It's my 5 year anniversary.
And so much has changed.
On May 15, 2018, my first young adult romance, MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE was published by Crown Books for Young Readers. I had sold the book back in 2013, but after numerous delays from my publisher, it was finally out in the world.
And by my publisher’s standards, it didn’t do as well as they wanted.
The sales numbers just weren’t what they expected, and the marketing strategy was ineffective even though it had made every major “book to watch” list and won the RITA award for best YA romance.
If I am being completely honest, experiencing the lack of sales success for My So-Called Bollywood Life was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me and my career. Here’s why:
I learned how to appreciate every reader who was still able to find me even though most stores didn’t carry my books.
I understood how vital a role librarians played in supporting young adult titles. If it wasn’t for the YA librarians who put my book in the hand of South Asian readers, then I wouldn’t have the life-long readers I have to this day.
I realized how biased the publishing industry is from the inside out. How publishing houses are still positioning stories by marginalized authors as books that have to “teach” something about race or identity. My mission is to add nuance to this conversation.
I learned how to market my own stories, connect with readers directly, and the importance of being my authentic self.
Most importantly, I truly understood the importance of advocating for ones self in this industry. If I didn’t fight for space, I don’t think I would have the career I have today.
Did I have to have poor sales to learn these lessons? No, I would’ve figured these out sooner or later. But because my book didn’t go the way I had always dreamed my first release would be, I was cooking in a pressure chamber, and I became a seasoned author real quick.
But I don’t regret it for the world. The memories I’ve had with MSCBL are ones I’ll cherish forever. And the readers who found me with my very first book? You’ll always be my favorite.
So to celebrate my 5 year anniversary of My So-Called Bollywood Life, I’m so excited to share that I’ll be re-releasing my very first title with revisions, a new cover designed by the incredible artist Casey Moses, and an extended epilogue for readers wondering ‘where are they now?’ There will be a change up in all of the Bollywood movie references, too.
The tentative release date for the new MSCBL is Valentines Day 2024 (because it’ll take that long to edit and print).
I can’t wait to revisit some of my favorite characters. It’s been too long, and I’m so excited to spend time with them again. Stay tuned for more details!
Until then, there is a LOT going on in the Shakespeare Universe. Specifically with Tastes Like Shakkar!
If you’re located in the U.S., there is a Goodreads Giveaway for advance reader copies! There are 100 copies available so make sure you submit your entry before May 17th!
I’m announcing the details to my pre-order campaign and my event schedule soon, so stay tuned! I’ll be in New York, Philly, Boston, Texas and more!
And if you’re interested in reading my pirate romance, check out the Rising Tides Kickstarter that ends in FIVE DAYS. Regardless of what tier you purchase, you get the e-books right away so it’s like instant gratification before you get the beautiful paperbacks or hardcovers.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks so much for sticking around, friends. I’m so blessed to have you in my life.
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Thank you for this, Nisha. My debut book (nonfiction) comes out tomorrow and I am freaking out more than I expected to be? I'm so worried about sales, marketing, and that the book won't get any attention and will float off into ether and ultimately what that will mean for my ability to continue to write. But reading this was what I needed so thank you.