Weekly Newsletter
Amazon.com/author/joncoley Books2Read.com/JonColeyAuthor JonColey.Gumroad.com
It’s killing me, y’all. I just finished adding some great chapter headings to my current work-in-progress. But I’m still waiting on the second edit. It’s by no means late, but I just want my brain-child to be in the hands of readers. This is the frustration of “book time.”
Much like Kate DiCamillo’s Edward Tulane had to experience “doll time,” authors have to experience “book time.” Sure, I could slap the manuscript together, throw a cover on it, and press that publish button. However, if I did so, the story would only languish in cyber space and fade into obscurity. So what does one do? Slow it down. WAY DOWN. I’ve got to tell you, it’s not easy.
Here’s the trailer again, just because …
About half way through the first draft, I decided to do this book right. There are a lot of things in the publishing process that one would prefer to skip. Like anything in life, though, cutting corners is generally a bad idea. Therefore, the next step is setting up a street team, also known as an ARC team. As a writer of Middle Grade books, I have usually skipped this step. Not this time, though. I have begun creating a google form which will be sent out soon (probably a couple of days from now). It will give access to the story for free in exchange for an honest review. Basically, authors need about fifteen or so good reviews on their books to make them “retail ready.”
Another corner I’ve always cut is preorders. They didn’t make sense to me. Why would a person want to spend money on nothing? Turns out that it doesn’t matter why. Books with preorders almost always do better. I think it’s kind of like getting yourself a gift, a little surprise for your future self. Who am I to judge? This brain-baby is going to go on preorder.
A scenic would say that this is all about making money, and that’s fair. But it’s also about taking pride in your work and doing what’s best for your creation. I want kids to read this story. I want my book in readers’ hands.
Thanksgiving is coming soon. To me, along with Halloween, it’s the best of holidays. I hope you all find many, many things in your lives to be thankful for.
Until next time, God Bless!
