It’s official. I’m a published author!
My young adult sapphic romance Does Love Always Win? came out on June 20, 2023, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since!
My virtual and in-person launch parties were fantastic! My publisher hosted my virtual launch and we had great participation. I had a lovely time at my in-person launch, hosted by the wonderful Upper Dublin Public Library. They even provided a rainbow cake with the cover of my book on it! There were at least 25 people in attendance and the Q&A session was so invigorating. Such insightful questions! But I have to say my favorite part of the night was the signing when I could actually get to talk to readers. I had such a great time and the library even offered to host the launch for my next book, Superficial, coming out in September 2024. Big thank you to all my friends, family, the library, and community members that made my event such a success! It will be a night I’ll remember forever.
My launch went so well I only had eight books left so I had to quickly order more on Amazon, but unfortunately the ones I received were misprints. My publisher quickly rectified the situation, but if anyone received a copy of my book that looks like the picture below, please let me know, that is the wrong copy! There hopefully aren’t too many out there. Maybe when I become famous these will be sought after and I can laugh about the situation?
Unfortunately I couldn’t get more books for my next signing but that’s okay, I actually had enough and the bookstore that hosted my signing, booked. in Chestnut Hill, PA, bought my last copy and has it for sale in their store! It’s the first bookstore that I know of carrying my book in their store, hurray!
Another weird thing that happened was I found that my book title and name is being used in conjunction with another book that is available for free download. My publisher reported it, and it seemed to have disappeared, so it’s good that I regularly google my name and the title of my book!
One thing I have stopped doing is reading my book reviews. I had been reading them when my advanced reader copy reviews had arrived, but after my book was out in the world and I read a negative review, I have completely quit reading them cold turkey. I realize it’s better for my mental health that way. Not everyone is going to like it. People will have opinions, and that’s completely okay, but I don’t need to see it.
Speaking of reviews, if anyone has read or plans to read Does Love Always Win? I would appreciate it if you would consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Amazon is particularly helpful because they push out books with more reviews. You don’t even need to have purchased the book from there to leave a review. Thank you in advance!
My next book event is tomorrow, Sunday, July 2, 6:30 p.m. at a queer bookstore in DC called Little District Books. I’m so excited to be able to give an author talk in a queer bookstore. It’s a dream come true, just like being a published author.
Diane Billas 