It's one word. One push of a button. One second of my time after all I've done to prepare.
My finger wavers over the key. If I push the button, my book gets published. Self-published. I've written the cover blurb at least a hundred times. I've revised the cover over and over, seeking advice from other writers and friends. My story has been edited by Beta readers, critique partners, my ex-agent and a professional editor.
I should be ready.
But is any writer ever ready for what comes after they submit their work to the world?
The other day, I read a few nasty comments on Amazon about one woman's book. I endured a bad one myself on my first novel. But this is different. I don't have the backing of a publishing house. I have me. Only me.
The me who did my best to present the best product I can at this point in my writing career.
My husband reminded me how he bid jobs in construction for so many years. Some of his customers loved his work, others complained. He couldn't please 100 % of the people 100% of the time.
I won't either.
Yet still...
I've set the release date. My mother's birthday and the day my father died. Perhaps I chose that date so I can remember it but perhaps to remind me it's just a button. A push of the finger.
So much more in life is important.
