Enter Stage Right: Spotlight on You
Are you overwhelmed with being the center of attention? Do you find the idea of a spotlight stressful? Well, I have bad news for you, author. Part of this gig IS being the center of attention, at least if you play your cards right.
It is absolutely stressful to be put on the spot when someone asks you what your book is about. This is why you need an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30 second summary that succinctly tells the person what your book is about and why they should read it. Practice makes perfect. Write out a short summary and practice, practice, practice. Ask to practice with your friends and family, and ask for feedback. Soon you’ll be able to rattle it off without a hitch.
It’s easy to hide behind a screen, author. But if you want more people to buy your books, you need to put yourself out there. That means in-person events, interviews, and maybe some live streaming. Stage fright is perfectly common, and normal in fact! Start small with literary events where you are just a participant, that will give you an opportunity to see how other authors interact with an audience. See if you can schedule an interview with a blogger or a social media account that is not live, to start with.
Once you get some experience, and practice lots of deep breathing, then it's time to branch out to live events. Work with your local library or bookstore to see about a reading or a book signing. Those are pretty low stakes and focus on something you know a lot about: your book! Then consider a live interview. If you’re stressed, practice some common questions with a peer. If you mess up or stumble, just pause, take a deep breath, and restart.
Remember, author, that you are an expert on your book. No one knows more about it than you do. Most people will be thrilled to just meet you and hear you do a reading. Nerves are natural, but you are a wonderful and creative being who I know will move past them. It may take time and some grounding thoughts, but you got this! Enter stage right, you’re ready for a solo.
