Does a book have an expiration date? That date when it becomes irrelevant, old news, “NEXT!”?

Of course, the answer is, “NO,” but in the industry of publishing, at least the traditional, Big 5, NY-based industry of publishing, a book that’s been out for a year is considered “backlist,” a literary “has been,” which relegates it off the shelves and into “if you look for it you can find it but we’re not promoting it anymore” status.

Bookstores tend to focus on new launches, journalists have moved onto new books, even readers quickly pivot to “what’s next!?” often long before a book has the chance to gain traction in this oversaturated, “shiny new thing” world.

Ever since the internet — and Amazon in particular — opened the doors for individual authors to publish their own work, and small, independent companies decided to take chances on authors and books the big guys rushed over, the modus operandi of “how things are done around here” has been tossed in the blender of evolving business models, and, of those, there are many.

Yes, those big guys are the ones who put out a new book, and after months of fanfare, advanced reviews, loads of high profile hoopla, reviews, awards, Reese Witherspoon, maybe Oprah, that book gets backlisted … unless the author is famous and  doing all sorts of famous-author things. Otherwise, it slips into the ethers of Google search.

Luckily for us indie authors, most indie companies don’t do that. They may strategically focus more loudly on the “new season,” the new list, but they don’t just leave the old list standing at the playground gate waiting for their ride …. they come pick them up too. And that’s appreciated …

… because my latest novel, CHICK SINGER, has now hit its one-year birthday.

It’s still struggling to get reviews, sales, but I’m still out there at book festivals, private events, and anywhere interesting where I can talk about it, share its story of women, men, love, hate, creativity, reinvention, and reconciliation. And since I feel like I’m still just getting started (despite its “agedness”), I wanted to, in effect, light a birthday candle for this book that means so much to me.

No one writes a book they don’t care about (at least no author I know); every story I’ve ever put into form has captured my heart and soul, which is why I want it to capture the hearts and souls of readers too. I want them to get it, to dive into its themes around music and creativity, mother/daughter conflicts, loss of dreams and demands to reinvent; struggles to overcome trauma and find strength to triumph. Yes, enjoy the humor, enjoy the machinations of a hopefully captivating plot, but feel the heart and soul imbued in that plot… that’s my hope.

So, as a First Birthday celebration, I’m once again bringing CHICK SINGER to the attention of any readers who may have passed it by in the ever-flowing posts of new books. The audiobook, I’m promised, will be available in late June, so I’ll holler again when that finally comes to fruition, but for now…

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to the Chick, with an invitation to you to grab a copy and dive into a story that will hopefully entertain and provoke in equal measure! Thank you to all who’ve already read and reviewed, and thank you in advance to new readers… you’re ALL appreciated. ❤️

For all purchase options, click to its page on my website: Chick Singer