So one of my friends asked me what it felt like in the run up to publishing my debut novel. Wow. What it feels like.
Right now, it feels like yet another step on a long journey; one I started about 8 years ago with a challenge that led to writing my first novel. That one is well and truly 'trunked' for now. While I still love the characters and the storyline, it will need an enormous amount of work to get it into reading-ready shape. But that's where my novel-writing path began.
THE BETWEEN is actually the fifth book I wrote. I started it in the fall of 2008, finished the first draft in spring/summer of 2009 and revised it in early 2010. A second revision came in late 2010/early 2011. It was that revision that my agent shopped for me, getting lots of interest and positive feedback from editors, but ultimately no sale.
In between (sorry, can't help using that word!) working on THE BETWEEN and deciding to self publish it, I wrote FUTURE TENSE, revised THE HOUSE OF MANY DOORS, and started the as-yet-unnamed YAGSIP (YA Ghost Story in Progress).
And once I decided to self-publish THE BETWEEN (after making sure I wouldn't burn any bridges with my agent and agency--and we're all good. Nephele has another novel of mine on submission now), I had to embark on a crash course in everything from formatting for an eBook to typography for print, to learning about all the different eBook marketplaces and how to become a publisher, to hiring a freelance editor, to working with an illustrator, to figuring out how to market/publicize the release.
:Deep breath: Yes, that's a ton of work.
So what it feels like now, with 45 days to go before the release, is exhausting. And exhilarating. I feel like I'm taking charge of my future career and taking the steps I need to take to position myself for the long haul. I have so many stories to tell. Stories that I want to share with the world. My goal for THE BETWEEN is for it to find an audience of dedicated readers.
I believe in this book.
I believe in myself.
45 days and counting.
Congratulations, Lisa! So happy for you. What are your plans for a launch party, readings, and other PR? Is there a calender of events we can access so all of your fans can come out and support you? We really need to talk because it seems I am about six months behind you in the wonderful, wacky world of self-publishing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Maybe get you a book signing in a bookstore in Vermont..? Again, big congrats on your hard work, and creative mind!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joy--we should definitely chat. :)
ReplyDelete45 days is too long to wait after that chapter I read! LOL. Congrats. It's very exciting and I can't wait to read all of it!
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