I found this terrific set of posts from UK author Mark Charan Newton about things he never anticipated before he became a published author.
In Some Interesting Things I Never Knew About Being a Writer, one of my favorites is No. 5:
There is no such thing as a bad review. Or to paraphrase a much better writer, you don’t read your press, you measure it. The best thing someone can do if they hate your book is not to mention it at all. No conversation kills a book. Just develop a thick skin and deal with what is said, because not everyone will like your work, and especially not everyone will like you. Just remember, you put yourself out there in front of people; you have to deal with it.
In More Things I Didn't Know About Being a Writer, Newton shares three more tips about spin, money and cover art. Be sure to check it out!
Excellent blog post. Now, why didn’t I think of al that?