A Writer's Greatest Moment
They're Here
It's Paid Off
You've spent months writing a book and getting it to it's best form. To make sure it was the best it could be you entered into an on-line writing workshop. You and two other authors with a moderator would critique each others work and work out any kinks or things that didn't work.
The workshop was one of the best. I had an opportunity to read YA fantasy and Christian literature. We were labelled authors A, B, C. Although we revealed some things about each other names and locations were pretty much a secret. Until I needed an address for the author who was having twins as I'd mad the babies layettes. Even then I only knew the last name of the author.
We spent from mid-February to just after July 4th working on each others novels. We lengthened my sentences. I tend to write short sentences. We also worked on my showing the action as opposed to telling it. I have a tendency to use passive voice instead of active voice. I am working to correct this.
After all that, I then needed to find a publisher. I really thought a small press would be the best fit for me. I have done the self-publish thing and felt it was time to grow up and play with the big kids. Someone I'd chatted with in a writing group told me about a small press. Having not had much luck with standard query letters I did something risky. I let my main character write the query letter. I sent it off and held my breath.
Within twenty-four hours the publisher contacted me. She wanted to explain they were a small publishing company and could not pay an up front fee. She would however offer me 65% royalties. That is something unheard of in publishing. The norm is 20%. We talked on the phone and via e-mail for a week while the contract was being processed. I am so proud that Unforgettable Books Inc. took a chance on me.
We have been working since the end of September on the first book in a new series. This is all new for me. I am writing in first person all the way through the book. I am also writing a series something I had not considered doing before. I was worried I wouldn't be able to carry my characters forward. I would get bored writing about the same people even though the situation might be different. It was going to be a challenge, but I thought I was up to it. I had already started book two and that left me time to consider what I wanted to do in book three.
When it came time for a release date I told my publisher that we were going to be close to my birthday. She loved the idea and consequently the book was released on my birthday while I was wintering in South Carolina. I was interviewed by my home town newspaper over the phone and I sent them my photo and a photo of the book via e-mail. The article was amazing.
For my book launch earlier this month the books didn't arrive but I made the front page of the home town newspaper with the remaining article on page three. Yes, I'm ready to play with the big kids now. I hope every aspiring writer has that moment in their life.
