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Josies bloody brilliant news
In case anyone reading this hasnt already heard, yesterday I travelled to London to meet with my publisher (of short stories in their collection) to discuss my novel (which I gave them last March a different one to the one I submitted for abna). I was trying not to get overexcited about it because nothing is ever certain in this world. But the fact that I was invited to London to discuss and not just sent an email or letter suggests that its positive. Meanwhile I organised it so that my trip coincided with a book event that evening so I could meet some of the other authors. I had planned to infiltrate the audience and behave like an adoring fan. However, at the last minute I was asked to be one of the panel to talk about how to promote yourself as an author (wouldnt you just know theyd ask me to do that?).
So in the afternoon I discussed my novel over beer and nachos, sputtering at the appropriate moments and managing to remember to ask the questions I wanted to and even remember to write the answers down. (Though in retrospect I probably should have written them before I started drinking, lol). Then I had a tour around the publishers office and met an agent who was coming to the book event that evening, and started to feel like a celebrity. Because, you see .
They want my book and they're going to publish it! Erk! In July! Omigod!!! I've got a month to edit it and they're already doing a marketing plan. It feels like after years of the desert I'm suddenly flooded and just can't get my head round it. Im in a complete state today. That and the fact that I didn't get home till 1.20 this morning and then couldn't sleep.
Thanks everyone for the feedback and congrats. I did everything I was supposed to. We discussed the contract (Ive already signed with them for short stories, so wanted to know whether there was a difference). There will be an option clause, but theres an easy get-out as well for both parties, and he suggested I go to the Society of Authors as I dont have an agent. I made sure they know Im good to work with, have already proved Im not precious but reiterated this and agreed to make all the changes I want to it myself but let them edit it afterwards (actually thats a weight off my mind!). Then during the evening I was flogging the books by the other authors so I think they know that Im good for business!
PS in case I haven't already said, the publisher is Legend Press www.legendpress.co.uk
So in the afternoon I discussed my novel over beer and nachos, sputtering at the appropriate moments and managing to remember to ask the questions I wanted to and even remember to write the answers down. (Though in retrospect I probably should have written them before I started drinking, lol). Then I had a tour around the publishers office and met an agent who was coming to the book event that evening, and started to feel like a celebrity. Because, you see .
They want my book and they're going to publish it! Erk! In July! Omigod!!! I've got a month to edit it and they're already doing a marketing plan. It feels like after years of the desert I'm suddenly flooded and just can't get my head round it. Im in a complete state today. That and the fact that I didn't get home till 1.20 this morning and then couldn't sleep.
Thanks everyone for the feedback and congrats. I did everything I was supposed to. We discussed the contract (Ive already signed with them for short stories, so wanted to know whether there was a difference). There will be an option clause, but theres an easy get-out as well for both parties, and he suggested I go to the Society of Authors as I dont have an agent. I made sure they know Im good to work with, have already proved Im not precious but reiterated this and agreed to make all the changes I want to it myself but let them edit it afterwards (actually thats a weight off my mind!). Then during the evening I was flogging the books by the other authors so I think they know that Im good for business!
PS in case I haven't already said, the publisher is Legend Press www.legendpress.co.uk
Comments
James
Congratulations.
Look forward to reading it.
There's a bit in December's Writers' News about their managing director, Tom Chalmers, who made the shortlist for the UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Cecilia
Richard
Let us know when it's published and I'll show my support by buying a copy!
TBer in the woodwork eh IK? Has it occurred to you that some may have strayed into your attic? :-P
All the very best.
;-)
Do they 'mess around' with it? Do they let you choose your own? or is in the sticky fingers of the dreaded marketing division?
(no dis' intended to any talkbackers involved in marketing...)
Well done you. Enjoy every moment. I am thrilled for you.
Well done you - I raise my glass to you (not a virtual one - nothing but the real thing will do!)