Making Changes That Matter

Yesterday was my birthday, and after ruminating on the year behind me, I considered what I want for the year ahead.
 

The answer came to me immediately: I want balance.

 
I want to be able to write and publish and do everything else . . . but with less stress. With less hanging over my head. I need more space to breathe in, more headspace to think in. In a nutshell, I want less to do on my to-do list.
 
Maybe you can relate. If you’ve self-published, and you’ve been in marketing mode for some time, I’m sure you can.
 
I went into self-publishing as though it were an exciting adventure that would hopefully continue into the far future. I put no limits on it, doing whatever needed to be done whenever it needed to be done. The pandemic was upon us, and since being at home all the time was socially acceptable (and basically mandatory), I embraced it.
 
The timing was good in this way because, as you all know, self-publishing is a demanding, time-monopolizing pursuit. A full publishing life takes all the time you’re willing to give it, and more. It’s greedy that way.
 
And now I realize that if I am to find balance, the free-for-all must end and limits must be set.
 
The problem is, publishing is not all that I do. It’s not all anyone does. I still have a job as an instructor. I am also a freelance editor and a writer of magazine articles and a blog. I have a family. And an extended family. I love spending time doing all of these things (and getting together with these people).  
 
The writing, editing, launching, celebrating, and supporting of my books have all been wonderful. But it’s also been an emotional roller coaster. Truly. Along with the fun comes a lot of worry (Am I doing the right thing at the right time?), anxiety (Can I make this self-imposed deadline?), stress (Did I just accidentally publish my book two weeks before release day?).
 
Frustration is to be expected. Mistakes happen. Deadlines apply pressure. Technical glitches occur. Feeling drained becomes the norm.
 
All the while, there are high standards to reach for and a readership to satisfy (or disappoint)—and they don’t care how busy you’ve been or how hard you’ve tried.
 
So, what is to be done?
 

If the goal is for balance, I have to make balance happen.

 
That means less work time and more down time. It means making the space I long for by shortening the to-do lists that apply all that pressure. It means giving myself more wiggle room when it comes to launching books.
 
I cannot give up the writing, publishing, and marketing. I cannot give up family. I cannot quit my day job. So, I must concentrate on what I can actually control: I can pare down everything outside of that list.
 
I’ve been trying to “have it all” and that is a hamster wheel of a goal. Now that the self-publishing scene is no longer brand-new to me, I need to home in on what works and let the rest fall by the way side. I need to keep an eye on myself and be sure that I stop filling up all the “free” spaces. When I feel the anxiety growing, when I’m experiencing the stress of a packed schedule, I need to step back, to start saying no, and mean it. Pare down. Schedule an afternoon—or a few of them—off.
 
Balance, balance, balance: I’m writing the word in big letters on a Post-it Note and sticking it on the window in front of my desk.
 
A list of what I hope to happily and serenely achieve before my next birthday:
 
+ Write and edit two more books. Book 4 in the Jovian Universe, and Book 1 in a new series.
+ Put together a launch for each of the above books.
+ Obtain a Bookbub deal for They Will Be Coming for Us (all I can do is keep submitting).
+ Learn how to advertise on Amazon and/or Bookbub.
+ Create a local book campaign (for early 2024).
+ Avoid overbooking my work self!
 

How do you create balance in your self-publishing life?

Kim Catanzarite is the author of the award-winning Jovian Universe sci-fi series. She is a freelance writer and editor for publishers and independent authors, and she teaches copyediting for Writer’s Digest University. Her Self-Publishing 101 blog discusses the ins and outs of indie life as well as all things writing craft.  Kim lives on the east coast USA with her husband and daughter.