Image credit: Suzy Hazelwood via Pexels

Lately I’ve been deep in the other side of writing, the part no one really romanticizes.
Preparing for a self-published launch isn’t just about finishing a book. It’s about trying to do everything right so the book actually has a chance to find readers.

That means continuing to write the next thing while also marketing the current one.

Building a potential reader list. Searching for ARC readers so there are reviews on Amazon and Goodreads when the book releases, because reviews matter. It means trying to understand all the algorithms, and algorithms care about momentum more than intention.

If you get a certain number of verified reviews on Amazon (meaning the reviewer bought the book on Amazon), the system pushes you higher and gives you more exposure.

Being consistent on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Goodreads groups, Substack posts, and content.

Talking with marketing groups to find a strategy that makes sense and fits within a real-world budget.

Reaching out to podcasters, bloggers, book clubs, and local bookstores. Building relationships slowly and honestly, hoping some of them turn into opportunities for exposure.

On top of everything I’m planning and strategizing for, I’ve had a surge of ideas I can’t let get away but can’t find time to write. Six short stories, a novella, four more novels….

I honestly just want to write and connect with readers as well as other authors; however, I feel more like a salesman right now. And to be a nice as possible: I don’t like salesmen.

All of this while working a full-time job, having a large family of amazing yet demanding kiddos, doing the holiday things and trying not to burn out.

And yes, sometimes it’s overwhelming.

I love what I’m doing. I genuinely do.

Writing is still the thing that keeps me sane, and the goal hasn’t changed: to write good stories and share them with people who might connect with them. I just want the work to be somewhat successful so I can keep doing it.

But I’d be lying if I said the constant need to perform for the algorithms doesn’t get frustrating.

The feeling that you have to be a tap-dancing monkey just to be seen by a social media logic system can really wear on you.

And I know it’s not just indie authors.

Every traditionally published writer I’ve met says the same thing. The hustle doesn’t go away. It just changes shape.

The good part, the part that keeps me going, is the people.

I’ve met and connected with so many great people along the way. Artists, authors, readers, film fanatics, and professionals. Real conversations. Real encouragement. Shared commiseration. That’s been the gift of this whole process, and I genuinely love it. In all honesty, they’re the reason I want to keep going.

I want to keep connecting with writers and readers. I want to keep engaging in this community I’ve grown to love, but the rules of engagement for maintaining it are my problem, and I know nearly everyone else I’ve met feels the same.

To be cliché: I hate the game, not the players.

So, what do you do about it?

I don’t know. This is just a vent session, I suppose, and if I’m being transparent, a good opportunity to blog on Substack and keep myself active and relevant before my debut novel releases next year. 😜

So, long story short, everyone who reads this: restack it, reshare it, repost it, rehash it, reply to it, react to it, re-react to it, retweet it, remix it, re-twitch it, rewind it, recook it, restore it, reduce, reuse, recycle…

OR… if you want to do even more: like, subscribe, follow, comment, message your friends, have those friends message their other friends they never introduce you to because they’re secretly embarrassed of you (😆), do a quote post on X, share me in your Discord server, mention me in your online forums, share me to your story…

Insert sound of a deep breath being taken

Embed me on your website, blog about me, bookmark me, recommend me, add me to your favorites, purchase, preorder, permeate, laminate, prognosticate, and never confiscate. Find something I said somewhere randomly and give me a 👍🤣😂💯😍😁😊😜😃😆 or, if you’re feeling especially saucy, leave me a ❤. However, under no circumstance leave me a 😘… don’t make it weird.

Then, when you feel truly ready, turn me on (notifications, that is 😉), stream me, engage me, question me, invite me, and by all means tag me. Because I’m IT. That’s what tagging is, right? 🤪

In all seriousness, I’ve met so many writers over the last year: indie, traditionally published, aspiring, exhausted, hopeful. And what keeps striking me is how similar the feelings are beneath the surface. Different paths, different stages, same doubts, same frustrations. The same quiet question of is this worth it?

If you’re feeling that right now, I get it. I really do. But if you love writing, if you love crafting stories, building worlds and mythologies, creating characters that feel real to you even when no one else is watching, then keep going. Even if it feels like no one notices you or reads your work. Even when it feels like shouting into the void.

It’s tempting to quit. Everyone thinks about it. But the work itself is the point. And every bump in the road, every awkward step, every moment of doubt is still part of building something meaningful. If this is the thing you love, it’s worth it. All of it.

So, to anyone out there struggling: keep going.

Deep sigh to prepare for the shameless pitch part

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Truly.

And, if you’re curious about what I’m working on, you can find everything here:
jasongarman.carrd.co

My debut novel is currently aiming for an early June release (fingers crossed), and I’ll be sharing more as it comes together.

And if you’re a writer: indie, traditional, aspiring, exhausted, feel free to vent in the comments. Share your stories. Your frustrations. Your small wins. We’re all trying to balance the same impossible equation. I honestly love hearing from people. Readers and authors alike are the ones keeping me going these days.