My Publishing Process
Last summer was one of the most intense summers of my life. Why? Because my goal wasn't to sit by the pool and tan. My goal was to find an agent, find a publisher, and get Barren published.
I spent every waking second of my time doing one of two things: sending out query letters to agents and publishers and writing books.
I wrote the better part of two novels last summer. These two novels are just as near and dear to my heart as Barren is. The first novel I started working on was Barren's sequel- which I'm hoping really brings Stacey's story to a close. The second novel I wrote was "Lovers and Friends" (it's obviously a love story.)
But, writing two novels was much easier for me then sending out query letters.
Writing a letter may not seem like much- but when this one page letter has to define your whole novel and yourself as an author- it can be an uphill battle.
Once the letter is done (and you finish doing your happy dance), then it's time to turn to everybody's best friend: GOOGLE. And you search far and wide for agents or publishers that are willing to take on an un-agented author. You get about a billion hits. When you go through all of the agents and publishers and send out your letters- you are left to wait.
This is the most grueling time of all. You can't sleep, you are constantly refreshing your email, and with this much anxiety- you could drop into the ugly cry at any time.
And then, something crazy happens- and one of your emails doesn't say "thanks but no thanks"- it says... "please send your full manuscript."
When you get that email, you definitely cry. HARD. You start going to Barnes and Noble a little too often, and you envision your book on the shelves.
But then, three weeks later- you get the horrible news. They didn't think your novel was suitable for their company. And again, you definitely cry. HARD. You go to the store, buy some ice cream, eat the whole carton... and you start over.
You continue to send out letters. And finally, your asked for your full manuscript again.
And this time: despite all of the odds- you are chosen. Chosen to be an author.
When I got my publication email- I freaked out (to say the least.) I was at the movies with a few of my friends. And, just like I always did, I refreshed my email.
I opened the email expecting to be dissapointed. Just like I was about 50 other times. But this time, I wasn't. A publisher had read my story and actually got it.
So yes- the publishing process is GRUELING. There's a lot of hard work, dedication, and waiting involved. But, that being said, it was all worth it.
I spent every waking second of my time doing one of two things: sending out query letters to agents and publishers and writing books.
I wrote the better part of two novels last summer. These two novels are just as near and dear to my heart as Barren is. The first novel I started working on was Barren's sequel- which I'm hoping really brings Stacey's story to a close. The second novel I wrote was "Lovers and Friends" (it's obviously a love story.)
But, writing two novels was much easier for me then sending out query letters.
Writing a letter may not seem like much- but when this one page letter has to define your whole novel and yourself as an author- it can be an uphill battle.
Once the letter is done (and you finish doing your happy dance), then it's time to turn to everybody's best friend: GOOGLE. And you search far and wide for agents or publishers that are willing to take on an un-agented author. You get about a billion hits. When you go through all of the agents and publishers and send out your letters- you are left to wait.
This is the most grueling time of all. You can't sleep, you are constantly refreshing your email, and with this much anxiety- you could drop into the ugly cry at any time.
And then, something crazy happens- and one of your emails doesn't say "thanks but no thanks"- it says... "please send your full manuscript."
When you get that email, you definitely cry. HARD. You start going to Barnes and Noble a little too often, and you envision your book on the shelves.
But then, three weeks later- you get the horrible news. They didn't think your novel was suitable for their company. And again, you definitely cry. HARD. You go to the store, buy some ice cream, eat the whole carton... and you start over.
You continue to send out letters. And finally, your asked for your full manuscript again.
And this time: despite all of the odds- you are chosen. Chosen to be an author.
When I got my publication email- I freaked out (to say the least.) I was at the movies with a few of my friends. And, just like I always did, I refreshed my email.
I opened the email expecting to be dissapointed. Just like I was about 50 other times. But this time, I wasn't. A publisher had read my story and actually got it.
So yes- the publishing process is GRUELING. There's a lot of hard work, dedication, and waiting involved. But, that being said, it was all worth it.
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