Jessica Therrien's Blog, page 3

MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Jessica Therrien

Hello IWSG friends! For this month's post I decided to feature myself for "MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY". For those who don't know "MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY" is a blog segment where I interview other authors about how they published their books. 





Visit the full catalogue of "My Publishing Journey" interviews HERE.

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?
How do they get agents?
How do they get published?
Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to satisfy my immense curiosity...to answer the one question I'm dying to ask every author out there:  How did your book become a book?

Today's Featured Author
ME! Jessica Therrien
www.jessicatherrienbooks.com Best-Selling Author ofThe Children of the Gods
&
Carry Me Home

After posting interviews with all kinds of authors (self-published, traditionally published, best-selling, etc.) I figured it was time to post my own publishing journey.

Back in 2011 I took my first manuscript to a writer's conference. There I got lucky. I caught the eye of a small publisher out of LA and left with a handshake publishing deal. The contract came later and things took off. As with most publishing experiences there was good and bad. They required extreme edits (which ended up for the best), got me a foreign agent who sold my series to multiple foreign MAJOR publishing houses, I got advances and contracts, the whole deal. Upon releasing my first book I hit the Barnes & Noble best-sellers list (looking back I should have been checking the USA Today list but I didn't know any better...). Then things started to fizzle a bit...

I can't really get into the details (non-disclosure and all that) but things weren't going as well with my publisher. Their business wasn't doing great, less promotion, less communication etc. and I felt my books weren't being given the opportunity to do as well as they could.

I got my rights back and started brainstorming...I didn't want to self-publish. It felt like going backwards for me, but I knew trying to land a publisher for a series that had already hit its peak was unlikely. So, my bestie-author-friend and I took all the benefits of traditional publishing (guided support, a branded logo, marketing efforts, the vetting process, etc.) and combined them with the benefits of self-publishing (the author gets to keep control & rights without paying a percentage to a publisher, agent, etc.) and formed a hybrid publishing company called ACORN PUBLISHING.

                   *click logo for our brochure*                WWW.ACORNPUBLISHINGLLC.COM

AGENTS
Do you have an agent?
No. Prior to signing my first publishing contract I did ALMOST sign with an agent. They were based out of San Diego where I lived at the time. I had the contract and called in to hopefully meet with her before I signed it. She refused to see me, so I didn't sign. Might not have been the best move...lol. Live and learn.

After that I was with Marisa Corvisiero for a while. She shopped around the 3rd book in my series before I had the idea for Acorn, but as I suspected, selling the 3rd book in a series was hard (and my prior publisher made transferring rights difficult). I only signed with her for that series.

Since then, I've been Acorn all the way. Acorn Publishing doesn't require an agent for submissions.
  How many queries did you send?
I've sent out hundreds of queries over the years. I've had plenty of full requests, but have never landed "a dream agent" or anything. As I mentioned, I've kind of moved on from that process. It's so discouraging.

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
How did you (or your agent) find your publisher?
Southern California Writer's Conference.

How long did it take to find a publisher?
I think I was querying for about 6 months before I went to the conference.

What do you like about your publisher?
I liked that they were easy to contact, they got me foreign rights deals, they nailed my first cover, and were really open to working with me and letting me have a voice in the process.

What do you dislike about your publisher?
They didn't have a solid business structure...I guess. If they had successfully run their business and continued to do well, I'd probably still be with them.

Did you or your agent hit any snags along the way, and if so how did you overcome them?
Yes. They had never published a book that did as well as mine, so the demand grew higher than they could keep up with (or at least that's the way I understood it). People would go into Barnes & Noble to get the book and the system would say they were sold out. As in, my publisher needed to get more books to the distributor so they could be delivered and/or purchased.

Did traditional publishing get your book(s) in Barnes & Noble or other bookstores?
Yes. I was fortunate enough to have that wonderful experience of walking into Barnes & Noble and seeing my book on the shelves. However, I think it was only on the west coast. I remember searching or asking friends on the east coast and it wasn't over there. Still, I was happy :)

Did your publisher produce a hardcover of your book or just paperback?
Just paperback.

Did your publisher create an audiobook for you?
No. I did that through Acorn Publishing.


HYBRID-PUBLISHING
What made you decide to publish through Acorn Publishing?
Acorn Publishing is the best of both worlds...a publishing company started by two authors who know what other authors want in a publisher. 
Did you do everything yourself (such as cover design, formatting, etc.) or did you hire out?
I learned to format myself. I hired out for my covers. If I can do something myself, I will...I don't like waiting on people, and I'm a real perfectionist.
Which platform (such as Createspace) do you self-publish through?
CreateSpace, IngramSpark, ACX, Draft2Digital, and KDP
Have you researched or considered getting a hardcover printed of your book? What about audio?
Yes. I published a hardcover for Oppression, and Carry Me Home will be out in hardcover as well. They're pretty and IngramSpark works like createspace so you don't have to invest more than around $30 up front.
What do you like about self/hybrid-publishing?
Much like everyone else who self-publishes (whether with a company like Acorn or on their own) I love the control. I also feel like I'm reaping 100% of the benefits of all the marketing I put in. I also like being able to check sales every 5 minutes and getting paid every month instead of twice a year. 

What do you dislike about self/hybrid-publishing?
Well, because I own the company, I do ALL the work, lol! But...they say do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. So true.


MARKETING
What marketing tactics worked for you?
A newsletter is key. If you can get a BookBub deal, AWESOME! I think I sold 2,000 ebooks or something crazy like that the month I got mine. I've recently started trying AMS (Amazon Ads) and Facebook Ads...we'll see. Blog tours have worked for me because there is a really great online YA reading community.
    If you are traditionally published, what did your publisher do to market your book?
They took me to book events and we do the same at Acorn. LA Times Festival of Books, WonderCon, SD Festival of Books, OC Kids Book Fest, LB ComicCon, etc...
Also a lot of social media promotion and giveaways.
ADVICE
Looking back would you do anything differently?
I probably would have signed with that first agent. At the time, I didn't realize how hard it is to land a publisher. She might have done better for my series.

What lessons have you learned? Any advice for those about to go down your path?
Traditional publishing is over-rated. It can be awesome and everyone should try for THE DREAM, but you can be successful on your own if you don't get lucky in the traditional pub world. And you need LUCK...seriously, plenty of amazing authors get rejected all the time.

Also, write because you love it, not to make money. Writing for money is a really hard career path. It's stressful and not fun. Enjoy the process before publication...no deadlines, just the freedom of writing when you want.

Can you provide names and/or contacts for the following?
Agent: Marisa Corvisiero Literary Agency
Publisher: Acorn Publishing (www.acornpublishingllc.com)
Formatter: Me
Cover Designer: Carrie Butler/Forward Authority
Audiobook: ACX
http://www.acx.com/
Promotion and/or marketing:
Xpresso Book Tours
Blog Tour Organizer, etc.: 
Bewitching Book Tours
Other:
Website Designer: Me
Wix.com



“A riveting page-turner…Jessica Therrien broke my heart into a million pieces—and then put it back together again. This book will haunt and uplift readers long after they turn the last page.”

-KAT ROSS, best-selling author of The Midnight Sea

CARRY ME HOME is a fictional novel inspired by the true story of a teenage girl’s involvement in several Mexican gangs in San Jose and Los Angeles. The members of her crew call her, Guera, Spanish for “white girl” and it doesn’t take long for her to get lost in their world of guns and drugs.

                                               * * *

Lucy and Ruth are country girls from a broken home. When they move to the city with their mother, leaving behind their family ranch and dead-beat father, Lucy unravels.

They run to their grandparents’ place, a trailer park mobile home in the barrio of San Jose. Lucy’s barrio friends have changed since her last visit. They’ve joined a gang called VC. They teach her to fight, to shank, to beat a person unconscious and play with guns. When things get too heavy, and lives are at stake, the three girls head for LA seeking a better life.

But trouble always follows Lucy. She befriends the wrong people, members of another gang, and every bad choice she makes drags the family into her dangerous world. 

Told from three points of view, the story follows Lucy down the rabbit hole, along with her mother and sister as they sacrifice dreams and happiness, friendships and futures. Love is waiting for all of them in LA, but pursuing a life without Lucy could mean losing her forever.

Ultimately it’s their bond with each other that holds them together, in a true test of love, loss and survival.


AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

CHILDREN OF THE GODS SERIES

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than average people, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's well over eighty. 

Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. 

After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. 

Or so she thinks. 

Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Some are waiting for her to put an end to centuries of traditions that have oppressed their people under the guise of safeguarding them. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning-and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

Rafflecopter Giveaway Author Signup

Hi author friends!! As you probably know, I'm releasing my next book, CARRY ME HOME, on September 26th. I'll be doing a rafflecopter giveaway to celebrate. The giveaway will occur during the YA Scavenger Hunt (which is a big promotional opportunity for writers). If you're interested in taking part in the giveaway, please fill out the form below and I'll be in touch.


The giveaway will run from Sept. 26 - Oct. 15th with the YA Scavenger Hunt taking place from Oct. 3-8. It's a great opportunity! Don't miss out :)


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Recap - San Diego Festival of Books

Over the weekend Holly and I took Acorn Publishing to the San Diego Festival of Books! This was the first year for the festival, so I had very low expectations for turnout. Boy was I blown away! The place was mobbed. I was so grateful I threw an extra box of books in my car at the last minute. We ended up selling 100 books from 10-6.

Aside from the sales, it was really fun to talk with other writers and meet new readers. We had a blast. Here are some pics and a video from the event.

We'll be at Long Beach Comic Con on Sept. 2-3. Looking forward to it!



Finally getting enough of a break in the crowd to do a little video :)
Holly and I at our table.


 We threw our booth together really quickly, so it doesn't look as good as it should, but still proud of all our books!

 Acorn author, Mikel J. Wilson, stopped by to say Hi! Us wearing hats for his new release Murder on the Lake of Fire coming out in December.
Readers stopping to check out our books.
Accidental selfie of me trying to work my phone, lol!

Vlog: My life as an author/mommy AND thank you author friends!

Vlogging is not my favorite thing...but everyone's doing it, so I figured I'd keep with the times. Here's a little inside/un-edited look at my life as an author/mommy. Yes, the video cuts out at the end because my little guy bonks his head while playing with Daddy...chaos happens.


Also, I never got to finish my author-mentor thank you, so here's a little more of a tribute to some of those who've helped me out along the way. The authors I mention may have no idea how much they've impacted my life as a writer. Some of them I keep in touch with, some I've never met, some have drifted along the way, but all of them are amazing examples of how to do things AND great people who are willing to help their fellow author. A million thanks to all of them.


1. Derek Murphy - Author of SHEARWATER

He taught me how to format and market my books, and continues to teach me things through his many videos all the time. I am forever grateful!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE



2. Rachel Morgan - Author of CREEPY HOLLOW

I learned how to create book badges from her and have used her as the perfect example of what to do for basically everything. Thank you Rachel!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE



3. Alex Cavanaugh - Author of CASSASTAR

Alex not only created an amazing group for writers to connect (http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/), he has also been the glue that holds it all together. His constant support of so many authors has such an impact on the writer/blogging community.


AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE


4. Susan Kaye Quinn - Author of OPEN MINDS

Susan probably doesn't even know how much she's helped me. When I first released Oppression I followed her lead on how to throw a virtual launch party and organized my own blog tour based on what she did. I think that single-handedly made Oppression a best-seller. Sadly I was only a part of her FB group for a few days before it closed, but learned so much in the time it was up about marketing and InstaFreebie...things like that.
AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

5. Bethany Lopez - Author of ALWAYS ROOM FOR CUPCAKES

I met Bethany when she was first starting out. It's funny to think she used to come to me with questions. Now she has SO many books out and is my go-to whenever I need guidance on how to do something. Mostly, Bethany taught me about promo sites like BookBub and the like. Let me just say...that was a game changer! Thank you Bethany!


AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

6. Kat Ross - Author of THE FOURTH ELEMENT SERIES

Kat was been such an inspiration to me. Her books have motivated me to be a better writer. She's also helped me develop a newsletter, which is such a big thing now. Kat has just done so much for me it's hard to list it all...Thank you for everything, Kat! Big hugs!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE


7. Christa Yelich-Koth - Author of 
COILED VENGEANCE

Christa has been one of my best author friends ever. Not only have we been in this together from the beginning (literally sitting at the same table with our manuscripts at a conference), but she has opened my eyes with her edits. Thank you for sticking with me, friend!
AMAZON | WEBSITE

8. Holly Kammier - Author of CHOOSING HOPE

I don't even know where to start with Holly...we met at the same conference where I met Christa. We immediately felt like we'd known each other in a past life or something. We published our books and started Acorn Publishing together...she has been my writing partner since the first draft of Oppression. I could not have done any of this without her! Love you!


AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

9. Carrie Butler - Author of AS WE KNOW IT

Not only did Carry help me by designing the three amazing Children of the Gods covers, but she's been a sounding board for me for years. Thank you for always being someone I can go to for advice and questions about all things books :) You're the best!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE


10. Vanessa Fewings - Author of THE CHASE

I met Vanessa through my first publisher. I instantly fell in love with her shining personality. She was so supportive and fun to be around. After Vanessa got her rights back, I followed in her footsteps and she helped coach me through the process. She's gone on to big things, and I'm so happy we've kept in touch. Thanks for everything, Vanessa! Cheers to your success! 

AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

GIVEAWAYS!!**look out for my summertime book giveaway on Sept. 15th which will feature the rest of these amazing authors and many more**


JOIN my INSIDER'S CLUB
for a chance to win these ten amazing ebooks based on mythology, gods, goddesses, demigods!
AND
A gold-leaf headband



a Rafflecopter giveaway



a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Carrie Butler

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?
How do they get agents?
How do they get published?
Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to satisfy my immense curiosity...to answer the one question I'm dying to ask every author out there:  How did your book become a book?

Visit the full catalogue of "My Publishing Journey" interviews HERE.
Today's Featured Author
Carrie Butler
www.carrieabutler.com Award-winning Author ofThe Mark of Nexus Series &
As We Know It

Carrie and I are blogger friends from way back. We had similar experiences starting out with traditional publishers and getting our rights back after learning traditional publishing isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not only is Carrie an amazing author, she's a fantastic cover designer...in fact, she designed these beauties...look familiar?? Check her work out at www.forwardauthority.com


Here's what Carrie had to say about her publishing journey:

Welcome Carrie! First, please give us a brief summary of how you got where you are and why you chose that path.

Hi! I debuted with a publisher that... well, I signed a non-disclosure agreement. Let's just say the experience did not turn out as expected, and I eventually took my rights back. Now I'm in the driver's seat—and five books later, I'm still loving it!


AGENTS
Do you have an agent?
Negative.
  How many queries did you send?
Oh, gosh. It's been so long. I think twenty-ish?
If you don't have an agent, is it by choice?
Yes, I stopped querying agents when I landed a publisher. (New Adult was very niche at the time.)


TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING

How did you (or your agent) find your publisher?
One of my critique partners recommended them.

How long did it take to find a publisher?
Three months.

What do you like about your publisher?
They were communicative and receptive to author input.

What do you dislike about your publisher? They grew too big too fast.
Did traditional publishing get your book(s) in Barnes & Noble or other bookstores?
Hah! No.
Did your publisher produce a hardcover of your book or just paperback?
Paperback.

Did your publisher create an audiobook for you?
No, I did that after I took my rights back.


SELF-PUBLISHING

What made you decide to self-pub?
I wanted to oversee every aspect of the process from start to finish.
Did you do everything yourself (such as cover design, formatting, etc.) or did you hire out?
Yes, but to put that in perspective, I own a company that specializes in author services. Doing it myself was the same as hiring a professional.  (The only thing I hired out was editing.)

Which platform (such as Createspace) do you self-publish through? KDP, Smashwords, ACX, and Createspace.

Have you researched or considered getting a hardcover printed of your book? What about audio?
Yes, but I didn't feel making hardcover copies available would provide a solid return-on-investment. I do have audiobooks available via iTunes, Audible, and Amazon, though.

What do you like about self-publishing?
I love the freedom it affords me. Controlling the process from start to finish allows me to study various outcomes and adjust as necessary.

What do you dislike about self-publishing?
The initial investment of self-publishing is never fun—in fact, many times, it's a gamble.

MARKETING
What marketing tactics worked for you?
I've tried a variety of things over the years, but the tactic that yielded the greatest result was making my loss leader (the discounted first book in my series) free and taking out a BookBub ad. My 65-day ROI was 5077%.
More details here: http://www.carrieabutler.com/blog/my-bookbub-experience.
    
ADVICE
Looking back would you do anything differently?
Strangely enough, no. Starting traditional, regardless of the outcome, helped me learn the publishing process. It also helped me figure out exactly what I wanted for when the time came to assume control.

What lessons have you learned? Any advice for those about to go down your path?
Celebrate all milestones, regardless of whether they're perceived as good or bad at the time. They all contribute to the author experience, and they're proof of your progression.

Can you provide names and/or contacts for the following?
Cover / Promotion Designer: ForwardAuthority.com
Audiobook: ACX


**Winner of "Best New Adult" and "Best Series" in the eFestival of Words - Best of Independent eBook Awards**

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.
AMAZON | GOODREADS

Deep beneath the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles alongside the Pacific Northwest coastline, lies the Cascadia subduction zone—a fault on the verge of unleashing a catastrophic earthquake, thirty times more powerful than the San Andreas. Unfortunately, like most tourists, Elena Cordova is oblivious.

She’s got her own pent-up stress to deal with, a humiliating breakup that’s driven her to end her tenure as a human doormat once and for all. So, when a pickpocket makes off with the last remnant of her relationship, she takes action—only to get trapped with him when disaster strikes.

Now, if either one hopes to survive, they’ll have to get past their initial impressions and work together . . . because in fifteen minutes, half the town will be underwater.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Vanessa Fewings

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?
How do they get agents?
How do they get published?
Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to satisfy my immense curiosity...to answer the one question I'm dying to ask every author out there:  How did your book become a book?

Visit the full catalogue of "My Publishing Journey" interviews HERE.

Today's Featured Author
Vanessa Fewings
www.vanessafewings.com USA TODAY Best-Selling Author ofThe Icon Trilogy
&
The Enthrall Sessions


This is a special interview for me. I met Vanessa Fewings through a mutual publisher years ago. Since then, we've both moved away from that publishing company, but still enjoy keeping in touch. She was always such a positive inspiration to me. Vanessa's story is unique because she has been through it all. She started out published by a small press, got her rights back to self-publish, became VERY successful self-publishing her work, and ultimately ended up landing an amazing agent and three book deal with Harlequin. Her journey proves that with talent, perseverance, and passion, success is inevitable!

Welcome Vanessa!

Thank you so much, Jessica, for inviting me over! I’m thrilled to be here. 
AGENTS
Do you have an agent?
Yes, I am exceptionally lucky as I’m represented by premier literary agent Kimberly Whalen.   How many queries did you send?
I believe I didn’t send out that many before I was picked up by a Los Angeles literary manager – books to film – but when the opportunity came to be represented by Kimberly I jumped at the chance and still have to pinch myself that I’m repped by the most respected agent in the industry. Dreams really do come true!
If represented, how long did it take to get your agent?
I published my first vampire novel (THE STONE MASTERS VAMPIRE SERIES) in 2006, though when I started writing romance it was about 3 years before I landed an agent.
If you have an agent, can you copy and paste your successful query letter for others to reference?
I actually emailed Kimberly and the gist of my letter was that as I had worked really hard to become a successful indie author I now felt I had a lot to bring to an agent and traditional publisher (Top 5.) My erotic romance series The ENTHRALL SESSIONS had taken off and was selling thousands of copies so I had a solid brand to offer others and proof of a passionate work ethic. 

Publishers want to see you can meet deadlines, provide quality manuscripts, respond well to editor’s notes, and generally be pleasant to work with. At every step of the way I’m incredibly grateful.   

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
How did you (or your agent) find your publisher?
Any manuscript coming from Kimberly gets priority. She’s that good! She also works with you to make sure your manuscript is good enough for submission. Time is so valuable for busy publishers.
How long did it take to find a publisher?
I believe it was within weeks. We submitted my ICON Trilogy and it found an incredible publisher with HarperCollins: HQN Books (Harlequin). I was and still am thrilled for my characters Zara and Tobias to have found such a great home.
What do you like about your publisher?
Quite simply everything.  I was assigned to editor Ann Leslie Tuttle, who gave great feedback. The communication is fabulous. They really are going all out to promote the series and get it into reader’s hands. 
What do you dislike about your publisher?
They tease us with too many chocolate desserts at their annual party!  No, seriously, I don’t dislike anything. I’m thrilled to be published by Harlequin.
Did you or your agent hit any snags along the way, and if so how did you overcome them?
No real snags. The communication is great and the response is always professional and pro-author.

Did traditional publishing get your book(s) in Barnes & Noble or other bookstores?
Yes, one of the greatest highlights of my publishing career was to see my books in Barnes & Noble.  I write because of my passion for it. If you’re a writer who dreams of seeing your books in the stores keep going. You’ll get there. Keep mastering  your craft and building your brand. I promise you it’s worth it.
Oh, and seeing my books in Ralphs, our local grocery store, blew me away! I might have moved the price sticker off my character’s faces when I saw it for sale and then put it back on the shelf. ;)
Did your publisher produce a hardcover of your book or just paperback?
Just paperback. It’s gorgeous by the way, go check it out. All of the books in the ICON series are.
Did your publisher create an audiobook for you?
Yes, and it’s narrated by British actress Morag Sims, who is super talented. 


SELF-PUBLISHING
What made you decide to self pub?
Prior to being represented by Kimberly, I had seen the success of other indie authors in the romance genre and knew it was a great time to release ENTHRALL, my first erotic romance novel. What followed was an amazing self-publishing journey that has now seen the books hit the USA Today bestsellers list as well as being translated into French with J’ai Pour Elle, a premier publisher. I absolutely love hearing from my French fans.   
It’s an exciting time for indie authors getting traditional deals abroad with exceptional foreign publishers. This deal came through my agent but you can reach out to foreign publishers or acquire a foreign rights agent.
Did you do everything yourself (such as cover design, formatting, etc.) or did you hire out?
I love every aspect of indie publishing. Yes, I designed and created the first three books in the ENTHRALL series, but had help with professional designers for the novellas in the same series as we were going for a more complicated appearance to  incorporate the chandeliers which is the ENTHRALL brand.
I send my files to eBook Launch for formatting. They are fantastic, quick, and thorough and make changes when needed.  When it comes to editing, I’ve been lucky to work with great professional editors and now I am with the editor Debbie Kuhn for my indie books. Many readers have mentioned they didn’t know the books are in fact indie. I wasn’t trying to hide the fact I just wanted to provide the best quality book for my fans. 
Which platform (such as Createspace) do you self-publish through?
I use Createspace for paperbacks. Draft 2 Digital for my eBooks, as well as uploading directly to Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and Smashwords. With my traditional books they are on many sites including Harlequin. 
Have you researched or considered getting a hardcover printed of your book? What about audio?
I only have one hardcover book. All my books are on audio other than my vampire series. I choose the audio narrators myself, though with Harlequin they chose Morag Sims, who I adore reading as Zara.
We recently released CAMERON’S CONTROL and CAMERON’S CONTRACT in audio narrated by superstar narrator Sebastian York and he’s incredible as Cameron Cole from my ENTHRALL SESSIONS. He’s a beloved book boyfriend and my fans are so excited to listen to them. Right now, three of the audiobooks in the ENTHRALL SESSIONS are in the erotic romance audiobook bestsellers list on Amazon.    
What do you like about self-publishing?
I love being in control of my publishing release dates, deciding on the book cover art, and most of all being part of the indie community. The other authors are incredible and supportive. The readers, well, they are so close to my heart and I love messaging them and keeping in touch.

Then there’s the bloggers and reviewers, the lifeblood of our community. We couldn’t do this without them. They get news of our books out there and help promote us and all in their free time. Many have become close friends. It’s a symbiotic relationship. 

What do you dislike about self-publishing?
Nothing really, there’s this wonderful sense of control and giving the readers/fans what they love. I’m filled with gratitude for being able to do what I love everyday as a full-time author. 

I consider myself a hybrid-author.

I’ll be releasing an indie book in early 2018 – ENTHRALL FOREVER. Then, after that, I’ll write a novel for my agent to take out for consideration as a traditional series. 

MARKETING
What marketing tactics worked for you?
There are so many ways to market but Book Blog tours are great. To be honest, I won’t launch a book without them. I’m with Buoni Amici Press PR, and Debra and Drue rock the promotions!  They’ve worked with many of the top authors both traditional and indie. They know the industry well and are flexible as the world of publishing evolves.

A BookBub promotion will garner you great results. I absolutely love the team over there and couldn’t recommend them more. Getting a BookBub promotion isn’t easy because they have such high standards, but if you nab a promotion they really will help an author grow awareness. You can open an author partner profile on their site. I highly recommend it as when you release a new book they’ll notify your readers.

Also, I am a believer in getting your books on all platforms. iBooks is an essential part of my platform and they really work well with authors to build their brand. Loyalty is key and it works both ways. I know some authors are exclusive to Amazon but for me, I’ve never found that as successful as making sure my readers can get my books anywhere. It’s about them, after-all.

Make sure you’re on Goodreads! It takes time to grow an audience over there but that’s where all the readers are hanging out. Be gracious with everyone. It’s their place to read and review and I feel very much a guest as I do a member.      If you are traditionally published, what did your publisher do to market your book?
I’m working with their publicist Lisa Wray, who is exceptional! She’s getting the word out to top level readers, reviewers, bloggers and TV and radio networks. The publisher even placed a large add in Life & Stylemagazine.

You’ll be expected to promote too, so be prepared for that part of being a modern day author.   
ADVICE
Looking back would you do anything differently?
Yes, I would have independently published my vampire series back when Amanda Hocking published on Amazon KDP and hit it big. I went with a small publisher as I was pretty naive back then. Still, this has been an incredible journey and I know my writing has improved over time and my knowledge of the industry has grown so I’m pretty much ready for anything.   
What lessons have you learned? Any advice for those about to go down your path?
The best lesson is that it’s a journey. There’ll be this instinct to try to get ahead quickly, but take a breath, study your craft, enjoy every aspect from your first book signing to seeing your books go live for sale! It takes time for readers to grow to trust you’ll deliver quality books in your genre that meet their expectations.

We write for our readers and they’re everything! 
Can you provide names and/or contacts for the following?
Agent: The Whalen Agency
Publisher: HarperCollins / Harlequin
Formatter: Ebook Launch
Cover Designer: Michelle Catalano
http://michelecatalanocreative.weebly...
Audiobook: ACX
http://www.acx.com/
Promotion and/or marketing:
Buoni Amici Press PR
http://buoniamicipress.com/
Blog Tour Organizer, etc.: 
Buoni Amici Press PR
Other:
Website Designer: Laird Sapir
Memphis McKay.com
AVAILABLE NOW!


This is the world of the forbidden. This is the embrace of Enthrall. 

Experience the USA Today bestselling novel that introduced readers around the globe to Mia Lauren and her breathtaking journey into the seductive world of Enthrall, the most exclusive BDSM club in Los Angeles. 

Mia Lauren is a single, twenty-one-year old working in a West Hollywood art store who dreams of one day becoming a fashion designer. When an unexpected offer arises to work at Enthrall, L.A.'s premier fetish club for the wealthy, Mia accepts. It's a salary beyond her wildest imagination.

Mia becomes the secretary to the club's assistant director, blond and broody Richard Booth. Richard is not only one of L.A.'s most beautiful and wealthiest men, he is also the club's senior dominant. Mia is both drawn and terrified when he reveals flashes of his white-hot passion, threatening an unbound pleasure like no other. She knows her attraction may be her undoing, but the spellbinding feelings render her powerless to resist his advances. 

What Mia cannot know is that Enthrall's dashing founder and director thirty-four year old Cameron Cole, who is also the club's psychiatrist, has lured Mia to save his best friend and patient Richard from his obsession with thrill seeking. Cameron masterfully sets up sexy scenarios to ensure the collision of Richard and Mia, hoping that love will save him. 

However, despite Cameron's noble intentions, he also finds himself enticed by Mia's haunting innocence. Passion and pleasure stir, forming a dangerous love triangle. This is the world of the forbidden. This is the embrace of Enthrall.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS



Don't miss The Chase, the first in a sizzling new romantic trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Fewings and HQN Books.

Will she risk it all for a priceless desire?

A rising star in one of London's top art investigation firms, Zara Leighton's talent for seeing deep into paintings is in her blood. She's chosen to help track down Icon, an enigmatic international art thief whose heists are methodical, daring, baffling. To Zara the case is maddening—bordering on an obsession.

She finds distraction in the chiseled form of top-shelf client Tobias Wilder, a magnetic American billionaire who demands her expertise, her discretion—and her secrecy. Wilder doesn't ask questions. He gives orders. His gaze alone ignites her deepest fantasies. And his touch…

The sudden whirl of exclusive exhibitions and decadent parties that Wilder introduces her to is a potent aphrodisiac. But surrender soon becomes tinged with suspicion. Is Zara's tryst with Wilder the real thing…or just a convincing forgery?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY - 10 Great YA Books About Greek Mythology, Gods, Goddesses, and Demigods!

ELEMENTALS

*USA TODAY called Elementals a "must read!"*

Thousands of copies sold. Over a million pages read. 500+ five-star reviews for the series. Topped the teen Greek mythology chart for months.

MAGICAL. ROMANTIC. ADDICTING.

Nicole Cassidy is a witch descended from the Greek gods... but she doesn't know it until she moves to a new town and discovers a dangerous world of magic and monsters that she never knew existed.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole and four others -- including mysterious bad-boy Blake -- are gifted with elemental powers. But the comet has another effect -- it opens the portal to another dimension that has imprisoned the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes, it's up to Nicole and the others to follow a cryptic prophecy in time to save the town... and possibly the world.

"Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson with an added twist of teenage angst, hormones, and uncertainty... I am officially HOOKED!"
-Kim T. Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★

"Elementals is a compelling, pulse-pounding, fast-paced hit!"
-Sairaika, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"This series is one of my all time favorites! There's something for everyone - love, action, mythology, and more. My advice if you haven't read this series: Grab the first book and start reading. You won't regret it."
-Alex K., Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

What are you waiting for? Scroll up and click the buy button now to find out why readers all over the world have fallen in love with Elementals!


SWEET VENOM

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

THE SCARLET THREAD

My name is Kaidance Monroe, and sometimes when I touch people, I see how they die. After I saw my little brother's death but failed to stop it, my parents abandoned me to a juvenile detention facility. I don't let people touch me anymore. Not my fingertips, not my skin, not my heart. 

Just before I turned 18, I got a visit from a cute guy, who tricked me into giving up my secrets. He said I was special, but he wasn't the only one searching for me. I barely escaped with my life. Now I'm in a mansion, learning how to control my abilities - abilities so powerful, even the gods are jealous. I didn't mean to make anyone fall for me. Certainly not my would-be killer. And I never imagined how far he would fall.

The Scarlet Thread is a dark fantasy romance for fans of Greek mythology and Gothic romance. Fans of Fallen and Percy Jackson will be captivated by this mashup of fallen angels and forgotten gods.

This is BOOK ONE in the Fated Destruction series.


CHILDREN OF THE GODS

There are others like her. Many of them. And they have been waiting for her a long time...

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than average people, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. 

Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. 
Or so she thinks. 
Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Some are waiting for her to put an end to centuries of traditions that have oppressed their people under the guise of safeguarding them. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning - and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.
The Children of the Gods is based on the idea that the Greek gods were never really gods at all, but a secret race that has been living among us for centuries. Fans of Shatter Me, Percy Jackson, Divergent, and Harry Potter will love this series.

TRICKERY

Willa Knight: Dweller. Slave. Non-magical being.

In Minatsol, being a dweller means that you are literally no better than dirt. In fact, dirt might actually be more useful than Willa. Her life will be one of servitude to the sols, the magic-blessed beings who could one day be chosen to become gods.

At least her outer village is far removed from the cities of the sols, and she won’t ever be forced to present herself to them... Until one small mistake changes everything, and Willa is awarded a position to serve at Blesswood, the top sol academy in the world—a position that she definitely did not earn.

Under the sudden, watchful eye of the gods, she will be tasked to serve the Abcurse brothers, five sols built of arrogance, perfection and power. They are almost gods themselves, and under their service she is either going to end up sentenced to death, or else they are going to ruin her so badly that she will wish for it.

Either way, she is in trouble.

This is a full novel, 90,000 words. Book 1 of 5 in the Curse of the Gods Series


THE GODDESS TEST

A bargain with a mysterious stranger will change her destiny as Kate Winters agrees to take the Goddess Test. But every girl who has taken the test has died… Get swept up in the story about which Cassandra Clare says, “A fresh take on the Greek myths adds sparkle to this romantic fable.”It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he’s crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems amazingly possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess. But what Kate doesn’t know is that no one has ever passed THE GODDESS TEST. 
7. EVERNEATH


PERSEPHONE

One day Persephone is an ordinary high school junior working at her mom’s flower shop in Athens, Georgia. The next she’s fighting off Boreas, the brutal god of Winter, and learning that she’s a bonafide goddess—a rare daughter of the now-dead Zeus. Her goddess mom whisks her off to the Underworld to hide until Spring.

There she finds herself under the protection of handsome Hades, the god of the dead, and she’s automatically married to him. It’s the only way he can keep her safe. Older, wiser, and far more powerful than she, Hades isn’t interested in becoming her lover, at least not anytime soon. But every time he rescues her from another of Boreas’ schemes, they fall in love a little more. Will Hades ever admit his feelings for her?

Can she escape the grasp of the god of Winter’s minions? The Underworld is a very nice place, but is it worth giving up her life in the realm of the living? Her goddess powers are developing some serious, kick-butt potential. She’s going to fight back.


Kaitlin Bevis spent her childhood curled up with a book and a pen. If the ending didn’t agree with her, she rewrote it. Because she’s always wanted to be a writer, she spent high school and college learning everything she could to achieve that goal. After graduating college with a BFA and Masters in English, Kaitlin went on to write The Daughters of Zeus series.




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MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Stephanie Faris

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?
How do they get agents?
How do they get published?
Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to satisfy my immense curiosity...to answer the one question I'm dying to ask every author out there:  How did your book become a book?

Visit the full catalogue of "My Publishing Journey" interviews HERE.

Today's Featured Author
Stephanie Faris
www.stephaniefaris.com
Author of BEST. NIGHT. EVER.


I wrote my first book in 1995. It was a young adult novel. My research, however, revealed that there was no real market for young adult novels in the mid-90s, unless you could get a deal with one of the book packagers publishing series like Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew. After auditioning twice to write for Sweet Valley High, I gave up on YA and moved to category romance (the books published by Harlequin). Romantic comedy was huge at the time and I loved writing those books, but publishers weren’t quite as excited about reading them. After a full decade of trying to get published, I took some time off and when I returned, young adult was huge again…only not the same YA I grew up reading. An agent kindly told me my voice was better suited to middle grade and once I learned that, landing an agent was relatively easy. I have a feeling the decades of work I put in before that contributed to landing an agent, though. I chose traditional publishing because it was the only real option at the time. Self-publishing (we called it “e-publishing”) came along soon after I started writing, but it wasn’t respected in its early days. If I were starting over today, I probably still would go for traditional publishing, but there are quite a few small presses that are making a big impact on the market.

AGENTS
Do you have an agent? Yes.
How many queries did you send?I spent 20 years trying to get a publisher, so I sent at least 50 queries to publishers and/or agents over the course of that.
If represented, how long did it take to get your agent?Only two years, but prior to that, I spent 10 years unsuccessfully querying Harlequin, Silhouette, and Bantam Books with romance novels. They didn’t require an agent to submit.
If you have an agent, can you copy and paste your successful query letter for others to reference?I no longer have that email account, but here’s part of the blurb I used.

School Spirits is a 40,000-word novel targeted toward an upper middle grade/tween market. It is the first in an intended series about four pre-teen ghost hunters. Brothers Ethan and Noah are two seasoned investigators, struggling to make that first big “find” that will make everyone take them seriously. Brooklyn, their next-door neighbor, is a novice…and a non-believer. She hooks up with the guys accidentally, and is initially brought along only because her skepticism appeals to the boys on a scientific level. Her skepticism decreases, however, when she has her own ghostly encounter.



PUBLISHING
How did you (or your agent) find your publisher? My agent met the editor, who was discussing the type of book she was looking for. She’d already thought that the Aladdin M!x line would be a good fit for my voice, so she couldn’t pass up the opportunity for me to write and submit something.
How long did it take to find a publisher?After landing an agent, it took three years. From the time I wrote my first book, it took 17 years.
What do you like about your publisher?I love my publisher! I love the fact that they publish books geared specifically toward young girls and that the books have such positive messages.
What do you dislike about your publisher?That they can’t buy more books from me. But I think that would be the same of any publisher. I’m pretty prolific. My dream scenario would be to write ten to twelve books a year. I’m currently writing 2,000 words a day for my freelance clients.
Did you or your agent hit any snags along the way, and if so how did you overcome them? The book I won my agent with was never published. It made the rounds and was considered by a major publisher, but because the query process is so slow, my original idea based on a popular trend wasn’t so original two years later.
Did traditional publishing get your book(s) in Barnes & Noble or other bookstores?Yes, as well as Books-a-Million and independent bookstores.
Did your publisher produce a hardcover of your book or just paperback?Both. Hardcovers mostly went to libraries, I believe.
Did your publisher create an audiobook for you? No.

MARKETING
What marketing tactics worked for you?Bookfairs, networking through SCBWI, school carnivals and family nights, and library events. School visits worked but only with schools that agreed to book sales at the event, and that seems to be rare.
If you are traditionally published, what did your publisher do to market your book?Got it in bookstores, put it in catalogs distributed to librarians/schools, presented it to librarians and booksellers, sent it out to major review publications.

ADVICE
Looking back would you do anything differently?Waste far less time on school visits and find other venues to reach children!
What lessons have you learned? Any advice for those about to go down your path?Each person has to decide whether self-publishing, small press, or traditional press is the best route. There’s no right answer. While there’s no substitute for the distribution a traditional press can give an author, some small presses are doing well with that, too. Research all the options and decide the best path for you.
Can you provide names and/or contacts for the following?Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary AgencyPublisher: Simon & Schuster/AladdinFormatter: Simon & Schuster staffCover Designer: Hired by Simon & Schuster

AVAILABLE 8-15-17

Love Actually meets Adventures in Babysitting in this hilarious novel written by seven authors about seven classmates who are preparing for a crazy night at their middle school dance.

Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. Seven classmates—Carmen, Genevieve, Tess, Ryan, Ellie, Ashlyn, and Jade—intend to make the most of the night…or at least the five of them who are able to attend do. The other two would sacrifice almost anything to be there.


One thing’s for sure—this entire crew is in for one epic night! Gail Nall, Dee Romito, Rachele Alpine, Ronni Arno, Alison Cherry, Stephanie Faris, and Jen Malone have created a charming, hilarious, and relatable novel that’s perfect for anyone who can’t wait to dance the night away.


AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | GOODREADS

IWSG - A Glimpse of CARRY ME HOME

Happy IWSG day everyone!

First and foremost I launched a new author website. I'll still be running my blog right here, but I had to find a place to set up my new INSIDER'S CLUB sign up. It feels so official and exciting!!

JOIN the INSIDER’S CLUB forexclusive sneak peeks, cover reveals, new release announcements & FREEBIES!www.jessicatherrienbooks.com
Today I am going to be brave and post the first glimpse of my new novel. CARRY ME HOME will be out on September 26, 2017. I'm a little bit EXTRA nervous about the release because, although the book is a fictional novel, there are pieces of truth in it about me and my family. It's a story very close to my heart. Enjoy!

“You ready for this, Guera?” he asks.It’s a test, Guera. Only thing I can say is you’re allowed to fight back. Take ‘em out with everything you got.I’d heard of people being jumped into a gang before, maybe it was Rosa who told me about it. As the girls start to descend from their spots around the room, slowly closing in like encircling wolves, I know what’s about to happen.The realization takes hold in my chest, a quick plunge of the heart into an icy lake of fear. I back away slowly out of instinct, ready to run, but there’s nowhere to go. The sound of their skittering feet is the first thing I hear before they come at me. Me against all of them. Me against Rose Tattoo and Cigarette Twins. Me against the jealous novias. Ten sets of eyes glinting with the thrill of a fight. I flinch and turn my back to avoid the fists, but they’re all around me. One of them catches me by the shoulders, holding me in place as the other girls hit the back of my skull. My head flies forward, chin to chest.At first I don’t know whether to swing or cover. I reach up to protect myself, but there are too many points of contact. The rush of adrenaline is intense. It blocks the pain, but there is a fiery need in me to get away. I try and kick or punch, feeling one or two connect, but the girls are everywhere. An elbow slams against my temple. My head splits and my ears ring. I go down.Every infinite minute of being the enemy feels like it’ll never end.Someone’s shoe stomps my thigh. Others strike my ribs. I heave and gag until I can’t breathe. But that kind of terror turns me into a resilient kind of crazy. The kind of rabid-mad that is born of desperation. I scrape and flail until I’m on my feet, pulling hair and swinging my fists, making contact with whatever I can. I don’t realize I’m screaming until Toño calls them to a stop.It ceases the moment the girls hear his voice, and I’m left there shaking and crazed, my breath dragging in and out of my lungs in a feverish effort to return to its normal rhythm. I pant and cry, as softly as I can, but it’s hard to deny my body the relief of all-out sobbing. My head hurts. My brain smashes against my skull with the pulse of too much pressure. I taste blood in my mouth, though no one has touched my face. Now that it’s over, the pain of it all rushes to the surface and makes me want to vomit. I feel like I could die.Why am I here? Why am I doing this?“She’s in,” Toño says, and the cheers of the group shock my senses and make me tense up.They all rush me, and at first I’m terrified it’s about to start again, but instead they hug me and pat me on the shoulder all at once. Each hand on my back or squeeze around the shoulders rocks me with pain, but they’re so happy. Their laughter and cheering is contagious, it flows into me, filling me with a strange sense of pride and belonging. I can’t help my smile when I see their encouraging faces. I even start to laugh.

AVAILABLE 9-26-17



“A riveting page-turner…Jessica Therrien broke my heart into a million pieces—and then put it back together again. This book will haunt and uplift readers long after they turn the last page.”

-KAT ROSS, best-selling author of The Midnight Sea


CARRY ME HOME is a fictional novel inspired by the true story of a teenage girl’s involvement in several Mexican gangs in San Jose and Los Angeles. The members of her crew call her, Guera, Spanish for “white girl” and it doesn’t take long for her to get lost in their world of guns and drugs.
* * *
Lucy and Ruth are country girls from a broken home. When they move to the city with their mother, leaving behind their family ranch and dead-beat father, Lucy unravels.
They run to their grandparents’ place, a trailer park mobile home in the barrio of San Jose. Lucy’s barrio friends have changed since her last visit. They’ve joined a gang called VC. They teach her to fight, to shank, to beat a person unconscious and play with guns. When things get too heavy, and lives are at stake, the three girls head for LA seeking a better life.

But trouble always follows Lucy. She befriends the wrong people, members of another gang, and every bad choice she makes drags the family into her dangerous world. 

Told from three points of view, the story follows Lucy down the rabbit hole, along with her mother and sister as they sacrifice dreams and happiness, friendships and futures. Love is waiting for all of them in LA, but pursuing a life without Lucy could mean losing her forever.

Ultimately it’s their bond with each other that holds them together, in a true test of love, loss and survival.    

MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Rachele Alpine

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?
How do they get agents?
How do they get published?
Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to satisfy my immense curiosity...to answer the one question I'm dying to ask every author out there: 

How did your book become a book?

Enjoy.


Rachele Alpine
Author of A VOID THE SIZE OF THE WORLD


AGENTS
Do you have an agent? Yes, I’m with Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Agency.

How many queries did you send? I sent out around 10-15 queries before I signed with Natalie (full disclosure, she wasn’t my first agent, and I had sold another book before her, so I found the process a little easier this time around).
If represented, how long did it take to get your agent? It took about a month to sign with Natalie.
If you have an agent, can you copy and paste your successful query letter for others to reference?
Dear Ms. Lakosil:
I’m a 2013 debut YA author looking for representation for my 50,000 word MG novel OPERATION PUCKER UP. I read that you were looking for middle grade novel with heart, and I think my main character has just that. 
When Haddie’s dad walked out, she survived just fine with her mom and little sister as part of the “Terrific Three.” But all that changes when her dad shows up on Pizza Night and announces he’s moving back in. The Terrific Two open their arms to the man who abandoned them, but Haddie can’t simply forgive and forget.  What if he leaves again?  Is it worth the risk?
If that weren’t bad enough, she’s been cast as the lead in her junior high’s production of Snow White…which would be cool if she didn’t have to kiss Prince Charming...on the lips! She’s never kissed a boy, and the idea of experiencing that “first” in front of an audience makes her knees turn to Jell-O. To help, Haddie’s two best friends propose Operation Pucker Up—a plan to score a kiss before opening night. She reluctantly agrees, but as the plots become more ridiculous and everyone in her house is too busy playing happy family to help, Haddie begins to think this whole love stuff is way too complicated.
When Operation Pucker Up goes horribly wrong, she realizes life isn’t cut-and-dry, and sometimes people deserve second chances. As opening night approaches, Haddie is determined to achieve her happily ever after, both on stage and with her family.
My first YA novel, CANARY, will be published by Medallion Press in August, and it has already received blurbs from authors such as Daisy Whitney, Erin Jade Lange, and Jennifer Brown. I’m a MFA fiction candidate at Cleveland State University through the NEOMFA, teach high school Language Arts, and hold a Masters in English Education from Boston University.                                     I’ve recently parted ways with my agent, and would love to work with you on this and other drafted novels.  OPERATION P.U. has not been submitted to publishers and the summary/partial for my next YA novel is also available.  Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rachele Alpine

PUBLISHING
How did you (or your agent) find your publisher? My agent subbed my first book, Operation Pucker Up, to a bunch of publishers that she thought would be a good fit for the book.  Secretly, I was hoping that it would find a home with Aladdin Mix.  I love the type of books they do (and their covers are super cute!).  I could totally picture my book hanging out with all their other titles!  
How long did it take to find a publisher? We were on sub with my first book for about five months.  I’ve since sold two other middle grade novels on proposal to my editor and one YA novel.  I love working with her, and hope we continue to create books together!

What do you like about your publisher?
I love working with Simon & Schuster.  The team is so fun and friendly and my editor is a dream.  She totally gets my books, offers awesome suggestions, and we work great together.  We also share a mutual love for gummy candy, musicals, and an obsession for Hamilton, which doesn’t hurt either!  I’ve met her in person twice and both times we’ve gone out to eat and talked the entire time like we were old friends.  It’s great to work with someone whose work you admire and you just genuinely like their personality.

What do you dislike about your publisher? There isn’t anything that I dislike about them.  Maybe the fact that they’re in New York, so I only get to meet up with my editor when I’m visiting.  Ha!  
Did you or your agent hit any snags along the way, and if so how did you overcome them? I think the biggest snag I hit along the route to publishing was the fact that my agent sold my second middle grade title, You Throw Like a Girl, when my son was eight days old.  She had asked me if I was getting any sleep as a new mom, and when I told her barely, she said it was about to get worse, because she’d sold my book!  To say that those early months of figuring out motherhood were a whirlwind, would be an understatement!  My son, Nolan, was along for the entire ride…sleeping or eating near me while I wrote.  We spent much of his early months in the Starbucks at my local Barnes & Noble, where I’d write while he slept.  I still don’t know how I finished that book, but I’m super proud of it, and love seeing the dedication in the front to my little guy. 
Did traditional publishing get your book(s) in Barnes & Noble or other bookstores? Yes, which was so surreal!  All my titles have been in traditional bookstores, and I still get a little thrill every time I see them on the shelves!

Did your publisher produce a hardcover of your book or just paperback?
Yes, all my books have hardcover versions.  My middle grade books came out in hardcover and paperback at the same time, with the idea that the hardcover would be for libraries and schools, while the paperback would be more affordable for kids.

Did your publisher create an audiobook for you? No audiobooks yet, but that sure would be cool!


MARKETING
What marketing tactics worked for you? I think my biggest tactic is to just be myself on social media. I share my life, my struggles and triumphs with writing, and always try to be authentic.  I also have reader guides for each of my books linked to the Common Core standards.  These can be used in schools or with book clubs.  Another really fun thing that I’m doing is a PenPal program with Girl Scouts for me book, You Throw Like a Girl, which is full of girl power!  I had a patch made and troops read the book, write me a letter with questions after they finish (using good old fashion snail mail), and then I write back.  I was in Girl Scouts when I was growing up, and the younger version of myself would have freaked out if I knew there would one day be a patch for a book I wrote!
If you are traditionally published, what did your publisher do to market your book? My publisher has done a variety of things including placing ads in magazines, doing school and library outreach, scheduling blog tours, and sharing excerpts from the books.


ADVICE
Looking back would you do anything differently? I don’t think I would.  Sometimes I feel like the journey to my agent and editor was a long one, but I’m so happy at where I’m at, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.  They were both well worth the wait!
What lessons have you learned? Any advice for those about to go down your path? I think it’s important to remember that publishing moves sooooo slowly, so be patient.  It’s also very subjective, so one agent or editor might love something, while another may hate it.  Don’t take things too personally.  And remember, you only need one agent and one editor who loves your work, so keep at it until you find your perfect fit!
Can you provide names and/or contacts for the following?Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary AgencyPublisher: Simon & Schuster/AladdinBook Tour Organizer: Flying Book Club


CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR www.rachelealpine.com


NEW RELEASE - AVAILABLE NOW!
A haunting novel about a girl who must face the consequences after her actions indirectly lead to her sister’s disappearance.

Rhylee didn’t mean to kiss her sister’s boyfriend. At least, not the first time. But it doesn’t matter, because her sister, Abby, caught them together, ran into the dark woods behind their house…and never came home.

As evidence mounts that something terrible has happened to Abby, no one wants to face the truth. Rhylee can’t bring herself to admit what she’s done: that she is the reason her sister ran away. Now Tommy, Abby’s boyfriend, is the prime suspect in her disappearance, and Rhylee’s world has been turned upside down. Slowly, Rhylee’s family is breaking—their lives center on the hope that Abby will return. Rhylee knows they need to face the truth and begin healing—but how can they, when moving on feels like a betrayal? And how do you face the guilt of wishing a person gone…when they actually disappear?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

AVAILABLE 8-15-17

Love Actually meets Adventures in Babysitting in this hilarious novel written by seven authors about seven classmates who are preparing for a crazy night at their middle school dance.

Lynnfield Middle School is prepped and ready for a dance to remember, including an awesome performance from Heart Grenade, the all-girl band who recently won a Battle of the Bands contest. Seven classmates—Carmen, Genevieve, Tess, Ryan, Ellie, Ashlyn, and Jade—intend to make the most of the night…or at least the five of them who are able to attend do. The other two would sacrifice almost anything to be there.


One thing’s for sure—this entire crew is in for one epic night! Gail Nall, Dee Romito, Rachele Alpine, Ronni Arno, Alison Cherry, Stephanie Faris, and Jen Malone have created a charming, hilarious, and relatable novel that’s perfect for anyone who can’t wait to dance the night away.


AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | GOODREADS