Lessons from the void: my ARC campaign reality check.

I launched an ARC campaign on Saturday, August 8, 2026, and here’s what I learned in the last four days so far.

First and foremost, it is a lot harder finding your audience than social media would have you believe. Day after day, I see posts about how many ARCS writers are getting, and the numbers are staggering. It’s impressive and inspiring. I thought, okay, easy peasy (no, I will not say lemon squeezy). I’m not sure if those writers’ accounts have a built-in readership already or not, but so far, it’s been a bit of a struggle building my campaign. Trying to break into the Instagram algorithm has been frustrating, to say the least. I spend hours creating content only for most of it to sit at no more than 150 views, and that’s on a good day.

Now, I know this is my first rodeo into self-publishing, and I still have a lot to learn, but I don’t think I was expecting to literally be screaming into the void. Full transparency, I just don’t have the time or energy most days to be a content creator. However, I know marketing is a big part of the journey. This is my debut novel after all, and I’m sure there are dues to pay and readers to earn, and I’m okay with that.

When my publisher closed its doors indefinitely back in April, I was a little lost at first and quite frankly terrified. After all, they were going to handle the ARCS and PR boxes for me. But, I quickly pulled myself together and forged ahead. I have stories to tell.

I have found some wonderful people who have rallied around my work, and not only are they supportive, encouraging, and my biggest cheerleaders, they give me the extra tank of gas I need to keep going. There is no giving up, I will scream into the void as many times as I need to, whatever it takes.

On a positive note, I have received my first round of 5-star reviews, and I am humbled and overwhelmed with the love. I hope to keep that momentum going. I was also asked by one of my ARC readers if she could interview me for her blog, and I gladly accepted. I mean, how cool is that? THE DAY I DIED AGAIN, was a true labor of love. I poured everything into that story and left no stone upturned.

Anyway, it’s late, and I just wanted to pop in and give a quick update since it has been awhile since I posted a new blog. I will be back when I have more to tell on this necessary, but tough part of this journey.

Toodles for now. Yes, I just said toodles.