It’s been a week and two days since From Beer to Eternity came out. Launch week is a crazy busy time. With each new book I’m reminded how generous and supportive the crime fiction writing and reading community is.
I did two Facebook parties. The first was with other Kensington authors whose books came out the same day. Jen J. Danna organized and did most of the work setting up the party. Her first book in the new NYPD Negotiators series is Exit Strategy. Here’s a bit about her book: In this taut new suspense series featuring NYPD detective Gemma Capello and her close-knit law enforcement family, a madman brings a halt to the heart of the city that never sleeps . . .
After her mother’s death during a bank robbery when she was a child, Gemma Capello grew up to become one of the NYPD’s elite hostage negotiators. In a family of cops, there’s rarely a day when a Capello isn’t facing down some form of threat. Still, despite their unpredictable schedules, they always find time for their annual family summer picnic. But this year, a sudden phone call changes everything.
The next night I did a Facebook party with Catherine Bruns. Her second book in her Italian Chef mystery series, It Cannoli Be Murder launched the same day as mine! Here’s a bit about it: Six months after her husband’s death, Tessa Esposito is hoping to drum up reservations for her restaurant’s grand opening. And since a signing with bestselling author, Preston Rigotta, is sure to draw a crowd, Tessa agrees to cater her cousin’s bookstore event—whipping up some of her famous Italian desserts. But the event soon takes a sour turn when Preston’s publicist, an old high school rival, arrives and begins to whisk up their old grudges.
That night, a fight breaks out in front of the crowd, and it becomes clear there’s bad blood in Harvest Park. And when the publicist is found dead on the bookstore floor the next morning, a stray cannolo at her side, Tessa knows who will be framed as the prime suspect.
To clear both her cousin’s and her own name, Tessa must investigate the murder. But Preston’s publicist has many secrets to hide, and in the end, the truth is bittersweet…
Friday night I was interviewed by fabulous bookstore owner Eileen McKervey. Eileen owns One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia. She is so supportive of the crime fiction community here in the Northern Virginia/DC/Maryland area. (You can order signed copies of my books and many other authors books through One More Page.) Here’s a link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NchLg_VI3jE
Another fabulous bookseller is Kelly Hebert Harrington at the Barnes and Noble in Destin, Florida. Kelly was so excited about From Beer to Eternity and we’ve been talking about it since I signed the contract for the series. Kelly pointed me to books about Destin’s history that were so valuable for researching the history of the area. We were going to have a big launch, but of course those plans had to be scraped. Kelly has a special display of the books at the front of the store.
Then there’s all the blogs like Jungle Red Writers, Dru’s Book Musings, and the Dollycas Blog tour. If you’re interested in reading any of the blogs I did for them, they are all available on the Appearances section of my website. Click here. I also have to thank all the review blogs like Carstairs Considers. And a big thanks to all the people who share posts on social media. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways a book can be promoted.
I always have the love and support of the Wickeds. They listened to me freak out when I found out about a mistake that made it through all the readings and proof readings of the book. Sigh.
I can’t leave out the amazing Jen who always has my back and I’d be lost without her.
I have to thank the team at Kensington. My editor Gary Goldstein came up with the idea for a series set in a beach bar and agreed to let me set it in the Florida panhandle. Larissa, you are the best and I’m so lucky to work with you. Lou designs amazing covers and there are all the behind the scenes people like the social media team and the production team. Unsung heroes all!
My family takes the brunt of the emotional roller coaster of my writing life and still love me. Lastly, my mom who has been so excited about my writing career from the day she heard about Tagged for Death. I miss you.
Readers: Do you follow book launches? Writers: What’s your favorite thing about launching a book?
Congratulations and hugs, Sherry, on the new release! I’m so so thrilled for you and your success!
My favorite part of launching a new book is getting to meet my readers at the events. I missed that more than I can say at my most recent launch. Zooming is fun, but not as satisfying. Thank goodness that we do have it as an option right now though! My launch parties at Mystery Lovers Bookshop always feel like a big family reunion!
I agree! I miss seeing people!
I finished the book and loved it, Sherry! I have launched my Quaker Midwife mysteries at local restaurants and bars in historical buildings and people loved it. Like Annette, I like meeting my readers, especially new ones who I had no idea were fans. And then there’s getting that box of books – my own book! – in the mail. Nothing like it!
I LOVE getting the box of books. It’s like Christmas every time!
I follow book launches but on an admittedly minor league level. I usually read about the launches here and on Jungle Red Writers. I have done a small handful of the Facebook launches but ever since the Zoom and other video launches have taken over the launch stuff, I haven’t really been able to take part in those.
I know it isn’t possible now, but I am definitely more interested in book launches when they are ones that I can go to in person.
By the way, I finished my copy of FROM BEER TO ETERNITY yesterday and did a review on Goodreads. You can check out my brief thoughts here (if you are interested): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3477449412
Wow! Thank you so much! I know how many books are out there so I appreciate you taking the time to read and review From Beer to Eternity. You are going to have to email me though. I know how it ends so I can take the spoiler.
I’ve finished From Beer to Eternity and loved it. Waiting with “baited” breath for #2.
My favorite thing about book launches is meeting with readers. The energy is so inspiring!
I’m so glad you loved it! The energy is inspiring!
Again, I say congratulations! Especially now during these trying times, I know it can’t be easy to do a book release. That speaks volumes for people that follow and admire your work.
I do love book launches and wish I could participate more. One would think being a senior in retirement years that one would have ample time. So how or other the days get shorter or I’m getting slower cause I don’t seem to get around to all I wish I could. When time allows and our 15 year old ailing chihuahua allows, I join in as much as I can in book launches.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Hugs to your sweet chihuahua!
Congrats again, Sherry!
My favorite thing, like others, is meeting readers. I’m sure my launch next week will be fun, but it won’t be the same as being in the store.
It will be fun and different! You are a busy woman!
Wow, you must be exhausted! My favorite part of launching a book is hearing from some loyal readers who wait for every release.
I agree — hearing from readers is the best! I look forward to your next release!
Wow! That is one whopper of a release week, Sherry! How thrilling! Wishing you lots and lots of sales for FROM BEER TO ETERNITY and huge success with the new series. 😊
Thank you! It was a fun week.
What a jam-packed release week! Congratulations to you and your team for getting the word out to all your present and future readers. Fate allowed “Chloe Jackson, Visiting Detective” to appear on Kerrian’s Notebook during the same week. Lovely coincidence, for sure. The book is a great beginning to a marvelous new series. 🙂
I follow launches as often as I can, and attend in person whenever possible. There’s an energy among the fans in attendance that speaks so positively of the author and the material and I get wonderful tidbits and author photos for future reviews.
I remember the first time I met you at dinner in Raleigh! And thanks for having Chloe visit Kerrian’s Notebook!
Our happy honor!
Super congratulations on the launch and the new series, Sherry! My favorite thing about launching a new book is seeing it out in the wild and in the hands of readers! It never gets old!
I agree!
I hate people so this brave new world is suiting me just fine.
LOL. Not really.
Laughing.
Congratulations!! Yes, I agree, my favorite part about a book launch is the energy in the room, with the readers. But zooming is certainly better than nothing. I’m looking forward to reading your latest!
I agree Zoom is better than nothing! I hope you like the book!
I have attended book launching parties, book review parties, book highlighting and signing parties, but am such an introvert that it was not that much fun for me. Crowds, ugh shiver, shiver, that is me over there against the wall wishing I could just go home and read. However, Sherry, I did buy your book and have it in the TBR file. Looking forward to reading it! Good luck with the series!
Zoom launches are perfect for introverts. I hope you enjoy the book!
I’m tired just reading about all of that.
I try to follow book launches. Unfortunately, due to time zones, I can’t always make events like I would like to.
And thanks for the shout out!! (I’m sorry to the rest of the Wickeds about making Sherry freak out.)
Laughing. My editor has been notified so future copies should be fixed. You were really lovely about the whole thing.
Congrats on your latest release, Sherry! My favorite part about book launches is the whole community feel of readers coming together. I also love doing co-launches because it’s wonderful to meet and collaborate with other authors.
Congrats on your new release. My copy arrived this afternoon! I haven’t followed many book launches in the past, but I plan on trying to follow moving forward, particularly for books by all The Wickeds!
Book launches either make me feel guilty (I WILL get to your book soon) or relieved, depending on whether I’ve posted the review on time. sigh. The ever over-flowing email inbox is NOT helping.