The Journey After Publishing: Lessons from an Autistic Author
Publishing a book is often described as a dream come true, and in many ways, it is. When my book, "But...GOD Gave Me a Pencil," was accepted for publication by a wonderful company, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. But what I needed to understand fully was how much work would follow.
As a businesswoman, I was no stranger to the idea of self-promotion, but the level of effort required to market a book felt entirely foreign. The publisher provided me with some marketing materials, and a few friends shared advice, but the process felt like being handed a map in a language I couldn't read.
Navigating Marketing as an Autistic Author
Marketing my book required skills I knew I struggled with because of my autism. Much of the process depended on social connections—reaching out to local bookstores, emailing programs, and networking with people I didn't know. These tasks are challenging for anyone, but they were almost overwhelming for me.
I froze when I read advice asking how far-reaching my social media network was or suggesting I hand over lists of personal contacts. I couldn't imagine giving away people's information—it felt invasive and wrong. But I also knew that success in this arena often depended on leveraging connections. I began to wonder: Was this challenge rooted in my neurodivergence, or was the system itself overwhelming for everyone?
The truth was likely a mix of both. The expectations felt grueling. Cold-calling programs and emailing strangers, hoping someone would see value in my story, was exhausting. I prayed often, asking for direction and support, but I also felt stretched thin.
The Emotional Toll of Self-Promotion
Writing But...GOD Gave Me a Pencil was deeply personal. It was my story—my journey of navigating life with learning disabilities and autism, raising children, and finding ways to teach that worked for all of us. Sharing that story with the world felt like planting a seed of hope.
But promotion? That was something else entirely. By the time I started blogging about my experiences, I found myself struggling to rest. I wasn't just physically tired; I was mentally and emotionally drained. Crafting posts, emails, and outreach messages became an exercise in overthinking. I'd second-guess every sentence, wondering if I was saying the right thing to connect with the right audience.
When I finally took a vacation, I realized just how much the process had taken out of me. I'd brought books to read, thinking they would offer a break from work. But I couldn't concentrate on them. My mind was still tangled in the demands of self-promotion, and I felt like I'd lost the joy I originally had in sharing my story.
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, I've learned much about myself and the publishing process. Here are a few lessons I'm carrying with me:
1. Self-Promotion Is Hard, but It's Okay to Ask for Help
I tried to do everything on my own at first, but the truth is, none of us are meant to go it alone. I'm learning to lean on others, whether asking friends to share my book with their networks or seeking advice from people with more experience.
2. Success Isn't Measured in Social Connections
It's easy to feel like you're falling short if you don't have a massive social network or a perfectly curated online presence. But the value of my story isn't in how many people I know—it's in how it resonates with those who read it. I don't have to be a national bestseller to share my voice - I have to trust that those who need it will get it.
3. Rest Is Non-Negotiable
This process taught me how important it is to rest physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stepping away from the work doesn't mean I'm failing; I'm recharging to keep going. I always want to engage my readers with a good blog post or an uplifting meme, but they will be there after I have had time to care for myself. I am helping them learn how to do it themselves.
4. Sharing My Story Is Worth It
Even in the most challenging moments, I remind myself why I wrote this book. I wanted to offer hope and encouragement to others—especially those who, like me, face unique challenges. The messages from readers who felt seen and inspired remind me that the effort is worth it.
A Note to Fellow Creators
If you're navigating the world of self-promotion as an author or creator, especially if you face challenges like autism or learning disabilities, know this: you're not alone. The process may be overwhelming, but your story matters.
Take breaks when you need them. Reach out for help. And remember that your worth isn't tied to how well you market yourself—it's in the heart of the work you've created.
"But...GOD Gave Me a Pencil" has taught me more than I ever imagined—about storytelling and myself. And for that, I'm grateful.
By the book here: https://www.amazon.com/But-GOD-Gave-Me-Pencil/dp/163746262X
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