The Best (and Funniest) Explanation of Book Design You'll Ever See

When I tried to figure out how to explain why this colorful TEDtalk by a book designer who's been around since the '80's is crucial watching for any author, I was stumped.

All I can say is, this not only made me fall in love with books all over again, it also made me wish I had this guy on my team. (Not to mention I suspect he'd be a riot at Friday night cocktails, but I'm getting off topic....)

The Mr. Kidd's barely-repressed hostility towards e-books aside, whether you design your own books or not, you've got to watch this:

 

Best of 2012 (aka Get Thee to the Bestselling Authors Table)

Continuing our Best of 2012 trip down memory lane, here's the second highest rated post, BESTSELLING AUTHORS ON CREATIVITY AND WRITING...

Elizabeth Gilbert (Author of Eat Pray Love) on creativity

Christopher Hitchens (British Author & Journalist) on being a writer (and the perils of alcohol)

Stephen King and Audrey Niffenegger on leaving things to the imagination (best part at 4:24)

Your Turn: Do you have any favorite author interviews or clips? Share the link in the comments.

Aiming for Pole Position

Today I want to know: What, in your opinion, really makes a winner in this industry?

Seriously.

We always hear "just keep writing" and "don't give up!", but there's got to be more to it than that.

If you have an agent or (hallelujah!) a publisher what's the key advice you took that got you there?

If you self-published and gained a solid readership, what do you think pulled your book out of the cyber-sea and into the sun?

However you define success, what is the key advice you're taking to get you from here to that elusive contract / publication date?

And just so you know, I'm actually listening - not just giving you the nod and smile. Today's a day for sharing your nugget. So, please do! (In the comments)

INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Briggs - Intern for Superagent Jill Corcoran

Elizabeth Briggs calls herself "...a nerd who writes YA sci-fi, goes to Comic Con every year, and volunteers with dog rescues." (I just call her a lovely online-friend and source of insightful publishing advice). She's represented by Kate Schafer Testerman of KT Literary, and interns for Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency.

Liz, thanks for taking the time to drop by today. Let's start with your position as Intern at the Herman agency. How did you procure that position, and what's involved?

Thanks for interviewing me! I got the position by sending Jill an email after she posted that she was looking for interns. I told her I didn't have any experience in publishing, but that I was an active member of SCBWI and an avid reader of YA and MG. I wrote that I was hoping to transition to a job in publishing, and tried to describe how my work experience gave me skills that would help me as an intern. I honestly didn't think I would get the position because I assumed most people would be better qualified than me, but I wanted to try anyway.

Jill ended up hiring someone else as her assistant, and I figured that was that. But few months later Jill needed another intern to help with the growing query pile and contacted me. She interviewed me over the phone, and I started working for her in June. Now I help her go through queries, both to reject the ones that are obviously wrong for her and to make sure she pays attention to the amazing ones. I also sometimes read full manuscripts and give my opinion on them.

That sounds really interesting! Had you had much experience reading other writer's manuscripts before you started? What are the most common flaws you see?

Nope! The only experience I had was reading published books and doing critiques for beta readers. But I think one reason Jill "hired" me was that I've read over 90 books a year for the past few years, and most of them were YA and MG.

The most common flaws I see in manuscripts are: too much backstory early on, passive main characters, and a plot that moves too slowly.

That's interesting that you mention passive main characters as a common flaw. The word "passive" gets bandied around a lot in writing circles, but I think sometimes as writers it's hard to see your main character in that way when you know everything that's happening inside their head. Can you offer some examples of the kinds of things that make a protagonist passive, in your opinion?

A passive character is one that isn't driving the plot forward. Often this is because the protagonist doesn't have a clear goal they are working toward, or sometimes other characters are making the decisions and taking action instead of the protagonist. To fix this, I'd suggest making sure your main character has an overall goal they are working toward, plus a smaller goal or desire in every scene (although they should often fail at reaching these goals - it's the trying to achieve them that matters). You can also look at your side characters and see if one of them is making all the decisions, rescuing the protagonist a lot, and so forth (in YA, I often see this with the love interest).

Since you're reading a lot of different books now, from different authors, do you find yourself drawn to any genres in particular? Or seeing any trends coming through that you're excited about?

I'm not really drawn to any genres in particular, I just look for a unique concept plus excellent writing. And I wish I knew what the upcoming trends were! Right now I'm seeing a lot of interest in YA mystery/thrillers, funny contemporary, and magical realism. Also, anything MG is in demand right now, but it's hard to find writers who can do a great MG voice.

Great insight! Excuse me while I scurry off to finish my YA thriller! *Cough* Now that you're settling in with Jill, have you found that reading all those queries and books has helped you as a writer?

It's definitely made me a better writer, probably because it's easier to see what works and what doesn't in other people's writing than in your own. It's also helped me be more aware of overused cliches in writing (starting with waking up, for example).

Is there any advice you'd offer to writer's heading into the query / submission fray?

My advice to writers is to do your research before you query, not just about submission guidelines and things like that, but also about the agent him/herself. Look at their sales, and not just how many there are, but also where they've sold to, and what types of books they've sold. For example, if an agent only sells adult mysteries, or only sells to small presses, does that work for your book and your goals? If the agent is newer, where did they previously intern or work, and do they work for a reputable agency now? If they have Twitter or a blog, do you like what they have to say? Do you like their clients' books? I think writers sometimes become desperate to get an agent and don't stop to think, "Is this person a good agent for me?" You want to make sure that the agent you sign with both has the right experience for your writing goals, and is someone you want to work with for many years.

That's all great stuff, Liz. Thanks so much! Now, as our final farewell, tell us about your book! Where are you in the process of finding a publisher? And where can readers find you if they want to message or tweet, or hear about your upcoming success?

I'm represented by Kate Testerman of KT Literary, and my novel ALTERNATE is about a teen hacker who is thrust into a war between parallel universes when she meets an alternate version of herself from another dimension. You can find me at http://elizabethbriggs.blogspot.com and on Twitter at @lizwrites.

Thanks for the interview, Aimee!

Your Turn: Do you have any questions for Liz?

Margaret Atwood and a Slice of the Publishing Pie

Margaret Atwood is one of the publishing world's most enduring and respected authors. During this conference speech she outlines the evolution of publishing, what we're doing the same and what we're doing different from fifty years ago - and where it might be taking us.

Even though she gave this speech a year or two ago, it's frighteningly relevant.

Watch and learn my authorial friends. This is one of the most educational (and amusing) twenty minutes you'll ever dedicate to your burgeoning career.

The Meh Factor & YOUR Writing

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you write a scene and you think "THAT was AWESOME!" *Happy Dance*.

Then you read it a month later and decide it's utter... meh?

Or what about the scene you just.Can't.Write. You push through, teeth bared, to keep yourself moving. You avoid it on re-reads because you're certain is just so much refuse. But when the time comes that you can't avoid it anymore you discover, actually, it ain't half bad? Not nearly as meh as you thought?

I've heard these kinds of stories from every writer I know. It's nice to know that I'm not alone. But then I read this facebook status update from NYT Bestselling author Lauren Destefano.
 And even though I wanted to hug the 2009 Lauren and tell her how awesome she was, I'm even more encouraged to know that there was a time she felt this way. Because I admire what she's achieved since then. And maybe, just maybe, my meh will get there too...

Your Turn: What have you seen or read that's encouraged you to keep going in pursuit of publication?

What Are You Doing to Stand Out?

My favorite author-blogger (Author, James Scott Bell), said this in a recent post:

"So here is what you ought to consider as you write: what are you doing that is "more" than what you've read before?"

Now, let's give that some serious thought (and trust me, there's a practical reason for this):

1. What are you doing that's unique?
2. What are you doing that a reader hasn't seen in another book?
3. What are you doing that no one will see coming?

Now, once you've answered at least one of those (if not all three), make sure it's in your pitch, your query, your blurb, etc, etc, etc.

These are the things that will make readers gush about your story. These are the aspects of your character, plot or premise readers will talk about with their friends. These are the things that will sell your book.

If you can't identify them, how is the reader supposed to?'

Your Turn: Name a book that took you by surprise. What was it, and how did it change your expectations of future reads?

Best. Author Interview. EVER.

A little while ago I read the best author interview I've ever read. It somehow manages to be a fascinating work of memoir, writing craft, and characterization all rolled into one (with a dollop of marketing on top).

If you have any interest in crime writing, or writing disturbingly realistic dark characters, do yourself a favor and read this interview.

You can thank me later.

(NOTE: Some of you who share my faith may find some of the subject matter / language offensive.)

Your Questions for an Independent Publisher?

I've had my eye drawn to the independent publishing market recently - and by that, I mean the smaller, independent presses, e-book prints, etc. These publishers will offer little or no advance, but neither will they charge you - they're investing in your book.

It's an aspect of publishing I don't know a lot about, so I've been exploring.

A very generous and recently successful independent publisher has agreed to take our questions. Yes, that's right. You can submit any questions you might have in the comments of this post (or email me if blogger is blocking you) and I'll pass them on to the publisher who has agreed to visit Seeking the Write Life with the answers.

Huzzah!

Here's the questions I've come up with - what are yours?

1. Does going independent in today's market essentially mean going solely digital?

2. Do independent publishers have access / distribution to bookstore chains?

3. Has the YA market embraced e-books yet? (I get that kids are big on gadgets, but at this point most of them can't afford to buy e-readers for themselves. My perception is it's the adult genres that are really taking off in the e-book markets... am I wrong?)

4. It appears that in many cases a writer still needs an agent to get in the door with any worthwhile independent publisher - yet many agents say the deals with indie's are too small to make it worth their while, so... how does an author gain an indie's attention otherwise?

5. Are we naive to respect the 'we're not accepting unsolicited submissions' guidelines? Do many authors ignore and throw themselves on the slushpile anyway, thereby getting a foot in the back door?

Your Turn: What questions do you have for an independent publisher? (Just in case it's relevant, please note the genre your question is about).

A Quote Every Writer Needs to Hear

Neil Gaiman said this and it's the most succinct piece of profound writing (artistic, life) advice I've read in a long while. I found it here.

It says:

"Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that - but you are the only you.

Tarantino - you can criticize everything that Quentin does - but nobody writes Tarantino stuff like Tarantino. He is the best Tarantino writer there is, and that was actually the thing that people responded to - they’re going ‘this is an individual writing with his own point of view’.

There are better writers than me out there, there are smarter writers, there are people who can plot better - there are all those kinds of things, but there’s nobody who can write a Neil Gaiman story like I can."

-Neil Gaiman

RIP Steve Jobs - Creative Mind

Excellent words of advice from a man who has lived his dream, and a reminder to all of us that being creative isn't just a passion, it is perseverance:

http://youtu.be/UF8uR6Z6KLc

Advice from the Professionals

I'm sick (*bleh*) so my scintillating post on professionalism (c'mon, you know you're dying to hear it) is going to have to wait.  Instead, enjoy this interesting interview with Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness co-authors Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia.

If you're low on time, skip to 3:59 for the 'Advice to Writers' part.

Enjoy!

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2011 Debut Author Lauren DeStefano

My son is sick and having surgery tomorrow (minor), so I'm taking a week off real blogging.  In the meantime, check out this fabuloso advice (and coolio Kittehs) from White Hot YA Author Lauren DeStefano:

See you in a few days.

(And if you want more from Lauren you can find her here and here).

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Listen to Taylor Mali

Taylor Mali is a poet even I have heard of.  (Trust me, that means something).  The thing I love about him is that his poetry is what my uncultured ears like to call 'accessible'.  Not because he's Down with the Kids, but because there's something about his work that screams "This is real!".

So I was excited when I ran across this little snippet from Taylor because it isn't the standard line most writers given when asked to offer advice to other writers.

Not "Just keep writing!".  Not "Write every day!".  Not "Write from the heart!".

Not.



Whether poetry, novel, short-form or a letter to your Mom, I think Mr. Mali's advice is utterly crucial to engaging with any living, breathing human being.  It's simple, yet true.  And it's why (I believe) his words ring with authenticity.  And, as it happens, authority.

Which is good, because he talks about that in this piece, which offers the very best advice for life and writing I've heard in a very long time:



Now, go forth my writerly friends and write down what is real - with conviction.

Elevator Pitch Hilarity

Remember that post on framing your message with humor to make it easier to swallow?


Well, this little gem I saw on Janet Reid's blog totally proves my point.  (That's a Cyberspace-Told-You-So, if you missed it).

Go ahead, watch it.  You'll laugh, you'll cringe - and you'll get some great advice on what NOT to do at your next writer's conference...

An Interview: Jim N. Duncan, Author of Deadworld

I 'met' Jim online a few months ago when Seeking the Write Life was just kicking off.  He was kind enough to be a part of my Successful Queries Series.  He's since become a part of my daily blog-run with his blog Writing in the Dark  - and a fun tweep to have around.  So I'm excited to have the chance to interview him for the release of his book. 

Jim's been nice enough to offer a signed copy of Deadworld to one randomly selected commenter on this post - so read what Jim has to say, then jump into the comments for your chance to win!**  Winner will be announced next week.

Really great to have you back, Jim. Let's get the vital statistics out of the way: Your debut novel Deadworld is released today! Congratulations! What's it about and how did you come up with the idea?


Thank you. I'm glad to be back here today. Let's see. The elevator pitch would probably be something like, "Struggling FBI agent gets caught up in vendetta between two vampires." It's an oversimplification of course, but bare bones, that's what the plot is about.

As for where the story came from, it started with the germ of an idea about doing something different with vampires. I love vampire stories, but was well aware that the market is full of them, and to get much interest, it would have to do something in a different direction. That said, I started with an Old West sheriff who gets turned into a vampire after a big confrontation with another one, and the playing that forward to present day, where my heroine would get involved.


When did you start writing? Is it a full time job for you, or do you have an alter-ego with a 'normal' job?

I wish writing was a full time job for me. That would so rock. I'm a regular working "Joe" far as that goes, going to school to be a middle school math teacher, and raising four kids. I've been writing, off and on for a long time though. My grandmother was a mystery writer and published three mystery novels while she was alive, and spending summers with her when I was young got me into writing.

I've always been a creative sort, and writing turned out to be the outlet for it I loved the most. It was a very off and on endeavor though for about 20 years ( a lot of started and shelved projects let me tell you!) until I was in my mid-thirties, when I realized I was pushing forty and really should dig down at get into it if I was going to have a shot at making things work as a career.


Do you have a drawer full of manuscripts hidden away? (And if so, do you think you'll ever try to get one of them published?)

Actually, I only have one. Deadworld was my second completed manuscript. The first was an epic fantasy novel, the first of a trilogy, that I'd been working on over the course of three or four years, and Deadworld was my "break" from that novel and an effort to do something completely different. After years taken to finish the fantasy, I wrote Deadworld in 14 weeks (after about a month of planning it out). I certainly have ideas for other stories, and I'd like to do something with the fantasy at some point. I still really like that story.


Since this is your debut, there must have been a lot of new experiences for you in the past year or so. What's the thing you enjoyed that you know will stick with you, even when you're on the NYTBS List?

Getting those first copies of the book is probably the biggest. I think it felt a bit unreal up to that point, but being able to hold it in my hand and flip through the pages, kind of cemented it in my head that I really was going to be a published author. A lot of it though has just been learning to be patient.

Legacy publishing is a long process, and I had a long lead time for Deadworld due to when it was slotted into the schedule. However, book two, The Vengeful Dead is coming out six months later, so I had that one to work on in the meantime. Still, I've had the luxury of time thus far, with a year each to write book two and three. I've learned a fair bit about social media, and the incredible effort it takes to try and get noticed.

Honestly, that may be the biggest lesson out there. Selling is done best by word of mouth, and you need people to realize you are actually there in order to get the needed notice. I wish I'd started up my blog, and made a more concerted effort at it earlier than I did. I wish I'd had the money to go to some of the bigger conferences and such to mingle and get my name out there. Beyond writing a good story, connections to readers and other writers is the most important thing a writer can work on.


Have there been any experiences in the journey so far you'd rather forget?

Actually, it's all been pretty, damn cool. If I could change anything, it'd be the wait time. It feels like it has been sooo long to reach actual "book on the shelf." Nothing you can do about that mind you, unless you want to self-publish, but even that has been worth it. I honestly haven't had any negative experiences with this whole process to this point.


As aspiring authors we're often told to 'write what we know'. There are unique challenges to that when you're writing fantasy. Is there any part of Deadworld that epitomises this approach for you?

Well, clearly I've no experience with ghosts and vampires, or being an FBI agent, or any of the main elements of the book, actually. However, I was a psychology and social work major in school. So, I've read and seen a lot regarding emotional issues people can have and have to deal with.

A significant part of Deadworld is the heroine's struggles with her self. She's kind of falling apart as it were, and has been ignoring that fact for most of her life. I tried to apply a lot of what I know and learned to Jackie's issues, how she would have to deal with them, and what the consequences would be. Some of the more intense scenes in the story revolve around her personal issues. Also, I think the way this develops over the course of the series is one of the more interesting elements. It's going in a direction that I don't think readers will necessarily expect, and this is particularly true in book three. I'm really looking forward to writing Jackie's character development stuff in that story. After I get copy edits done on book two here, I'm going to be diving into that full steam ahead.


What's the one piece of advice you'd give authors still on the road to gaining an agent, or getting that elusive contract?

Patience and persistence. We don't live in a patient culture. People want what they want and they want it now. It doesn't work that way in publishing. Without patience, you likely end up with a failed effort. You can't expect a "yes." Knowing you are good enough to get published and expecting it are two very different animals. So, you keep writing (because that's the only way to get better) and you keep trying.

Try not to have that knee-jerk reaction to self-publish because an agent you really want rejected you. I still believe that avenue is really, really hard for new authors to find any kind of success. Basically, if you aren't in it for the long haul, and willing to wait, and willing to accept "no" for an answer, don't do this crazy writing thing, because it will make you crazy otherwise.


And finally, if I ran into you on the street, what's the one thing I could say that would make you want to talk to me?

"So, I hear you wrote a book?" Lol, actually you could probably just get away with, "Hi," but talking books is always fun and interesting.


It's been great getting to know you and hear about Deadworld, Jim. Here's your last chance for a shameless plug!

Thanks for having me here today, and for everyone to check in and read my post. I hope Deadworld sounds intriguing for you, but if you like dark, urban fantasy, or as I like to call it, "a noir'ish paranormal thriller," I hope you will check out Deadworld. If you like your heroines a little rough around the edges, with as much chance to succeed as fail, then I think you'll enjoy my story, and future books in the series as well.

Feel free to ask me questions here, or you can contact me over on my blog, at jnduncan.wordpress.com. Deadworld is out now and available at all of the usual places.

YOUR TURN: Do you have any questions for Jim?  (All comments are eligible to win the signed copy of "Deadworld"**)

** Postage to USA / Canada only

Jody Hedlund - Author Thoughts #4

Jody Hedlund was a double-finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest for unpublished writers, and took CBA by storm last year when her debut novel The Preacher's Bride was released (and reviewed by both Publisher's Weekly and Booklist).

Her second novel The Doctor's Lady hits the shelves September 1st (and she's already writing the third!).  I follow Jody's blog for writers which is chock-full of tips, insights and commentary on the current publishing market. 

Jody is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Rants and Ramblings fame. 

We here at Seeking the Write Life (i.e. Me) are shamelessly excited to have Jody guest post today!


"What I wish I'd known before I signed the publishing contract."

1. Worry #1: Publishers wouldn’t have enough room for me.

The Truth: Publishers are still interested in finding good books and talented authors.

When I heard statistics about how traditional publishers have so few slots allotted to debut authors within their line-ups, I panicked. With so many talented aspiring authors vying for those spots, how would there ever be room for me?

What I’ve since learned is that publishers ARE still interested in finding new authors and discovering great stories. When they find them, they WILL make room in their line-ups. In other words, there’s always going to be a place for an author who’s got what it takes.

2. Worry #2: If my book didn’t do fantastic, my publisher would drop me.

The Truth: Traditional publishers want to invest in authors not just books.

I don’t know what I really expected before the contract, but now I understand that it makes a whole lot more sense for publishers to help their authors have a career, rather than just be a one-book wonder.

It takes time and several books before an author really gains a widespread readership. Most publishers are willing to work with their authors for the long haul. They want to help them grow, and push them to succeed so that it’s mutually beneficial. They aren’t waiting to cut authors loose with the first bad review or mistake.

3. Worry #3: If I wanted my book to sell, I’d have to do a lot of marketing.

The Truth: Traditional publishers still do help with marketing.

We hear stories about how authors are expected to do the bulk of their marketing. And yes, every author needs to participate in marketing—why wouldn’t we want to do all we can to help our book stand out? However, in large traditional publishing houses, the majority of the marketing work does not fall on the author.

My publisher’s sales and marketing department was able to sell more of my books by getting them to key distributors, buyers, reviewers, and stores, than I would have ever been able to sell on my own. Yes, my marketing efforts have contributed, but my publisher’s reputation, connections, and strategies made far more of an impact in overall sales.

Question For Readers: Have you ever worried about these same things? What’s your biggest concern right now?

Jim N. Duncan - Author #3

Jim N. Duncan is the author of Deadworld  - out April 5th, 2011.  He's previously joined us at Seeking the Write Life to discuss how he procured an agent.  You can read about it here.

Jim has promised me an interview for the release of Deadworld (!), but until then, here's what he had to say when asked to finish the thought "What I wish I'd known before I signed the publishing contract":

For myself, and the case for many authors I would guess, getting over the initial, "I have a contract! Where do I sign?" is the first hurdle. There's also a big difference between a writer who has an agent and one who doesn't. I received a contract prior to landing an agent, and then proceeded to use that to secure one. Having a three book deal in your hand is a pretty good way to get an agent to look at your work. It's not a guarantee mind you, but it definitely gives you a leg up.

If you have an agent who happens to be with an agency, these agencies will often have their own boilerplate contracts with publishers. They have worked with them before, know what points of the contract can be contested and negotiated, and as an author, I can pass off the contract to them and say, "have at it." Good agents are expert at these things. They are supposed to know what they are doing, and I felt comfortable letting him negotiate things to be as much in my favor as possible. I received a bit more money, a larger number of free copies, and a couple other minor points to my benefit. As a debut author, the leverage just isn't there to do a lot more.


Without an agent, this is a whole other ballgame. Unless you are familiar with publishing legalese, it might be difficult to understand many of the terms and contract points. And I'm definitely not the person to be asking. Do know this though, some aspects of a publisher's contract are not negotiable, unless perhaps you are a best-selling author. Some things just can't be altered to be more in your favor, and you will get a contract yanked if you insist. As a debut, you only get so many chances to get your foot in the door, so you have to be willing to compromise. Let your ego get in the way, and you will lose. Without an agent it's just difficult to know what is feasible and what isn't. Given that you aren't the only book looking to be bought, well...you get the idea.


Writers need to be sure they don't get stuck in the mindset that they deserve such an such for their book. If you want to pull the "I'm going to make you a million bucks" card to try and get more, you'll lose. Guaranteed. Debut authors have proven nothing, other than being able to write well enough to impress the editors and the publisher. You achieve success? Then you have more leverage. That said, if you don't have representation, do your research, talk to pros who know the business, or even hire a publishing attorney to look at a contract. Publishers have base contracts for a reason. Some points can be negotiated. Get knowledgeable enough to know what you want on a contract and what things publishers won't likely budge on. I'm glad I didn't have to do this. It would have been a royal pain in the ass. For all the claims these days of you not needing an agent, this is one aspect where I believe they are wrong. They get paid for knowing this stuff inside and out, and I'm happy to give my 15% for it.

Thanks for that Jim!  You want to hear more from Jim, check out his blog Writing in the Dark or follow him on twitter - and don't forget Deadworld is out April 5th!

Margaret Atwood - The Publishing Pie

Many of you may have caught this on Rachelle Gardner's link, but I'm posting it for anyone who didn't find it or take the time:

Margaret Atwood is one of the publishing world's most enduring and respected authors.  During this conference speech she outlines the evolution of publishing, what we're doing the same and what we're doing different from fifty years ago - and where it might be taking us.

Watch and learn my aspiring authorial friends.  This is one of the most educational (and amusing) twenty minutes you'll ever dedicate to your burgeoning career.

Erin MacPherson - Author #2

Erin MacPherson is a debut author represented by the ever-popular Rachelle Gardner.  Erin lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two (soon to be three!) children.  Her new book "The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby" is released TODAY (March 1st)!  Hot off the presses, it's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Family Christian Stores, Books-a-Millian, and Christian Book Distributers.

Regarding my question, "What I wish I'd known before I signed a publishing contract..." Erin says: 

That's easy: EVERYTHING.

I entered the whole publishing process completely naive about what to do, how to act and what to expect. It's a wonder my agent and editor didn't send me packing after five minutes--but they didn't. They patiently answered my questions, responded to emails, coached me a long and supported me as I learned and grew.

I think that's the thing that surprised me most about the publishing process: How nice and approachable everyone was. Before I started on this journey, I looked at the players in the publishing world as "untouchables"-- people with so much clout and influence that I couldn't dare approach them for anything. Instead, I found just the opposite. Every single person I encountered-- from my agent to my editor to the marketing director at my publishing house to be real, honest, open, supportive and kind people who truly wanted me to succeed. They feel like my teammates now.

I honestly expected to be dealing with a red-pen weilding editor who scrutinized every word I wrote, nit-picking every detail and slashing my work to pieces. Once I finished my manuscript, I was so terrified to start the editing process that it took me two days to press send and actually send it to my publisher. Then I spent four nervewracking weeks waiting for the red ink to flow. But it never did. I'm not saying my editor didn't make corrections in my book or have major changes for me-- she did-- but simply that the process was so much more positive than I expected. It was more like a team editing effort. She made suggestions. I made suggestions. And we worked together to make sure my book was the best that it could be.

So, the takeaway? Relax. And realize that your editor and agent and publisher want you to succeed. They are on your team. So work with them. And have fun while you're doing it.

If you want to hear more from Erin, check out her blog at http://www.christianmamasguide.com/ or pick up her book at any good bookstores!

Thanks for stopping by Erin, and best of luck with the release - your first book of many I'm sure.