When is a new book no longer a new book?

When your publicist signs off?

Anyone who writes knows that the lead up to a published book is fraught with decisions, excitement, and nerves. Then there are the initial readings, and for me it was two out-of-town readings in the summer at bookstores in Kingston and Peterborough: Novel Idea and Take Cover Books, respectively. I read from my poetry collection, The Suicide Tourist (Ekstasis Editions, 2024). I was part of a Jade Wallace’s book tour for Anomia, which was a delight.

A couple of days after my book was published, I found my publicist, River Street Writing. I had posted a TikTok (my first) an unboxing video, and when River Street Writing commented, I got in touch with them. Best decision ever! Hollay Ghadery did an amazing job of promoting my book — I got 8 reviews, 3 interviews (one on radio!), placed an essay related to my book’s material, and so much more than if I’d been only doing my own promotion. And now, six months later, my publicity contract has expired.

In the new year I have three readings coming up, but overwhelmingly, the new book smell is passing. Although I do hope some of the reading festivals will bite, and that was the last pitch from my publicist. Getting into the festivals is challenging, but I’m hoping one or two of them will see that my subject matter is interesting and timely (all manner of mental health).

What about you? Do you find you can continue to promote a book after the six month mark, and after the one year mark? Or are you knee deep in your next new book by that time?