George Saunders calls it The Gulp:
“the exciting but harrowing period in the publication of a book when, with the writing all done… the waiting-to-see begins. Will people read it? Will they like it?”
Before they start, everyone thinks that writing the book is the hardest part.
And it is hard.
But that’s nothing compared to the moment when you strip yourself naked, cover yourself in maple syrup, and offer yourself up to the wasps of the general public.
(When you hit publish, in case that wasn’t clear.)
Will you launch yourself out of the window of comfortable obscurity and into the bog of Other People’s Shitty Opinions, where you shall forever bathe in the stench of universal disapproval?
Or will you land in the daisy-filled meadows of adoration?
WHO KNOWS?
I do.
There’ll be both. There will be people who don’t like your book. But there’ll be more people who love it — and you. And even more who really won’t have a strong opinion either way.
We just have to scurry into the unknown, heads held high, hands held out, and offer it up as a gift.
“Here, I made this for you. I hope you like it.”
Then it’ll rock people’s worlds, I promise. When the reviews start rolling in, and they’re good, there’s no feeling like it.
But you can never get to that point if you don’t sit your butt down and start.
There are three ways I can help you with that.
I’m taking bookings for June and July now and here are your options:
- 2 VIP Day spots for massive and rapid quantum leaps on your book. One client had been agonising over his book for two years before he came to me, ready to abandon it completely. In one day, we fixed every problem, restructured it, and gave him a plan. In 6 months it was a bestseller. £5,000 (+VAT where applicable).
- 5 Book Breakthrough: Unlocked sessions. These are for future authors who are ready to start but don’t know how or why or what happens next. By the time we’re done, your idea is crystal clear and embedded in your writing and/or business plan. You’ve got a picture of your ideal reader and their journey. Your outline is ready. You have a plan to write. One client I worked with last month got the clarity she needed, put out ONE social media post, and has had 200 people email her to tell her how much they need this book. £1,450 (+VAT where applicable).
- 2 Book Breakthrough Lab 3-month coaching spots. This is for writers who want ongoing coaching, editing, and support to get their first draft finished and ready for polishing. I’m working with someone at the moment who never thought she’d be able to write a book. One month in and she’s not only writing, but she’s doing something else she has struggled to do for years (I can’t tell you what but I’ll share when she’s done). £7,500 (+VAT where applicable) — broken into 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
Not sure which option is best for you? Book a chat with me here and let’s find out.
p.s. Know someone who might enjoy my week-daily emails? Please get them to sign up here.
How to work with Vicky in May
Book Breakthrough Lab: A 3-month coaching programme to write your first draft (1 spot)
Book Breakthrough VIP Day: A full day of magic to FINALLY make progress on your book (1 spot)
Book Breakthrough: Unlocked: Outline your book, nail your idea, and understand your reader in 90 mins (1 spot)
Buy My Book: How the hell do you write a book?