I have a novel coming out and I'm so anxious?

[GreenSweater]

For the longest time, this seemed like a pipe dream, and now that it's actually happening, I'm terrified. I'm not naturally a person who likes the spotlight and I'm worried about how I'll deal with it - not saying that this is going to be a best-seller and I know 99.9% of people won't read it, but I'm worried about the 0.001% who will. I'm also a very anxious person and my anxiety levels are absolutely peaking.

I've already shared the novel with a few friends and when one friend was slightly iffy on certain aspects I found it so difficult to deal with - how am I going to deal with any critical reviews? I also worry about random people popping up like exes or people I knew years ago. An acquaintance of mine who wrote a book said all kinds of people contacted her afterwards. The novel isn't directly about anyone but I've naturally drawn on certain experiences of mine and I'm worried people will draw conclusions about me and my life based on it or think I've used them as inspiration for something.

So basically, I'm just a big ball of anxiety and finding it really difficult to look forward to the release at all. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions?

Well done! It'll be brilliant. Get writing the next one

Brilliant Greensweater, brilliant. Well done! So many people say they could write a book, think it's easy but it really really isn't; and you've done it. I hope it does well.

Do deep breathing, take a propranolol before an appearance (my dd has them for anxiety) or something, hold your chin up and remind yourself that you have performed a major achievement.

If I knew a bit more I'd buy it too!

What's a novel in comparison with a general 'book'?

That's a huge achievement. Well done 😊

Well a "general book" could be anything. Non fiction, a cookbook, biography. etc. OP has written a full length fiction book, which is generally called "a novel".

When a novel is mentioned I think more if a Jane Austen type scenario not a Marian Keyes

This is some great advice, thank you!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments, I really appreciate it. I've been in my own head for days and weeks and months now, so it's good to talk to people about it and not bore the same people in my life over and over again with my worries!

@IClaudine I'm not on Twitter actually, I've seen some really big bust-ups on there and am scared of exposing myself to that. But maybe I should try it out!

I totally sympathise OP. I'm just about to start querying agents with the hope of being published. There is also an aspect of my book I'm worried about people reading and haven't considered cutting but ultimately I think it will stay in.

How exciting! You're having a book published! This should be a great time in life. pm me if you want to chat.

I have two published books, lots of lovey 5* reviews and a couple of 1 and
2* reviews

It’s very easy to concentrate on the critical reviews but they often read as though they haven’t even read the book.

Just enjoy the ride

Congratulations OP.
I’ve had 3 books a published and there are real highs and lows. The highs are it’s terrific to have a book published but I was shocked at how jealous a couple of frenemies were so prepare yourself for that. It’s generally only embittered jealous people who think they could easily write a book themselves, ha ha. Now I’m old I’d tell them to piss off but when I was younger I was hurt.
Reviews can be a nightmare. I made the mistake of engaging with critics which was a big mistake.
also don’t be surprised if very few friends and family actually read it. The least likely people read and were fans of my books.
Ignore stingy types who want a free book. The least people can do is buy their own copy.
Its not worth worrying what people think and at the end of the day most are far too busy worrying about themselves.

Have you ever disliked a book you’ve read, or any piece of art or creativity you’ve encountered? Of course you have. So think about how unrealistic it is to expect yours to be universally liked. If people don’t like what you’ve written - or even if they don’t like you - that’s just their opinion, and they’re entitled to it. It’s not a value judgement on you. If you’re going to do something like this you have to let go of any worries about what people might think. Speaking as someone who hasn’t written a novel but has had lots of writing, some personal and autobiographical, published.

Congratulations!
My advice - don’t ask family and friends if they read it and what they think about it. Some of them will and some of them won’t but don’t take it personally. Also you can’t please everyone in life so you will get negative comments from some people whatever you’ve done. Just ignore and be proud of yourself.

It's great to hear from people who've been there. @GreekDogRescue I'm also worried about frenemy types because a few of my friends have made noises over the years about writing books. I doubt my family will read it actually - they're not very interested so far!

With respect you'd be wrong then - it's a full length work of fiction. Like those written by both the authors you mention.

@GreenSweater well done - so many dream about this (including my DP) and so many don't make it - to write the thing, let alone to get it published. So impressed with you! I agree with what others have said - be proud, steel yourself and go along with the ride!! I would be the same as you so I do understand. There seems to be a nice kids fiction world on Instagram too - might be worth taking a look at that. Good luck!!!

Please don't do this. If you put it out without promotion it won't find its readers and I imagine that would make your publisher and agent think twice about a recommission.

Have faith. In yourself, in your product and in your readers.

All (and I mean ALL) writers get bad reviews. I'll bet you've read a book that lots of people rave about but you thought Meh, and vise versa.

So few people get their work published, thousands of manuscripts are submitted and discarded every year. You've won the Lottery! Congratulations and remember sticks and stones...........