Publishing a Novel

 

When I first decided to publish my novel, Looking for Love, I was under the erroneous impression that writing it was the most difficult part. Now I know better—writing is the easy part. What follows the completion of the novel is the hard stuff.

First, I took every chapter to my writing group for critiquing. Then I had the novel read by several critical readers—meaning people who would be honest about the story, the believability of the characters and the quality of my writing. Next, I had the novel edited by a retired copy editor to make sure my grammar usage was acceptable.

Then, I actively searched for an agent: a search that included paying for 10 minute interviews at conferences that cost me $4 a minute. After several nerve –wracking interviews and the inevitable “Sorry, we can’t use your work right now letters,” I found a publisher.

“Hooray,” I said. “This completed work will be published in no time at all.”

That was seven months ago. Since then, I have rewritten a significant portion of the novel to change the voice from passive to active, had the novel re-edited and made all of those corrections and re-read the novel twice ( all 69,00 words) to make sure there was no left over typos from the editing process. One of the re-reads was aloud, so I could catch any mistakes I had missed.  I also had a formal portrait taken (at my own expense). In addition to that, I have started a publicity campaign which included distributing flyers I had printed (at my own expense) announcing the imminent publication for my first novel.

In addition, I have some control over the design of the cover—so I have conducted at least 5 (maybe more) searches for the right picture to depict the main character, Christy Doyle. So far, the cover designer and I have yet to find the picture—so I will be looking again…

And now, I have the really hard work to complete: writing the synopsis. You may be thinking—how could that be hard? After all, you wrote the book. Right—and I used almost 70,000 words to do it. Now I have to condense that story into about 100 words—not an easy task for someone who likes to go on and on and on.

As I get closer to an actual firm publications date, I feel both excited and apprehensive. What if this novel I’ve invested so much of my time and my energy into is—well, a dud? What if it gets bad reviews on Amazon? What if I only sell twenty copies—and just to my friends and family? What if…well, you get the idea.

But, even with all of those what-ifs, I am excited about my novel, Looking for Love. And I hope that when it is finally available, you will be excited along with me.

About Kathy

I grew up in Buffalo,New York the second eldest child in a family that eventually included eight children. The neighborhood was an Irish-American enclave. These two facts explain a great deal about me. I spent many years as a teacher who really thought of herself as a writer.

7 Responses to Publishing a Novel

  1. Eileen says:

    Kathy, I still anxiously await the publication of your novel so I can read it (and I will post a review on Amazon when the time comes, a positive one of course!). I also have an idea for a publicity opportunity for your book, but I have not wanted to bother you while your mind was occupied with Dan, so call me sometime when you feel up to it. Good Luck, my friend! All your hard work is bound to pay off. As for the picture you seek, have you considered some talented person creating an original one from your description of your main character? Nice readable selection tonight.

  2. Linda Young says:

    Doing something that is difficult and following through is a reward in itself. So much learned, so much deserved satisfaction and so much productive use of time. What would you have been using your time for if it had not been for your novel? I wish you unbounded success and congratulate you for the education you have successfully completed.

    • Kathy says:

      Thanks, Linda. I think you spoke words of wisdom here–it is a wonderful challenge and I do feel like I am doing something that matters–at least to me.

  3. Eleanor T. Coan says:

    Kathy, I give you all the praises and accolades for having the brillance to be able to put words on paper and come up with something that is briiliant. Remember that I am waiting with bated for your Novel and remember that i want to purchase a copy. All my luck and blessings to you.

  4. Lucy says:

    I am very excited for you and anxious to see, hold, and read your novel.
    Good going!! Lucy

  5. Rita Wings says:

    I am eagerly awaiting your novel in its final form. I am so proud of you!

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