RACHEL E. BROOKER

It was always my dream to see ‘Will Worthington and The Black Rainbow’ in bookshops. I would often go into Waterstones and find where it would sit on the shelf, imagining the book would be there. Years ago, naturally, I had hoped that he would be picked up by a literary agent, and then, following this, a big publisher (maybe ‘Walker?’) After this, I assumed it would be a smooth transition into bookstores all over the world….

As I grew up, however, I realised that life isn’t always about going in one direction, and through extensive research, I also realised that even if you do get traditionally published, the work can be just as hard. It all depends where you rank in the eyes of the industry. (For example: Mid List books don’t get as much support, and it’s only in rare occasions, a book gets to be a Lead, which means they have help in every bit of the marketing.) Fortunately, I’ve been promoting my love of writing and quirky pineapples on Twitter for nine years, which has already got my foot through the door. In actual fact, the moment I accepted the idea that my book could be self published, I started to see the whole process in a newer, fresher, more positive light.

After the book had gone through the proof copy stage, I corrected the last errors and then began approaching local bookshops. Despite not graduating The Golden Egg Academy, I remembered everything they taught me about elevator pitches, but instead of preparing one, I just talked quickly about my book, listing the key factors and main plot points. I was overjoyed to find that everyone I spoke to wanted to support me on my author journey. It helps, too, that the cover for my book doesn’t look ‘self published.’ I have had so many comments on how professional it is. If you’d like to check out her fabulous work: www.katiebirks.co.uk

The next thing I know, I’m signing copies that The Archway Bookshop puts on a table in the children’s section. What’s even more astonishing is the fact that ‘Will Worthington and The Black Rainbow’ has ended up sitting next to established children’s author, Katherine Rundell, and then at the back, a copy of the illustrated Harry Potter. Switch to me signing more copies of my book again in The Lyme Regis Bookshop! It’s insane. Their Instagram has photos of me, and so does The Archway. I’ve also popped some into Waterstones, Bridport and in Swish and Flick (the Harry Potter theme shop in Axminster.) The Bookshop in Bridport has one too. This morning (the 14th September) I went into the local library too. I’m booking signings. I’m getting pre orders. I might do another reading soon.

The key is not to stop, even if you’re nervous, or fearful. The little voices are consistent now. What if nobody likes my book? What if they don’t sell? However, I know that 1) it’s early days and 2) I am doing the usual thing of self jeopardising, which is something I’ve done all my life. I have to trust myself…. I must smile, be confident, and enjoy this time, because it’s everything that my life has been building towards, and I have worked incredibly hard to get to this point. I have always believed in Will, and I have to continue believing.

I deserve it.

Here is one of my favourites from this week🍍