I’m thrilled to have author Ann Montclair guest blog about her experience of publishing her first novel. Writing the book is just the beginning. I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Over to you Ann.
Thank you, Amaleen.
Ann Montclair - Author
My first novel, a contemporary romance titled The Billionaire’s Bauble, was released December 21, 2011 from Soul Mate Publishing. When I signed my contract to publish the book, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. My publisher quickly added tasks: I needed to write a blurb, a dedication, an acknowledgement page, develop a tag line and pen a short author’s biography. Okay!
Once I started looking at other published authors, I realized I needed to accomplish a few more things: I developed my web site upon which I placed my biography, my head shot (thanks, hubby), an excerpt from my book, and my contact information. I began blogging and added that to my web site. Then I created a Facebook account, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, and a Linked-In account to which I frequently posted. I also wrote and contracted (with Musa Publishing) two more romance novels and began revising those.
So, I had my ducks in a row. The Billionaire’s Bauble came out just in time for Christmas (what a gift!) and I could relax. Merry, merry, Ann Montclair!
Right?
Wrong!
Once the book was available, I began guest blogging, updating my website, and creating more presence on the web. I made an Author Page at Amazon, Savvy Authors, and Author’s Den.
Forcing myself to stop thinking about characters, settings, and plots, and start thinking about sales (gulp) was the hardest transition in this process called “becoming a published author.”
Marketing is a bear with very sharp teeth. I had to know my genre, my heat level, and identify my target audience. I needed to start tagging my book and reading and reviewing fellow author’s books. Add to that an increased presence in my online social groups: Soul Mate Authors Group, Musa Authors Group, and Western New York Romance Writers of America. They ask questions, and I ask questions; we share what we know, and together we figure out the nuts and bolts of publishing books. Encouragement and advice are essential for success. I thank them profusely.
I am also sure there are about a bazillion other things I could and should be doing, but I am naive to them, so I await instruction. (Comments, anyone?)
The Billionaires Bauble
After all is said and done, writing The Billionaire’s Bauble was just one step, albeit my favorite step. Finishing the novel was the step that made me feel satisfied, fulfilled, and hopeful. I always wanted to write a book, and I did it! The rest of it was a shocking surprise, but a good one.
I find I actually enjoy learning about the business of writing, just as I loved learning the craft of writing. Figuring this whole thing out has become a daily puzzle that is honing my intellectual and social skills in new ways. I have met many new and interesting people along my journey, and I appreciate the way fellow authors, editors, and publishers have reached out and shared, have brought me into the fold with gentle but persistent guidance.
Inspiration is but one piece of the novel writing and publishing process, and while I don’t mean to scare prospective writers, I do want to share that drafting the book is only the first precarious step—and it is far from the last.
My advice: buckle up, writers, this bronco ride has just begun!
Thanks, Amaleen, for inviting me to blog on your site! If anyone is interested in my novel, blog, biography, etc., etc., please visit http://www.annmontclair.com
Thanks Ann, and Amaleen too. I suppose you could like creating a book to giving birth (as a guy, I know it’s a sketchy metaphor!). Once the book is born, everything that follows represents the joys, challenges and responsibilities of being an author. Oh yeah, and you’ll probably go on to have at least one more!
Derek, You choose an apt metaphor, and you’re right about having one more–actually two are due this summer! Thanks for your comment.
xo,
–Ann
Derek, what a great metaphor! What is it about the trials of writing a book that make you want to do it all over again? The body must produce some hormone that anaesthetises the brain like an epidural.
Thank you for stopping by
Hi Ann,
I know what you mean. No longer are you ‘finished’ when you get that contract. The hard work has only begun. Best of luck with Billionaire’s Bauble.
Thanks, Callie! As always, your benevolence is appreciated!
xo,
–Ann
Thanks for sharing your publishing journey with us, Ann! Stopped by your website to check it out – ya done did good girl! Great info for aspiring writers – it’s not all chocolates and cake. Albeit, there’s that too! Amaleen – as ever, you’re a gracious hostess!
Chocolates an cake…yum! I want more of that.
Thanks, Sharon.
xo,
–Ann
Sharon, I agree. It’s fascinating to read an authors journey to publication and beyond. A real eye opener.
You are so right. Creating revising and publishing a novel is full of joy and tears all at the same time. Congrats and I can’t wait to read it!
Please do read it, Mandi I hope you’ll love it. Thanks for coming by!
xo,
–Ann
Congrats on the book Ann. It is a wonderful story and I hope you sell many copies!
Thanks, BJ!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
xo,
–Ann
Great Blog Ann. Enjoyed reading. You sound accepting of the work required to market your book. Initially I felt a lot of frustration with mine because I was unfamiliar with social media, although I found I enjoyed guest blogging. I imagine we were all surprised by this phase of a writer’s life. No matter. It’s still wonderful to have a novel brought to completion. Good luck and Congratulations.
Emma Lane
Emma, If you can’t beat them, join them, right? I knew novel publishing was a long-shot,but it happened. Miracle! Social networking? Piece of cake (see what Sharon did to me!).
My postal worker asked me if I was going on a a book tour, when I tried to explain blog tours, she was stumped; bless her heart. She doesn’t own an e-reader, so blogging was way out of her comfort zone. I can’t wait until I get the Bauble into print, so she can read a copy!
Thanks for your kindness, Emma.
xo
–Ann
Great blog Ann! It’s really an eye opener to find out how much work has to be done AFTER the book is sold. I always say selling your book is not crossing the finishing line, it’s the starting gate. Congratulations on your sales!
Starting gate is a great metaphor! You are 100% correct. Thanks for the visit, Helen.xo,
–Ann
You said it sister!!
Great post.
-Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl!!
xo,
–Ann
Ann, I love TBB cover. It looks so naughty! I wish you much success with the new career. It will be a wonderful journey.
Thank you, Suzanne. The book’s a little naughty, too!
xo,
–Ann
Oh, Ann, you have said it ALL. When you wrote:
“Inspiration is but one piece of the novel writing and publishing process, and while I don’t mean to scare prospective writers, I do want to share that drafting the book is only the first precarious step—and it is far from the last.”
No one could have said it more succinctly. I absolutely LOVE writing, but have found promotion harder and more mind boggling and difficult to keep track of. I’m writing notes all over the place to keep my head wrapped around everything I’m supposed to remember to do.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog. And good luck in your writing and marketing.
Patti
Thanks, Patti. We’re getting there, right? It’s been a fun day!
xo,
–Ann
this is all so true – the writing is beginning to seem like the easy part – only we all know it’s not easy! But the marketing – that is a full-time job. And it requires fast fingers, lightning response time, and an ability to figure out who might be interested (in one’s work), who is interested but too lazy to buy, and who will buy it, read it, and talk about it! I had no idea there was such a sophisticated network out there of reviewers, bloggers, websites, Facebook pages, etc. This whole thing has been such a learning experience. CONGRATULATIONS btw!
Deb, It sounds like you’ve got a good grip on what it takes. May we all have great success as we navigate this terrific journey. Thanks for your comment!
xo,
–Ann
I always say writing is the easy part. I spend a few hours every day trying to see what else I can do to “pimp” my book without shoving it in the same faces. Musa is a great group to help get things out there! Congrats!
I would love to reach new and wider audiences, but how to find them? Researching that topic next, June. Thanks for that jewel, and thanks for stopping in!
xo,
–Ann
Ann,
Congratulations on your new book, and kudos on all the work you’ve done since writing it. It’s a never-ending battle to get the word out to the readers, and I think you’re attacking that objective in a very commendable manner. Keep up the good work and never give up.
Thanks for the encouragement, Cornell. I wish you all the best, too. May we all find 2012 a productive and fulfilling year.
xo,
–Ann
Congratulations Ann,
I also first published in September last year, then my second book came out in December, and I’ve experienced the same as you. I end up writing about a half hour a day, and promoting on and off the rest of the day.
I agree with the birthing metaphor and wrote an entire blog about it on GoodReads. I am really interested in the next step with public appearances and signings and hope you will have the time to share that with us when the time comes.
Good luck with it all!
JH Glaze
JH,
IF I get to the point where I sign and do public appearances, I’ll be sure to contact Amaleen for another blog spot.
I am quite shy and don’t like to read my work aloud. I’ve been asked (once) since publishing Bauble, and I have deferred. I know it is the natural next step, but I dread it. Thanks for the well wishes, and I hope the same for you.
xo,
–Ann
Good job, Ann. Keep it up. Writing is only half the story.
You’re so right, Susan. Thanks for visiting!
xo,
–Ann
Great blog, Ann. I’m about 20K words from finishing my first novel and had no idea there was so much more beyond the writing process. What a wake-up call. I’m new to social media, too, and hope to navigate those waters as well as you. Congratulations on your successes.
Good luck, Carol. I’m glad to have shown you a little bit about what you’re in for! Thanks for stopping by.
xo,
–Ann
Ann, thank you so much appearing on my blog. Your post has really struck a chord with readers. You’re welcome to come back any time! And I wish you huge success with your writing career.
I’m just beginning to glimpse the whole other world out there to do with writing. Twenty months ago I was sitting at a laptop typing away (without paragraphs I might add) and now the whole thing seems so very different.
*goes off to ponder the meaning of life*