Endorsements for The Tenth Plague

Are you afraid of what others think of you? If you say no, then you’ve never worn the author’s hat and been in the position of seeking endorsements for your next novel. I’ll be frank—this is probably my least favorite part of the whole novel-writing business (because yes, I’m a weenie when it comes to what others think). Sending one’s novel manuscript to several authors (some well known) and requesting an endorsement for promotional purposes is an intimidating process. “What is a novel endorsement?” someone may ask. Frankly, it’s simply something nice someone has said about your book. Publishers often use these blurbs inside the front cover or even on the back cover. Nope, I didn’t pay or bribe anyone for these, and I gave each author an easy exit if he or she decided, for whatever reason, not to endorse the book. No one bowed out of the process.…

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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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