I’m horrible. Most people can say they are bad at posting on their blog because they only post every couple of months. For me…I’m posting for the first time in two years.
I’m going to be better though. Why? Because my book is finally getting to a place where I am ready to get it published–finally–and I want to be able to document the whole experience.
First off, let me tell you that publishing is no cake walk. It takes time and research. Lots of time. Time I feel I hardly have. But I know I’m on the right track.
Here are a few things I’ve been doing in preparation:
PUBLISHING CLASS
I’ve told you before, I love to learn. And nothing is more motivating than taking a class. This class (A Beginner’s Guide To Getting Published) is online, put on by St Louis Community College. So far it’s been very helpful—I highly encourage anyone to take it. I’ve enjoyed it and I’m excited when they suggest different things that I am already doing. It gives me hope.
FEEDBACK
I have my cousin reading my book and a few other people reviewing it and giving me feedback. I even posted my book to a site put on by Harper Collin called Authonomy. Authonomy is a great resource for those who love to read and write. You are allowed the chance to put either a portion or all of your book online. From there other authors read and give feedback to your writing. If your work is viewed enough times and has a lot of good ratings, Harper Collin will pick it up as a potential publication.
So far, I only have one view. But I’ve enjoyed the site none-the-less for it’s community and for the countless books you can read and review.
RESEARCH
This is the hardest part. I have a list of agents I’ve been researching, trying to understand what they like and if my book falls in-line with books they have supported. This requires me to spent a lot of time researching and reading books, looking at reviews and query submission guidelines. It’s tough, but so worth it. I think my biggest fall back here is getting distracted by day dreams of that fateful moment when I hear back from the agent who tells me my book is being published and made into a movie. (Some day maybe….)
I’ve also been researching some of my favorite authors, which has lead me to find new favorites too. This has been so fun too. I love reading up on different authors experiences and the things they did on their way to publication. A few authors with great blogs are Veronica Roth and Jennifer Rush. I love reading their experiences. Veronica also links to fabulous sites that help up-and-coming authors. Thank you, Veronica, if ever you happen to read this. You have helped me in more ways than you can imagine.
Also, as a shout out, if anyone has not read either of these two ladies books. I highly recommend it. They are great. 🙂
 |
| Divergent, by Veronica Roth |
 |
| Altered, by Jennifer Rush |
SYNOPSIS
It’s hard enough telling people what my book is about, let alone writing it in one succinct paragraph, but I’m attempting.
Anyway, I plan to write a lot more in coming months…hopefully. It’s motivation to me if I can continue to post my path towards publication. Wish me luck.