How to Bring Joy to Your Launch

Playfulness makes a scary process waaaay more fun.

Photo by Anurag Jamwal.

If hearing the word “launch” makes you freeze or panic, you are not alone.

I dove into writing from a desire to create and delight in telling a story. And for years, I wrote in the film biz where other people handled the production and marketing.

Then I made the leap over to writing books.

As I sauntered my way along the author yellow brick road, I finished my first book (super proud of myself, of course) and discovered that I was the one responsible for people finding it.

WAIT, WHAAAAAAT?

Doesn’t someone else handle that? (Apparently not)
You mean I need to know how to market? (But I’m a writer)
Isn’t that what you hire other people to do? (Sure, if you have lots of moola)

That was the point when, in her infinite wisdom, the Divine led me to people like Sean Platt, Dave Chesson, and Joanna Penn. Visionaries on how to find your readers and get your books into their hands without the high-priced cost of an expert.

I still completely fumbled the ball on my first launches. Partially because I was intimidated by marketing, but mostly because I was in the middle of a different BIG leap.

I’d finished my first novel and was daring to share it. With the WORLD (in theory).

That alone is a scary and bold move. It made sense to me why first time authors had very little room to think about marketing.

Publishing a book is BIG. It deserves to be honoured.

Now, four books later, I’ve gained the maturity and emotional space to see that the launch of my next book was up to me. And thanks to discovering Substack, I’m surrounded by amazing people who write and launch on their own - and teach others how to do it.

Photo by Michael D Beckwith

In the spirit of Joyful Creating, I decided that my launch was going to be as enjoyable as writing the book. And that how I feel during the launch was up to me.

I wanted to share a few ways that you, too, can enjoy launching and promoting your work.

Surround Yourself with Supportive Community

Finding people who have done what you aspire to or are in the process of doing it makes such a difference. For me, this is Substack.

I am inspired every day. Each time I open the app. There is someone sharing about what they learned and encouraging you to do it, too.

I hasten to add that, while it is wonderful to have friends who cheer for you (and have no idea why you do it), it really makes a difference to have people who just get it.

The world can be hard enough on us and our dreams. Being around people who are dreamers taking action will keep you going. And will lift you up on days that you might otherwise throw in the towel.

Make Accountability Delightful with Task Tag

I’m an accountability gal. I juggle enough projects to know that I need people (outside my head) who keep me accountable to my goals. It’s a simple trick and it works really well for me.

Still, I’m the first to admit that accountability sounds dreadfully dull and adultish.

This time around, I paired up with my lovely friend, Jill to infuse our to-dos with more play. She is the best combination of joy and encouragement. That made it easy to come up with a fresh name for our game ~ Task Tag.

What? Accountability can be fun? (Don’t tell the Accountability Police)

I couldn’t wait to do each task and call, Tag! You’re it! Then we would laugh and virtually high-five. Or leave a sweet, congratulatory voice note.

When you’re juggling all the things as a creative - writing, sharing, building an audience, getting the word out, learning (or hiring someone for) SEO, and sooooo much more. It can feel like a never-ending laundry list. Kinda like the rest of life.

Pairing up with someone who cheers you forward and shares the little wins can make all the difference in actioning on the projects that light up your heart.

Disarm Perfectionism with a Playful Approach

Launches are a prime place to bring out my inner perfectionist. What if I forget something? What if I do it wrong? What if it fails? What if people are mean?

It turns a project about sharing your work into a scary, why-am-I-doing-this-to-myself torture-fest. Bringing play to the scene gave me permission to experiment. To remember that life is a game.

And one of my greatest joys in life is learning. I adore learning.

So if I can do a project and discover what I’m capable of? It’s a win-win!
If I let everything that I need to learn overwhelm my brain at once? I freeze and want to ditch it all.

So instead of expecting perfection, I choose the game. I remind myself that each little move is a delight. To focus on only the next task. And remember that every discovery is a thrill.

After all, who cares about perfect? Almost no one.

Photo by Tirachard Kumtano

Celebrate Every Win to Create Momentum

When I know that every brave move is a win, it creates momentum.

Between the amazing community, my task-tag buddies, and my cheer squad, I have multiple places to share wins. The more that I celebrate, the more I let in the brave reality of what I’m up to in the world.

Especially if you’re someone who was rarely celebrated or encouraged as a child, celebrating yourself is transformational. It acknowledges how brilliant you are.

And if no one else has ever told you, sharing your work with the world is one of the bravest and most generous acts you can do.

If that’s what you’re up to? I’m right here, in your corner, cheering you on.

Joy Makes the Time Fly By

When a project is fun, it’s easier to show up.

Whether that’s writing solo or making something with a team. The more joy, the more ease. Every time.

As I infuse my launch with delight, I share more freely, take more risks, and feel more connected to my friends and my readers. I am showing up with enthusiasm, not stress.

Even better, I actually enjoyed the process. And that’s what I want to keep building.

You deserve to love what you do ~ and to love the doing of it.

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A joyful launch isn’t frivolous—it’s fuel. Find one tiny way to bring play into your next task and notice the shift. Even better, share it!

I, for one, would love to know what you did.

xo Kate

P.S. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I’d love if you bought me a coffee. It’s the elixir that keeps my words flowing. Thanks!

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Creative Journal: Use my Guided Moon Journal to align with your creative energy with the moon’s rhythm. Available on my Joyful Creating store.

My Books: You can find my books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Romantasy: Jump in with Messenger.
Urban Fantasy: You’ll adore Blue Moon.

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