Monday, March 12, 2012

How to Become a Published Author; Part 1

    Since my second novel--an epic YA Fantasy--is coming out in less than a week, I thought it might be fun to share the journey I went through to get this book published.  It's taken a lot of work to get where I am. 

    Zeke died in 2003.  The Scribe had a very hard time dealing with the loss.  As she got older, she simply couldn't understand why her little brother was gone.  So, one day, I sat down and started telling her a story about dragons, mermaids, Rentans, Thenians--horrors only the oceans of another world could know.  "Zeke had to leave to find his one true love," I said.  
    "Too bad he fell for a shape shifting witch," the Scribe said. "That's why I went deep into the ocean to save him!" 
    I nodded.  She went through so many adventures just to get her brother back.  It started as a fun story to distract her, but through my own words, my own struggles, I saw a new part of myself.  I found the joy and happiness--the healing--that miraculously came after my son died.

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    I wrote everything down and dreamed about getting it published.  I rewrote the book a total of twelve times.  It's been edited by four different editors over the years.  It's gone from 140,000 to 83,000 words.  
    I honestly thought, it would just be fun to have for my family, until a few of the Scribe's friends got ahold of the book.  They wouldn't put it down!  So, from the encouragement of my brother, mother, two good friends and Cade, in 2010 I decided to try finding a publisher for it as well as The Golden Sky (my book that was published in 2011).


    Now, finding a publisher IS NOT easy.  I went through several market guides.  I visited www.yellowpages.com and called every single listed publisher in my state.  I knew I'd meet a ton of great people, but what I didn't realize is how many authors are self-published and listed as having publishing companies.  Through this process, that single day of phone calls helped me more than anything prior to it.
    I met a self-published cook who sold over a million copies of her cookbook.  A lady who'd been to Africa had sold over 50,000 copies of her novel about photography.  I met a man who knew how to write AND make bullets during the Apocalypse.  I even talked with an author's wife--her husband wrote "The Christmas Box."  (I had no idea what a big deal that was at the time and we just shot the bull like it was nothing.)
    After calling over seventy people, and sending several queries, I found two publishers who were interested in The Golden Sky and one who wanted more information about The Sword of Senack and the books coming after it.  
    I decided on a course for The Golden Sky, but was still searching out a home for my fantasy.  I sent a requested outline for the Mer-son Cycle (since The Sword of Senack is the first of four books).  I got a strange reply from the small publisher.  "We're releasing a book with ideas just like this series in 2013.  After much thought, we'll have to pass on The Mer-son Cycle.  Best Regards." 
    It probably sounds silly, but I'm still unsure of what to think about that response.  It does make me happy my book is coming out before theirs--since they have every detail of my story.
  
    I sent more queries after that. Several bigger publishers said I needed a platform before they'd even consider my work.  So, another part of the process began. 

    I'll share part 2 tomorrow.   

34 comments:

  1. Wow, what a journey! I'm working on a book right now myself (women's fiction novel), and it seems like self-publishing is the hot, if not only, way to publish.

    I'm so excited for you!!!

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  2. Eagerly awaiting part 2. Love hearing about other's journeys in this business.

    I am self-published all the way, however, that means I tend to stumble twice for each step forward I make. Still, it's been a hell of a learning experience and I too have met some awesome people along the way (present company included).

    I love the fact that you're able to reach out and connect with people. Sadly a skill I don't think I shall ever develop. Alas I am that guy at the party standing alone in the corner who everyone thinks is standoffish but in reality just doesn't know how to start a conversation.

    Can't wait to read the next part.

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    1. Rick, I'm the woman standing in another corner, not knowing what to do and feeling uncomfortable. If we ever meet at a party, we can nod to one another from our respective corners, or stand together and pretend we're having the best conversation ever. If you'd like an invitation to my blog, please email me at dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com and promise me you are not my ex-husband in disguise.

      Love,
      Janie Junebug

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  3. I would never have had the energy to go through all that--but I'm VERY glad you did!!

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  4. Wow...can't wait to read the rest of your journey! Best wishes.

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  5. Thanks for sharing your journey, it sounds like you've earned the right to be published. You might have something to say, rather than Snookie or whoever the flavor of the month celeb is. Don't get me started!

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  6. I'm glad you didn't give up. I remember the Chicken Soup for the Soul author was turned down around 100 times before someone published his book. Can't wait to read what happened tomorrow!

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  7. I didn't realize The Christmas Box was self-published. That baby sold about a kajillion copies and was made into a movie. You have a bright future, Elisa.

    Love,
    Janie

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  8. Yep no matter what one must push through, a door can only slam in your face so many times before the hinges fall off..lol...glad you pushed on.

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  9. I have always heard how difficult it is to find a publisher and that you really needed an agent. This is interesting to hear the details of how you have gotten your books published. I'm so happy for you!! :)

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  10. Anyone dumb enough to turn you down doesn't derserve a seocn look or thought my friend.. YOU are going places. To bad for them they won't be along for the ride! :)

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  11. I'm really looking forward to the 17th.

    And I'm glad you found a way for it to reach other readers. Kids are usually brutally honest - if they liked it? Many others will too!

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  12. Do you really think that they stole your book idea!?! Omg, what an awful thing to do...

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    1. I hope not. It was just such a weird reply?!

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    2. It's possible the outline simply reads like another. I can't tell you how many times I read somebody's synopsis and think, "That sounds a lot like mine!" But the truth is, they are always different because it's the voice that makes the book and your voice is distinctly you. In the end, I bet you find the book is nothing like yours anyway. I'm sooo excited for you!

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  13. This is exactly where I am: looking for a publisher. So many 'scam' warnings, and so many possibilities. Awaiting part 2 of your post!

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  14. You are such an inspiration to me. I wish I had tried harder to get mine publised so more people would know about it. I know you are going great places!

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  15. Dear Elisa,
    Getting published takes work and more work and still work. Plus a great deal of determination. Plus a large dollop of belief in yourself and in your manuscript. You have all of that--many times over!

    Peace.

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  16. I'm so glad the entire process helped you and your family at a time when you needed it most. It's exciting to see it moving to the next level! :)

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  17. I had no idea how the whole process works! It's really amazing all that goes into it! I can't wait to see part 2 tomorrow!

    oH YEAH, so that Christmas box, it's one of my favorites for around Christmas time reading! So cool you got to just shoot the bull with his wife!!

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  18. What an amazing tale you have to tell, Elisa. You are a real go-getter.

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  19. You are an inspiration. I keep writing and was thinking today that I need to move forward with publishing my writings. That you published this post today is not lost on me. I can't wait to read the next installment.

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  20. My co-author and I have written a book- so I can relate to the process you are writing about. I think it is great that you called people up and made so many good contacts and heard some interesting stories. I can imagine it must have been scary to have a publisher tell you that they have a book like yours coming out in the future. Ugh. I know from following your blog that you have definitely created a platform. I cannot wait to hear about part 2. You book sounds great!

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  21. An amazing journey. I can't wait to read the rest.

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  22. Have you tried Double Dragon publishers.
    Also check out Michael O's blog. You might be able to get ideas about where to send your manuscripts.

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  23. I couldn't begin to do all of that! I am really impressed.

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  24. I love all of the behind the scenes juicy details! Keep them coming, and congratulations on this huge accomplishment!

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  25. I've actually published a couple of books on Lulu.com. They are already on Amazon. It's a great way to get your work out there without paying a lot of money. Your story is amazing - I'm hooked. Can't wait to read more.

    Dayna

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  26. It's fascinating to read about your journey! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your hard work paying off.

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  27. Thanks for visiting my blog and saying hello. I'm so glad you are published and I would say if the kids wanted to keep reading your book it must be wonderful!

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  28. My mum is a bit of a failed author, she really wants to write kids books but gets like a few pages in and starts a completely new one.

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  29. Just as the old saying goes, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." I love that authors even have the ability to think about self publishing! Good luck!

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  30. I think you've done a great platform building job. So excited for this one!

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  31. I love that the ideas came out of healing for your daughter.

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