Woman in the hot seat
The one where I honestly answer your questions about publishing, poems (and a few things personal)
On Instagram, I recently crowdsourced your burning questions. There’s so much mystery surrounding the publishing process, how writers make money, and just how to get a book into the world. Here’s some honest, no bullshit answers to a smattering of the questions I received:
What’s the biggest stressor for you in launch and why?
Getting people to pre-order, dang it.
True story: even the lovely human I’ve been seeing for the last several months sheepishly admitted to me the other night that he has yet to pre-order my book. He’s my biggest fan! He’s coming to my launch event! He likes all of my poems on IG! And yet he still hasn’t gotten around to pre-ordering. Honestly, people mean SO well and they definitely care but they absolutely forget to pre-order.
So why does pre-ordering matter? Strong pre-orders basically dictate the life of the book—they help publishers decide how much to invest in the book’s success (think tour events, press, outreach). And most importantly, pre-orders count toward the bestseller list. To make the list, authors have to get a high number of sales in one week. Since all preorders count toward Week 1 sales, that week is often an author’s best opportunity to make the list.
Based on my numbers so far, I have a real shot at the bestseller list but only if we get enough preorders. If you want to help make this book soar, don’t wait to order until pub day on April 9th. Order now and help it get there. 💗
Do you have to be IG influencer to be an author these days?
God, I hope not. I don’t consider myself an IG influencer. I’d describe myself as an author, first and foremost, but I can’t deny the visibility of my presence on social media.
I had about 25K followers when I initially queried my agent and was made an offer of representation. Recently, I asked my agent how much platform actually matters. Was my following the reason she picked me up?
Here’s what she had to say (this was a phone call, so I’m paraphrasing slightly):
The numbers on your Instagram didn’t matter as much as the energy I felt from your following. I could tell the work was promising and you readers were engaged.
I was obviously impressed by the quality of your writing (I mean I get queried for poetry manuscripts all the time), but the possibility for growth and the energy of engagement swayed me.
The most common mistake I see writers make is that they try to grow a social platform before their work is strong enough. Authenticity is what matters on Instagram and people can sniff out money-making or fame-seeking schemes. They want something else. Quippy 200 character work just doesn’t have the longevity to make it. It’s more important to first understand your craft and then worry about social. Once you have real stuff to share, that’s where connection happens (ie. people want to share it, invite you on podcasts, feature you as a speaker etc).
In short: I don’t think you have to be an influencer to succeed as an author, but I do think you should know if your ideas resonate with readers. Are you on Substack? Are you submitting work to contests and journals? Are you part of a writing community? It’s important to know who your audience is and why your work matters to them.
Some good new is—there are many viable routes to bringing a poetry collection into the world. You can publish with smaller presses who aren’t as concerned with a social media presence. Or you can self-publish, have control of the process, and keep all the royalties you make.
How do you feel about going on tour?
I feel nervous and super excited! I’m always stressed when people say nice things about me publicly but I promised myself that I would try to enjoy this experience—even just a little bit.
Also, I’m so honored to get to chat with some of my literary heroes like
, , , and on the road.Come hang out. I’d love to hug you. You can find my tour event schedule here.
How do you find a literary agent?
Here are my best tips:
Have a well-edited pitch that you have gotten copious amounts of feedback on.
Provide evidence that your work resonates with others— have you sold prints? Are you growing a following or an email list? Are you selling out workshops? Agents needs reassurance that your work can find a home. An investment in you is a risk so any data you can provide is encouraging.
Query in batches (4-6) at once. Some agents will give you feedback that you can integrate before you pitch others. This perspective can be crucial to success. You can snag a copy of my query letter template here.
Do your research. Know what the agent generally reads and accepts. Read their wishlist and reference it to show you’ve done your homework. Follow you dream agent on any social platforms they’re public on. Articulate why your work is a good fit. Clearly define your genre and identify which authors you realistically might sit next to on a shelf.
While writing can be freeing, does it cause anxiety to put yourself out there?
Honestly, most things give me anxiety, ha. But yes, lately, it’s tough to not have much distance between authorship and readership. Because of my visibility online, I’m always only one comment/DM away from folks telling me exactly what they think of me or my writing. Most folks are kind, but the distance (or lack there of ) is incredibly vulnerable. It’s uncomfortable to date when men can literally look up my Substack before a first meeting and read my unbuttoned heart. It’s weird that I can’t tell if someone is smiling at me these days because they recognize me from IG or are just being friendly. It’s nerve-wracking to lose your anonymity even when you’re wildly thankful people are reading your book.
Advice for someone who wants to write a book but doesn’t know where to start?
Find an obsession.
Write it down.
Get supportive, honest feedback.
What’s your home life like? Pets? Cooking? Workouts? TV? Car? Vegetarian? Favorite pastimes?
Pets: I live with two incredible cats who deserve to have my next book dedicated to them for their ongoing support in the form of morning biscuits, chest purring, and midnight squeak-snores.
Food + exercise: I cook a big breakfast every morning—potatoes, arugula, soft runny eggs and pickled carrots. And then I snack the rest of the day—don’t judge me, I’m a creative. When I’m not in launch season, I try to lift 2-3 times/week at my gym. I’m not vegetarian but eat mostly eggs/seafood if I consume animal-based products. I have a car but I try to walk when I can.
TV: I have never owned a television as an adult, but, when I’m stressed, I curl up like a cave troll around my laptop in bed and rewatch Flea Bag.
What else do you want to know about writing, life, or the pub world? Ask me below in the comments! 💗
✨ What’s new: ✨
Help me hit that best seller list! (And get a free print while you’re at it)
My local indie, Broadway Books, is offering signed copies of my book AND a free “5x7” Instructions for Traveling West print when you preorder directly from their online store. This is the only place to get prints since I no longer sell them so snag one before they run out!
Ranchlands Horseback Riding + Poetry Retreat
I’m teaming up with
for a second time this summer to offer a poetry and horseback riding retreat at Paintrock Canyon Ranch. Our first retreat sold out so grab your spot if you want to come! Only 7 seats left. Let’s write and ride together.
“The numbers on your Instagram didn’t matter as much as the energy I felt from your following. “ This was an enlightening take on IG and why to do it.
I confess, Joy, that every time you post a place to preorder books, and I go and order one. I figure I am helping you and the bookstore, and I can give them out to everyone I know. I just love you friend and I am so excited to hug you in LA!