The non-writing parts of being an author

We’ve all seen it said that being an author is so much more than writing a book...

Welcome to my third newsletter! My biggest news this month was the cover reveal of my debut novel, How NOT To Kiss A Prince, which is now available for pre-order from your preferred retailer! I love that the cover reveal occurred during Pride month - fitting, for my queer YA romcom.

However, we’ve all seen it said that being an author is so much more than writing a book. I’ve had lots going on this month so I decided my newsletter should be a round-up of all the shiny newness in case you missed anything.

I reached 3000 followers on Twitter/X. This isn’t many by some standards, but as a self-proclaimed technophobe and introvert, peopling online is such a drain. That’s not to say it’s all bad - I really value the connections and even firm friendships I’ve made online - but it takes a lot of time and energy for something I’d really rather not be doing. I’d rather be writing.

As a ‘pay it forward’ offer for reaching 3K followers, I delivered 2 query package critiques to my followers, both with excellent opening chapters and concepts I’d be excited to keep reading. I’ve learned so much about my own writing through critiquing others, so really everyone wins in this scenario.

Knowing that my target audience for my debut novel (teenage readers) are unlikely to be on Twitter/X and more likely to hang out on Instagram and Tiktok, I created accounts there, too. Then, so that everything matches, I changed my Twitter/X handle and I’m now BWheelerBooks everywhere. I’m feeling all professional about it.

I was invited as a guest on the wonderful podcast The Literary Blend. I was so nervous about speaking words that other people would hear (when writing, I have time to edit, erase, rewrite, and repeat as necessary) but my host, Demi, made me feel very comfortable and I had great fun. You can listen to the podcast here and if you’d like me to speak on your show, please get in touch!

I’ve also been invited as a guest author to a book club in December, and to speak on a panel at Love Lit Fest in September. Early Bird tickets are now available for this online event so hurry and book before they all go! My co-panelist is Katherine Webber, coauthor of Twin Crowns and author of Captain of Fates. I’m a little starstruck!

All that, along with receiving my feedback from Cheshire Novel Prize for my Middle Grade novel that reached the shortlist of their competition this year, starting writing a brand new Young Adult book, and assisting at monthly creative writing sessions for teen writers through Writing West Midlands (bookings for next academic year now being taken!). Being an author is about a lot more than just writing a book.

Thanks for reading, and for cheering me on. If you haven’t yet subscribed, please consider it. I only send one newsletter a month and I’d hate for you to miss anything. If you’d like to pre-order my novel, that would be great. I look forward to sending more updates next month.

Best wishes, B x