Sunday, November 24, 2013

What I found out after getting my first book accepted

It's been a week since I announced a publisher picked up my book--almost two weeks since receiving the email.

I figured I'd know what to expect since I've been studying the publishing market for so many years. I've read the blogs of other writers who became authors. I've read all the agents' blogs. Yeah, I figured I did my homework.

Not.

First I heard from my editor. The one who originally gave me the chance and sent it to committee. She said she'd start on my edits. Good. I liked that. Then I got an email introducing me to a portal for authors on the publisher's site. I liked that too. All I had to do was open Tasks and see what my part meant.

That's when my heart first started to race. I needed to write a blurb, tell what I wanted on my cover, write my dedication, my author bio etc.

Now I stink at writing tag lines. And blurbs. So I contacted some of my Beta readers who calmed me down and got me started with  wonderful advice and help. For  thecover ideas, I skimmed the ones that the publisher created and coveres on Amazon. I narrowed it down to a few.

But a few? Was that enough? I started to panic.  This might be the only cover I ever get. Was I sure what I wanted on it? Was I sure about the tone and what my character look like? I pulled out my book, (I hadn't looked at it in months) and tried to discover details in the story that might work.

Then last night, I opened the portal again. That's when I found some pdf files that contained all the information I needed. Guess I should have looked around first as it provided email addresses to all the staff. Explanations for many of my questions and most of all assurance that I wouldn't be doing this alone. They wanted the best book they could get and their job would be to help me make it that way.

So I breathed again.

Until I made another blunder and sent out an email asking author friends if they would like to endorse me before finding out the policy. Call it beginner's denseness but I did it.

This morning at church, it hit me. Calm down. I'm going to make mistakes and maybe regret how I go through this or the selections I make. But I will get it done.

I will hold my first book in my hands and thank God for the chance.

19 comments:

Beth K. Vogt said...

Ah, the road to the debut novel ... it's paved with moment's of bliss and yes, moments of blunders. But God uses them all to mold us into his image, Terri. So embrace 'em -- embrace this journey you are on. And know God goes before you ... He's walking alongside you ... He's got your back.

Great Grandma Lin said...

and you can share what you learn with us aspiring authors and marketers...lol!

BECKY said...

You can do it, Terri!!

Keli Gwyn said...

This is such an exciting time for you, Terri. The debut novelist's journey is interesting. I love the way Beth said it: bliss and blunders.

I can so relate. The experience can feel surreal at times and scary at others. I made some serious mistakes as I went though the process, but those around me extended me grace.

Each debut novelist's experience is difference, but we all have much to learn about getting the book ready for the shelves, just as we had to get it ready for that first contract offer. Learning is part of the process, a very fun process I hope you enjoy immensely.

Carmen said...

I love the way you journal the journey. It's fascinating to read about and it'll make it easier for those who come behind. I'm so happy for you! :)

Lillian Robinson said...

You wait for years and then BAM! It would be quite overwhelming. But your talent got you here. Keep believing in yourself. You got this!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is so awesome. You'll do fine. Actually, you'll do better than fine with God's help. It's a scary learning curve, but He will be there to carry you when you need it. As will all your friends :)

Joanne Sher said...

So fun and exciting and nerve-wracking and fun and scary and new and fun - oh, and did I say fun? ;)

You GO girl!

Crystal Collier said...

LOL! Breathe! It's so exciting, isn't it? And you want to do everything exactly right, but you're completely right. You will make mistakes, but there's no better way to learn than simply doing. =) This is going to be an awesome ride.

Jeanette Levellie said...

It's like learning a new language, isn't it? It sounds like your publisher is very helpful. I'm so happy for you!

You. Will. Do. Fine.

Connie Arnold said...

We all make mistakes and learn as we grow, but the excitement and joy of having your own book published is something special. Congratulations and best wishes to you, Terri!

Karen Lange said...

There's such a learning curve, especially with us first time authors. But it's all good, and all gets figured out in the end. I am so excited for you! :)

Trisha said...

So proud of your accomplishment. Hope your book is a great success!
Blessings, Trisha

Julie Musil said...

But what fun! I mean, really, YOU'RE GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED!!! Every single author makes mistakes along the way, and that's ok. It's nice that your publishing team will guide along the way.

Kenda Turner said...

Thanks for sharing, Terri :-) I can just imagine the butterflies in the stomach worrying about getting it all just right--but, wow, you've done the work and now you're in the ranks of published author, how wonderful! Take some time to savor the feelings. Very happy for you...

B. WHITTINGTON said...

I'm an Indie author and went through the very same thoughts and feelings. TAGS! BLURBS! BIOS! Panic. Then we learn to slow down and take one step at a time. It all works out in the end.
Hugs and congrats!!! Let us know when it comes out!
Barb

Carol Riggs said...

Wow, it's a whole new ballgame after a contract is signed. You're blazing new territory! But you'll be fine. :)

Sally Wessely said...

This made me scared just reading it. That is some heavy stuff. I would have felt panic just as you did. I guess these are good problems to have.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Love that you are sharing your journey!

Prayers are with you!