn to the virtual community for help. Social media influencers (I worked with

Instagrammers) are key to spreading the word in the beginning. These kind-hearted

cheerleaders have the interest and clout to place your book on the virtual map. Since

working with them, I have made so many new friends and really ingrained myself in the

community. They are a godsend. Some authors work exclusively with influencers to

promote their books. It’s a huge time-saver, allowing writers to do what they do

best—write.

 

This approach works especially well if you are an established author with a large fan

base, but debut authors have the challenge of introducing their writing and themselves

to readers. Let’s face it, you are more likely to buy a book that a friend writes than an

unknown author’s work, right? So how do you get yourself out in front of readers and

turn them into friends?

 

If you have unlimited funds, writing conferences are a fantastic option. At these
incredible annual events you will meet other writers and often readers looking for the

next masterpieces to rock their worlds. Makes sense, right? If everyone is gathering at

the watering hole you will go there, too, to get a drink. There are potential problems with

this approach. While you will meet other authors and make influential friends, it’s difficult

to just jump into conversations with strangers. Remember, most writers prefer to hole up

in their office with the characters they are creating. There are a couple ways around

this. You can reach out to conference organizers and try to get on a panel discussing

topics that relate to your book. It’s a great way to establish yourself and get practice in

public speaking. Also good: take a writing class at a conference. It’s the best way to

bond with other writers at the same point in their careers as you—but expect to pay

for it. Conferences tend to be pricey, and writers aren’t always as flush with cash as they

are with words.

 

You can actually build a fan base by sticking close to home. People like to support their

friends and neighbors, allowing authors a plethora of local opportunities. First, consider

the obvious: Barnes &Noble outlets, independent bookstores, and libraries within a 20-

mile radius. But don’t stop there! You may have even better luck in businesses not

exactly known for working with readers. Some examples of fabulous book events I’ve

had include the following:

 

A bakery. I happened to be raving over the offerings of Baked by Susan, an

establishment about a half-hour from my home. I made it my business to meet the

owner and tell her that I hadn’t eaten a croissant as divine as hers since I’d visited

Paris. She thanked me and offered me her card. I gave her mine. She was delighted to

discover I was an author and offered to host a book event for me. She also shared her

contacts at the local Chamber of Commerce and a newspaper she advertises in. Both

pushed the event. I even got a write-up in the paper and had eager readers waiting for

me when I arrived at the bakery for the book signing.

 

A tie-in with a national event. A friend who works at the women’s clothing retailer J. Jill,

asked if I would set up a book table at her store to talk about my book and celebrate

women’s accomplishments during National Women’s History Month this past March.

Turns out, many who love beautiful clothes also enjoy reading!

 

A book club specific to genre readers through national retailers. I have done a number

of book-signings at Barnes & Noble retailers in the New York/Connecticut/ New Jersey

regions near my home. They are interesting and fun events, but by discovering genre-

specific books club within B&N, I was able to attract more readers. B&N offers

nationwide book club participation each month, but individual booksellers in satellite

stores have their own favorites. By visiting individual Barnes & Noble outlets and

speaking with the folks who run local book events through their store, I was able to tap

into local book clubs that enjoy suspense novels. Every reader in the club buys the book

though B&N which bulks up sales for the store—and for me.

 

And don’t discount the reliability of friends and family. Most of my sales have come from

the word-of-mouth endorsements of those who know me. These folks are also willing to

provide book reviews on sites like Goodreads and Amazon—as we know, a solid way to

spread the word.

 

The most important thing to remember when promoting your debut novel is to have fun

with it. I tell everyone how excited I am to share my book with readers. When they ask

whether I tire of all the travel (I had six conferences in six different cities during the past

six months) I smile—the genuine kind that comes from inside me—and explain that I will

never complain about getting to do the thing I love most.

 

And it’s paying off. I just signed a contract for my next psychological suspense novel,

MAYBE YOU LIED, due out in September 2026—and I can’t wait to share it with the

world!