Book, Uncategorized

Final Girl Moves Ahead

Whew, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. I don’t think anyone can accuse Atmosphere Press of moving slowly. I’m enjoying the quick pace. If you know me, you know I hate to wait, That being said, it’s a lot. I’ve met with an acquisitions editor, my project manager, and a book cover design team member. Any time now I should also be hearing from a developmental editor. I can’t wait to dive back into my memoir and gain some fresh perspective.

When working on the book cover I had to send ten examples of covers I like so they can get a sense of my aesthetic. Then they asked for excerpts from the book to give them a feel for the narrative. I also sent them a list of words I felt described the mood of the book. I can tell that this part of the process is going to be challenging for me. I want a cover that provides the reader with a good idea of what the book is about, but also a cover that isn’t too dark or depressing. Once I have some options I will create a poll so you can give me your input.

Along with Final Girl, I’m working on a new book. The working title is A Spiritual Home. It’s weird to be back at the beginning of a project again. I’m feeling energized by the challenge. I will continue to provide updates on both books here as I have them.

Book

I’m Publishing My Book

It is finally happening and I’m so excited to share this great news with you. Last week was a big week for me. I signed with a hybrid publisher and now things are moving forward. It has been a journey of many years to get me to this place. I’m so grateful for all those along the way who have offered me support. I’ve got many big decisions coming my way and to be honest it feels a little overwhelming. I keep reminding myself that you can only do your best and hope that the team of people around you can help you out when things get tough. My next step is to meet with my book’s project manager and then the developmental editor. I will post updates here when I have them!

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I’ve Been Writing A Book

I’ve been writing a book. Wow, it is scary just saying those words. It’s like speaking them makes them real. Those who are close to me are already aware of the work I’ve been doing, and I’m sure they’ve asked themselves when I’ll ever finish. Turns out writing a book is hard work. I always knew it would be, and I doubted myself plenty along the way. I didn’t anticipate how complicated the whole process would be. First, there are so many skills to learn, critiques to consider, and choices to make. What to include and what to keep back just for myself. My rough draft was finished last year, and I’ve spent a year working on revisions. Now that I’ve taken it as far as I can by myself, I’m ready to begin seeking an agent.

It dawned on me last fall that publication couldn’t be the measuring stick of my work. Of course, publication is a goal, but it is just one of many. I chose to measure my success based on whether or not I finished my book. This version of my book is complete, and I’ve been taking a breath to allow that accomplishment to sink in. I know that there will be more revisions to come once my manuscript reaches the hands of an agent and editor. I’m excited to see where that process takes my memoir, but that is for another day.

Another reason to take a pause is so that I can steel myself for the rejection to come. Yep, I’m sure there will be many rejections before I hear a yes. It could take a very long time to gain representation, and that is yet another hurdle on my journey. My heart is pretty tender, and my confidence isn’t always strong, so I’m sure this part of the process will be filled with emotional ups and downs. Once the memoir is out there, I know I will hear from people who do not like what I’ve written, and that will require even more strength, but that worry, too, is for another day.

It feels weird to not be working on revisions. Now my focus is on my book proposal, so the business end. It’s hard not to worry that I’m making it too long or too short, not professional enough, or maybe I’m not getting the right advice about what to include and what not to include. It’s like being ten months pregnant; I’m ready for this baby to be out of the oven, but the doctor has a few more forms for me to sign first.

Have you been through this process? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Do you have tricks of the trade to share? What worked and didn’t work?

Deb