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 gripped me as I agonized over 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 fly 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 doing so humbly—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. The first ten times he made the outrageous proclamation I blushed profusely, declared I was far from famous, and tried 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 offices 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!