10 Common Misconceptions of the Wannabe Novelist, #6

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5. #6: Once my novel is accepted, my publisher will take care of the rest. The “rest” as in . . . what exactly? The printing? Yes, you don’t need to worry about that. The editing? For the most part, though you will be involved in final edits of some kind. Perhaps even a revision. And of course you’ll have a last look before the printing. The marketing? No, not all of it. This truth was one of the biggest surprises for me. After my first novel was accepted, I was amazed by how much I was expected to do myself. Once upon a time, authors could (for the most part) write their books and not worry too much about marketing. Those days are long past, especially after this nasty economy walloped the publishing world across the side of the head. Publishers must work extra…

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June Newsletter

June 29, 2009 Dear Reader, Things have settled down quite a bit as far as the busyness of my novel release. Though I’ve done most of my online interviews and other Internet events, I’m not finished yet. Fatal Illusions will be featured in a blog tour via the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (CFBA) on July 6-8. During that time frame up to fifty or so CFBA members will be blogging about my novel; some will also be posting reviews. I’ll also be guest judging at Pix-N-Pens the same week. We’ll see what the Lord wants to do through these opportunities. On June 1, my publisher told me that my novel “is off to a good start,” so I’m encouraged. More good news is that the VCY America bookstore recently agreed to stock my book. More Reviews Needed If you read Fatal Illusions and feel you can recommend it, please consider…

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April Newsletter and Giveaway

April 29, 2009 Dear Reader, This newsletter is shorter than usual for the simple reason that I’m swamped. Since the release of Fatal Illusions on March 31, my life has been hectic with a blog tour, a book signing, and several online interviews, including Brandilyn Collins’s Forensics & Faith blog. Be sure to check my Web site and my Events page for the latest on what’s been happening. So far, reviews of Fatal Illusions (like this one and this one) have been very positive. Family and friends will feel pressured to say nice things, so when perfect strangers who have nothing to lose post positive reviews at their blogs, I can’t help feeling excited. If you have read the novel and liked it, please consider writing a review at Amazon.com, CBD.com, or Barnes & Noble. My local newspaper also gave the novel a wonderful review. Friends have reported book sightings…

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March Newsletter and Giveaway

March 30, 2009 Dear Reader, Well, this is it! The release of Fatal Illusions is tomorrow, March 31! These are exciting days. Read what others are saying about the novel and download a reading sample here (PDF). Thank you to so many who have e-mailed me or sent Facebook messages expressing your support and encouragement. (For those of you on Facebook, be sure to participate in my book release giveaway tomorrow.) On March 9, my author copies arrived in the mail. Since the release isn’t until tomorrow, I was surprised to get the copies so early. It was an amazing moment to open the first box and hold the finished product in my hand. I took some photos of the event for posterity (you’re only a first-time novelist once). I was also surprised to discover that the novel was in stock at Amazon.com and already being sold! May the Lord…

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