Friday, September 6, 2013

You Have a Book Contract. Now, what?

What have I learned from getting my first book contract that I’d do better next time?

                                                                 LOTS

I was green as an alien. 4RV Publishing offered me my first contract in July, 2011. I'm grateful they took such a newbie under their wings.
 
Here’s my top ten tips:


1. Read your contract and clarify anything you don’t understand.

2. Have a professional picture and a short bio ready to go.

      3. Read any guidelines or information given by the publisher.
 
      4. Make friends in your local area with librarians, book store owners, and newspaper columnists before your book comes out, and you want a favor.
 
      5. Stay in town or with definite internet access during the last two months before release of the book.
 
      6. .Have an acknowledgement page ready to go when requested.
 
      7. Search out like books online and in book stores for what you desire in the cover art, so you’re ready with input when asked.
 
      8. Get reviewers and guest blogs lined up before your book releases.
 
      9. Consider arranging for a blog tour to announce the book
 
     10. Publishing is a team effort. You need the publisher, but they also need you, so don’t fear speaking up about something you don’t like or asking questions on anything you don’t understand
 
      11. Be ready to work as hard on the manuscript after the contract as you did before the contract.

Okay, I gave you 11. Sue me.

Does anyone else have words of wisdom to share?

17 comments:

  1. Thanks for the insightful blog. I have to say, the most surprising aspect to publication was/is how hard I'm working now that my first book is out. I'm spending huge amounts of time each day on marketing. I had no idea!

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    1. So true, Lisa. When you publish, you take on a 2nd job of marketing. Lots of work.

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  2. Lot of good material here (Janet, are you getting my emails? I've sent a couple the last two days.)

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    1. I do so apologize, Donna. I've been out of town for 2 days. Our daughter had surgery. She's doing super, btw. Praise God. I will go check my e-mails. I'm way behind.

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  3. Be aware that many, if not most, publishers do not give an author any input concerning cover art.

    Be sure if you "speak up," that you do so politely. Many publishers have hundreds if not thousands more submissions than they could ever use. Some publishers do treat authors, staff, and illustrators like family, but many do not and do not "need" any more authors. Being polite and understanding goes a long way in any relationship, both on the part of authors and on the part of the publisher.

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  4. Yes, Vivian, I do so agree. Common courtesy keeps all of our sanity. I knew you could appreciate what I had learned since you walked the road with me. I knew you'd love the part about me needing to have internet service right b4 the book releases. Ouch!

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    1. Yes, I never thought to tell people don't disappear once we finish editing, that we never know what else has to be done.

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  5. Great article, Janet. As your post states, communication and networking in many areas are key: with your publisher, with bloggers, with local contacts. I would also say that when it comes to setting up a blog tour or guest blogging to be willing to return the favor. It goes a long way if others know they can expect your support when it's their time.

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  6. You are so right, Cheryl. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, as my momma used to say. I think of it as us all being in this thing together. BTW, Cheryl, is there anything I can help you with? You've been a jewel.

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    1. Thanks. You're so sweet. If you can find a way to get my girls to stop fighting with each other, I'll owe you the moon and the stars. LOL! Not right now, Janet, but come December I'll be touring with A Christmas Kindness and would love to stop by your blog.

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  7. Those are some good suggestions. It will certainly help others as they enter the world of publishing.

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    1. Maybe others won't have to learn the hard way. Ha!

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  8. Thanks for all the tips Janet. I will need them!

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    1. Thank you, Megan. I hope it helps. Let us know.

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  9. Very good advice, Janet. We're all in it together. :)

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    1. Yes, Beverly, Amen. I usually learn things the hard way.

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  10. Janet, great list of tips. I'd add that the author should have a website already set up and optimized, even before submitting.

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