A Season to Grow—a Lot
I know tons about trying to get published. But on Feb. 5, the day after signing my first publishing contract, I realized that I know very little about actually being published.
The result? For starters, the deer-in-the-headlights version of myself is writing this newsletter. Brace up :)
Here's what I do know: I should have my editorial letter in the next few days. The first page will probably tell me everything that's working in the novel—followed by several pages of things that I need to change and/or fix.
I'm actually excited about this because it'll be my first time diving into the story knowing it will really reach readers. Have I said often enough that I'm thrilled to have a publisher? I am! Oh, praise God!
Something else I know: Bling! Romance / Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, my publisher, in case you missed my many attempts to let the world know :), is keeping my original title. Super happy about that!
Cover design. No news on that yet, but they gave me a dream sheet to fill out. As an Army wife, I'm used to the Army's dream sheet for permanent duty stations. You never get anything even remotely close to what you put on that paper. I hope in the publishing world dream sheets mean more than in the Army. "Needs of the Army" don't apply to Christian fiction book covers, right?
Marketing and publicity: I'll have a big announcement on this soon. Looks like I'll be starting a new day job writing and editing for the Army. If they finalize the offer, which I expect them to very soon, I will be able to contract an amazing publicity firm to add to what I and my publisher bring to the table. Let me emphasize AMAZING! There. Emphasized. I'm thrilled they said yes to me and to my debut. So stay tuned.
The Song of the Desert Willow turned one this March, and I'm finally finishing the second draft <3
And that's the end of what I know. That was actually a lot. Hmm.
Love y'all!
Lord, help me figure out the unknowns. I'm scared. Help me find the proper balance between aggressively pursuing what's next, and slowing down to enjoy the blessings already received.