The Things They Don't Tell You...
Okay – I’ve wanted to sell a book for years. I’ve worked with a mentor, joined my local RWA chapter, taken classes, gone to conferences, read books, and most importantly, wrote and submitted my work.
I’ve had a modem of success. I’ve sold short stories and essays. Their contracts were one page. The hardest part has been chasing down the checks.
Last month, I sold my first full length manuscript to Crimson Romance.
Two weeks later, I sold a novella to Lyrical Press.
My to-do list has tripled in size. I've already read, signed, and tried to comprehend the legal contracts (thank God for those law classes in college.) Now, I've got manuals to read and digest on how to set up an author marketing plan. I’ve got style sheets and edit guidelines for each publisher. I’m starting to set up a blog tour for my June release.
And as of Monday, I’ve got edits for both books to complete by early April.
Ack!
I’d been flying along on a sequel to The Bull Rider’s Brother. Wanting to get the manuscript done so I can submit to my editor. Because we all know, the money for e-books is in the back list. And I still have to write the backlist!
Everything Tuesday morning came to a screeching halt while I tried to re-organize my schedule to make sure my edits were done timely (and to the best of my ability.)
So new words have gone on the back burner for a few weeks. Exercise (except my scheduled classes) is getting put off. Television watching and reading is especially on my NOT to do list.
But it’s all worth it.
Check out a blurb from my novel The Bull Rider’s Brother coming in June from Crimson Romance. I've got it plastered on my Facebook page.
So, New Kid Readers, what have you been working on this week? Have you ever had to choose between good and better?
15 comments:
Seeing if comments are live. I've had questions. :)
Congratulations on the sale of your book and your novella, Lynn! My own to-do list is quite long, but unfortunately working on my WIP is near the end of it. :(
Hey Marian,
Thanks. I've been doing the happy dance for a while now. But I'm sad that my WIP is at the bottom of my list. Maybe next week will be better.
Good luck in getting your tasks done so you can create new stories. :)
Lynn, what great things to have to choose between. I'm so excited for your contracts and stories and getting published, who-hoo!
The past week it seems I've had to choose between sleep or no sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Lynn, I'm thrilled for your sales. Your work--and stress--load sound intimidating. I can sympathize with your frustration on not getting new work done. But I have every confidence in you. Good luck!
(I liked your comment that you had to write your backlist LOL)
Hi Abigail.
Usually sleep is not a question. I never can't sleep. Until this week. I can be dead tired, and when I lay down, lists of things I need to do run through my head.
Argh.
Hi Barb - I'm glad you found some 'writing' time on spring break. Does this mean you'll have a new story to share soon?
Lynn, I am so happy for you. When it rains, it pours, right?
Beth
Beth - you have a novella coming out in June too. What are you doing to stay sane?
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Hang in there! Those are wonderful problems to have, and next time around you won't have to read those marketing manuals...you'll be an EXPERIENCED author! Yaaay!
Dee Dee - what a great point! I'm learning more every day.
I know it sucks to put your current wip aside, but it's for a really good cause! Congratulations again, Lynn. Hopefully, next week will be easier!! :)
Too many good choices Maura! Glad to have you back.
Congratulations on those sales!! I'm so excited for you :) Things will calm down soon and you'll get back into that writing/life balance again. :)
CONGRATULATIONS on those Sales!Woot, Woot!!! As for the marketing manuals... they have MANUALS for this stuff? Who would've thought to read a manual?... And I'm off to find some dang manuals, lol.
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