Combining All My Dreams
I’ve been thinking a lot about writing lately. The creative process of story telling to complete the first draft. The technical precision of edits. The salesmanship needed for promotion and marketing. The business savvy for taxes and contracts.
It’s like an author has to be a corporation, just to get a book out there into the universe.
When I first thought about being a writer, it was the creative story telling that enticed me. The ability to reach another person with my words, causing an emotional reaction, good or bad to my characters or story. You’ve heard me say many times how much I love a story. Even after spending three or more months writing THE BULL RIDER’S BROTHER, then a few rounds of edits, and now, time marketing, I still love the book. I love my characters.
After spending two weeks completing contracted edits for the June launch of Bull Rider’s Brother and, beginning edits on A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, schedule to launch in November, I realized how much more there is to being an author. Long, tedious sessions at your computer, looking at each word, each sentence to make sure there isn’t a better way to express the idea or moment. Hours.
Then last weekend, I saw the promotion slash sales part of being an author. I served as ‘official event photographer’ for the Elizabeth Lynn Casey signing her newest release, REAP WHAT YOU SEW at Murder & More in
Contract review, I love. I love finding the wheat among the chaff. What rights am I selling? What royalties will be mine? And the best question, when will I get the money? Of course the fine details of the contract concern me. What if I gave away my first born’s first child? Does the company have first right of refusal on all my stuff? I’m not even pretending to be a lawyer on TV.
Looking forward to my first cover. Of course, the artist/graphic designer part of the author gig has it all designed. At least in my head.
Being an author isn’t exactly what I’d imagined. The good thing is it’s turning out to be much, much better. Even doing things outside my comfort zone, I know I’ll get better and smarter as I plow through, making mistakes and having success.
What did you think your job would be like before you actually started working? Were you surprised at your duties?
6 comments:
Yes, there's so much more to being an author these days than just writing the story. That's probably the best part, though!! :) But I know for me, tiring as it may be, the networking and signings will be fun. I've always been more of an extrovert. Not sure how I'll feel about the contract stuff. Interesting, I'm sure, but also a tad scary in these crazy days of digital publishing. You can bet your boots I'll be asking you for advice! :)
I agree with Maura about asking your advice, Lynn. Just hang out your shingle LOL. I love telling stories, but the business side intimidates me no end. There's the fact that I'm shy and quiet as heck, of course, but all the other? The promo, marketing. An author definitely must be up on so much more.Really different than what I envisoned when I started out. But you know what? When I sell, I'll be trying my best to figure it all out! Thoughtful post. Thanks :)
Hi Maura - I think if you read through the document and educate yourself, usually, you can figure most of the stuff out. If not, or if it's big money, then we get the lawyers. :)
I heard one writer talk about willing her royalties to her kids. Not something I would have thought of.
Barb - You're a super smart woman, nothing should intimidate you. :)
I think if we take it one step at a time, we'll be fine.
There is no doubt there's far more to being a published author than just the writing. It's why I often times feel as if I'm falling down in other parts of my life. Because there's so much to keep up with in regards to the writing.
But it's a good problem to have, that's for sure! Lynn, I think you're doing wonderfully!!!
Thanks Laura - your mentoring has been a huge part of my learning process.
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