Rebecca's comments (member since Jan 22, 2009)

Rebecca's comments from the Published Authors group.

Thank you so much. It's quite easy to become despondent when those emails keep slaying your dragon. Thanks for the encouragement.

I was wondering if any of you would check out my new website about a book I just wrote. I need some feedback. There's a way to leave me comments on the site. Check it out. It's a fantasy story with dragons and monsters and teens fighting for good against evil. Warriorchildren.com is the website. Tell me what's boring or exciting, I'll be posting chapters on the blog page, so keep checking back if you like the story.

I've been offered several contracts by POD publishers, but an really trying to hold out for a traditional agent or publisher. With 15 rejections so far, though, I'm beginning to question the validity of my MS. Please let me know what you think when you look at the website.

"Between the Dark and the Light" by Rebecca Ryals Russell

Seven troubled teens prepare to battle evil, save their world.

Funny you would say that. Would you believe, while writing this first book of the trilogy, I actually had a daydream of being on Oprah's show! I haven't even watched it in years and that was the image I had.

Thanks, I'll give it a try. And yeah, it is a big concept, but it's been chasing its tail around my brain for over 20 years and just now, after 15 years of teaching middle graders and raising my own 4, has it jelled and started making sense. I forgot to mention that it's YA fantasy/horror. I have parts of it on Authonomy and have been getting positive feedback. It's called Between the Dark and the Light.

But when you don't write about anything from your career and in fact write fantasy or sci fi, which I do, there is no particular catch. I've been wracking my brain and can't figure out what I would use as a media notice to catch their attention.

My book is about children who fight evil on their planet at the bequest of the god who created the planet. It is loosely based on the expulsion of Satan from Heaven and the war between good and evil, but there is also magic and newly created evil creatures. It's like Lord of the Rings and The Golden Compass with some Harry Potter thrown in.

So how do I create a media blitz for that?

I truly appreciate everyone's advice and links. I've done massive research on those links and more and am looking for a more reputable publisher. Thank you.

Dave,
That's great news! And this is where you're supposed to brag a bit. Congrats!

Jessica,
I used your book to study the Civil War with my 5th grade class a few years ago. They loved it! The book gave us some much discussion and areas to jump off from while we did our historical studies of the war and its causes and aftermath. Great book!

What do we think or know about Destiny Image Europe Publisher, a Christian publisher in Italy? Are they a vanity or POD publisher? Has anyone had dealings with them or heard anything?

Thanks Dave. I had bad vibes from the start about them. I've read their website and contract several times finding loopholes and double-wording. I appreciate the warning. So where should I apply? Any suggestions? My book is an adolescent fantasy.

My name is Rebecca. I received a contract yesterday from Publish America for my debut novel which is part of a trilogy (or more). Since this is my first dealings with publishing I am nervous. Has anyone dealt with this publisher and what was the outcome? Is there an industry standard for royalties and length of contract?

I received a contract yesterday from Publish America for my debut novel which is part of a trilogy (or more). Since this is my first dealings with publishing I am nervous. Has anyone dealt with this publisher and what was the outcome? Is there an industry standard for royalties and length of contract?