Friday, October 28, 2011

How to Become a Published Author; Part 3

This is a continuation from yesterday and the day before:

   To recap, I needed a platform in order to get a publisher.  I friended 800 people on facebook, and when people (especially an older military man) started asking how I knew them, I told them about my book (my need for a platform) and how my son had died.  Honesty--would it be the best policy?
  
    I drank a chocolate coke (which happens to be my favorite thing other than coffee), pulled on my big-girl boots and faced the computer.
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    The first messages were from some random people.  "I'd love to help support you."  
    One woman said she'd lost a baby.  I was shocked, but we even got to be friends in the following months. I remember crying at the computer because EVERY ONE of those people accepted my friendship on facebook.  (Well everyone except an old woman who said she hates technology and that it's connecting everyone--even strangers.)  
    But out of all my new (799) friends, the one I worried about the most was the military man.  He sent me a very short reply, "Thanks for being honest.  I've confirmed our friendship."
    Now, let me tell you something about that older man.  He only had 30 friends on facebook.  I knew he was only keeping contact with people he was closest to.  So, although I met many wonderful people, I really respected my friendship with the military man.  His comments to other people were hard and resolved.  The pictures he shared were of war and victory.  We had little in common, but I found myself admiring his resolve.
    So, back to the publication process.  I hired two editors.  I think (no matter who you are--whether you've found an agent/publisher or not) this is a must.  Professional editors will pick up on things other people (even fellow writers) might not find.  There's a reason professional editors are around.  
    One of the editors went over my journal for content.  I ended up removing several of the entries that didn't need to be there.  I also had to clarify other things, such as who certain people were.  Since it was my journal, I had just named people and not explained any background.  I never thought anyone else would read my journal--I guess that's why it's so honest. 
    Anyway, were the revisions hard?  Yes, but as the editor noticed, those minor revisions would make my journal shine. 
    The other editor fixed grammatical errors and typos.
    I've written three more books since finishing my journal.  Before even thinking about submitting them to publishers, I will hire an editor.  It's hard enough getting published, why not give my manuscript the best chance possible, and hopefully submit it error free?
    So, after hiring the editors and implementing their corrections, I decided it was time for another test.  I found twenty famous authors, e-mailed them my query and asked if they'd consider reading my book and endorsing it.
    Five of them wrote back to me.  Three of them would consider reading it!  I nearly bit my nails in anticipation after sending them my book.
    Then, a few months later, I received their answers, and I couldn't believe my luck!
    Here's what they said:
"Praise for 'The Golden Sky'"

    But that isn't the end of this story.  I have one more part I'd like to tell you about.  This next part makes me want to cry.
    To be continued . . . again.

26 comments:

  1. u know ur doing something really great thing. wishing u all d luck :):)

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  2. Awesome! And the point about having 2 editors is key! Like you said, one will pick up on something the other doesn't. And the face you had one for content and one for grammar is excellent!

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  3. Excellent point about working with editors Elisa. Having someone trained who will be critical without worrying about hurting the author's feelings is an asset.

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  4. This is a great story! I'm loving it :) You worked hard to get your book published. It's also refreshing to hear about the people that helped you along the way even though they were strangers. I knew there were some good people left...lol

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  5. People are really awesome! I had the biggest smile on my face yesterday because I wrote that post about friending people on facebook, and I got over 20 friend requests by ten o'clok last night. Isn't that so sweet!

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  6. I agree; Hiring an editor is one of the most important things you can do before submitting, and especially before self-pubbing. I know the book's gonna be great! Really enjoying your installments...:)

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  7. Another part?! Will it be posted tomorrow, or do we have to wait until Monday for the finale?! You're great at cliffhangers. Reminds me of "One Thousand and One Nights." Finish one tale, start the next...but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the conclusion, and do it all over again. It's wonderful.

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  8. Also, where the heck to you get chocolate coke???? It sounds amazing and I've never seen it here. Is that Utah thing?..lol

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  9. Umm, is that a Coca-cola stained glass window?

    So these were two freelance editors that you hired? That's an excellent idea to do that before submitting. You've got serious drive and I admire that.

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  10. Joshua,
    I'll post the next part tomorrow :) I'm having so much fun with this.

    Paige,
    So, chocolate coke--I learned about it from a girl who used to live in New York. All you do is take a glass of coke and add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup(according to taste). Some people add more than that, but I like just a hint of chocolate. Let me know what you think if you try it. :)

    As the Crowe Flies and Reads,
    Yep, freelance editors who had awesome credentials. It did cost a bit, but I don't think I'd be where I'm at without them. In my opinion, their revisions are one of the main reasons I even got endorsements.

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  11. Literally the last actual Coca-Cola I had was December 31, 2005. Hearing this, I might have to break that rule to the detriment of my stomach. Unless I can convince myself to ONLY drink Coke that way if I like it.

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  12. So true about the editor part, no matter how much you think it is done, they always see something you didn't, that made things not make sense. Some great reviews there too, those don't hurt matters any..haha

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  13. Hey! I'm finally catching up! This is such a great series, Elisabeth. A gift to those of us still slogging our way through the process. xoxo

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  14. My husband LOVES chocolate coke! He had never heard of it until I told him I used to get it at Sonic (except I added vanilla, too).

    Also, Thanks for your comment yesterday. It made me smile. I went ahead and updated my blog on mjy last two doctor appointments. You should read them. You'll be surprised.

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  15. Elisabeth, I just saw your blog and read your story - an amazing one. I admire your courage and your desire and determination. I was pondering getting over my grief and getting back to writing and--please take credit because I'm going to the gym now and when I return home, I'll take my shower and retrieve my manuscript. I'll adopt some of your strategies. Thank you.

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  16. I told you you write beautifully! Apparently a lot of people agree with me. Are YOU the only person left to agree with that fact? And it IS a FACT!!

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  17. Very interesting. I always like to hear the "behind the scenes" stuff that goes on. Can't wait for your next post.

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  18. You have an amazing story to tell - a lot of amazing stories to tell - and you write them with your soul. That's a rare gift that you're sharing with the world. There's no way other people couldn't have noticed it. You've definitely touched my life in a way I can't explain. Thank you.
    I can't wait for the next entry.

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  19. Being bold definitely pays off! Congrats!

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  20. I had no idea that you are about to be a famous person!;) Here I am, just coming to one of my favorite bloggers, and now I'm getting all caught up on the festivities and excitement of your great achievement. Congratulations! I was just reading through everything, and I'm too late for the blogfest it looks like. This is so exciting! Can't wait for the big date!

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  21. Wow! Even your publishing process would make a great book! :D

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  22. I love your determination. Just the thought of having to get something I wrote through the publishing process is enough of a nightmare! I think I will have to try that chocolate coke...sounds amazing!!!

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  23. The military guy is very intriguing. Where is the next post already? I'm eager to read it.

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  24. You make everything sound so wonderfully interesting! Great stuff here. You are an amazing woman. Can't wait for the next installment.

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  25. You had me at Chocolate Coke. I must try one of those!

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