Officially A Published Author Now

Most people dream about the day they get married, buy their first house, win a million dollars, or become a parent. I’ve always dreamt about the day I would become an author.

I imagined balloons. Cake with some sort of “Congratulations!” on it, and all my loved ones around me, like a birthday party. I’d receive a text from my editor at midnight with a dozen clapping emojis, a small team of people telling me, “We did it!” And a switch would flip; I would suddenly be An Author now, something I’ve always wanted to call myself, one of the proudest titles for myself I could possibly think of.

But today, there is a different small team of people. Self-publishing my debut book means I am the small team—the writer, the formatter, the editor, the marketer, the saleswoman. And instead of an editor reaching out with their congrats, it’s my cover designer, Liv, and my closest friends. And instead of my publisher ordering me cake, it is my boyfriend and my family. In that way, it does still feel very much like a birthday.

And honestly, I am even luckier to have that, and I am so grateful.

Today, on the day I officially become a published author, I am at my day job, welcoming a new writer to my copy team. There is a lot to teach her, but we will take it slow. In between, I am undoubtedly distracted by the release of my book, by the messages of support, and by the fact that I am now not only a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, girlfriend, coworker, writer, poet, copywriter, manager, editor, and proofreader, but also an author.

Has a switch flipped? Am I different now? I heard that’s what newlyweds ask themselves after the ceremony is over. So often, it feels like nothing has changed; you are the same—it is just official now.

Now, you can put the title in ink, in your bio, on your grave.

Thank you so much for your support. I hope you will pick up a copy of YOU AGAIN today and enjoy it. And if you do, I’d love to hear it.