Remember my post on Monday about anointing 2017 the year of fearlessness? Well, that starts right now. My book, Backpacking 101 {affiliate link!}, is available for pre-order on Amazon!
To be fair, it isn’t even close to ready. I received my edited manuscript while we were in New Zealand and am just now sitting down with the massive 200-page {single space!} Word document this week {not to mention, struggling because I can’t seem to download the massive file to edit! But, I digress.} While the entire project still seems so incomplete to me as I stare at a stupid amount of red ink littering the pages of my manuscript, it is very much real and moving forward.
Guys! I wrote a book!
It’s a funny thing, this book publishing world. It all happened so damn fast that I still can’t believe I will be a published author in a few short months. But as the days and weeks slip by {hello, 2017!}, the bits of worry and doubt have crept into my brain. Backpacking 101 was fun to write; I love the topic, I’m passionate about the subject, and I obviously enjoy writing. But in writing some 60k words on the topic, I can’t help but think that I’ve opened the door for major online sass.
We all know how bizarre this odd internet world can be when you know a Twitter follower better than your neighbor and a keyboard warrior is your biggest stressor of the day. A small part of my mind is focused on the “What ifs?” of my book launch in the spring.
What if no one likes it?
What if no one buys it?
Did I include everything I meant to include?
How will I need to promote the book?
Do I have any idea what I’m actually doing?!
To be fair, they are small fears. Because, let’s face it: if the worst-case scenario happens and no one buys the book aside from my family, I will be right back where I am now. And truthfully, that’s a pretty awesome place to be.
Reverting back to Monday’s post, it’s time for me to be fearless. These are silly fears with minimal {albeit disappointing} consequences. I can handle that.
I do want to say thank you to everyone who has already thrown support towards me and/or this project! If you’re interested in pre-ordering Backpacking 101, you can check it out here in all of its current, long-titled glory {affiliate link}!
********************
11 Comments
Good for you, Heather!
Congrats Heather!!!! I know a lot of people will buy the book because you are the real deal. How exciting!
Yeah!!! It seems self-doubt is part of the publishing process, but I have a feeling you have nothing to worry about. I’m excited to promote your book and know it will help A LOT of people!!! But, you are right, we don’t know until we try!
Congratulations! The last time I went backpacking was when I was a teenager and I have been meaning to plan a trip this year to go. This looks like an awesome resource…so looking forward to ordering in the future!
I love this blog. I do lots of day hikes, but I am looking to advance my skills. I have learned a lot by reading your articles. I can’t wait to buy your book. I am actually headed to Denver in a month!
I’m so happy to hear that, Marybeth. Thanks!!!
I pre-ordered it, and I’m sure many other people did too, so I really don’t think you have to worry about nobody buying it. I’m giving it to several friends. Hopefully this will convince them to backpack with me this summer!
Thanks for the support, lady!
I pre ordered and haven’t been able to put it down all weekend! Truly great advice! Thank you for writing and inspiring us to get outside more! I love it!
This make me SO HAPPY to hear! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Awww yay! I’m psyched to hear that it’s been helpful so far! Any plans for your first trip now?!