I sent the manuscript for my next book to my publisher one week ago. What a feeling! The I-survived-my-deadline moment is one of my favorite writer moments of the year.
Upon learning that I’d submitted my book, some of my readers asked me when it would release. It seems like a book should become available a few months after an author sends it in, doesn’t it? It actually takes far longer than that. Here’s the inside scoop on the ‘Life Cycle of a Novel’ from first inspiration straight through to that wonderful day when the book hits bookstore shelves…
Inspiration
The writer hits upon an idea for her book. She may or may not be sitting on a hillside overlooking a hazy city when inspiration strikes.
Character Work and Plotting
Writer fleshes out her ideas by asking herself questions like, “What happened in her past?” “What is his goal?” and “What can happen next?”
Synopsis
A synopsis is a summary of a novel. They’re CHALLENGING to write, but they’re also a necessary selling tool. Before a publisher buys a writer’s book, the publisher is going to want to know what the book is about.
Contract
If a writer is seeking her first book contract, she’ll write the entire novel prior to signing the contract. After her first sale, she may be able to sell future novels based on a synopsis. She may sign a one-book contract or a multi-book contract. Her deadlines and terms are set at this time.
Writing of the Rough Draft and Subsequent Drafts
Yep.
Submission of the manuscript – 1 Year Prior to Release
Hallelujah!
Title and Cover Brainstorming
One of the emails exchanged while my editor and I were brainstorming title ideas for Her One and Only.
Revisions – 9 Months Prior to Release
By this time, the writer’s editor or editors have read the novel and requested changes.
Cover Completion and Sales Conference – 7 Months Prior to Release
This is the sales catalog that Her One and Only was included in. Book retailers like LifeWay and Barnes & Noble use this catalog when deciding which titles to stock in their stores.
This is Her One and Only’s catalog page. The cover image is completed in time for inclusion in the catalog.
Several Rounds of Edits
Some of the rounds are accomplished by line editors and copy editors employed by the publisher. Other rounds are accomplished by the author. Here’s what my final “galley” for Her One and Only looked like. It was already type set and the pages very much resembled the finished book.
Printing – 1.5 Months Prior to Release
Release Day!
As you can see, the publication of a novel is an intricate and time-consuming process! It’s also a labor of love for publishers and authors alike.
Were you surprised by any of the above phases of publishing?
Before I go, I wanted to let you know that the e-book of my debut Christian fiction romance, My Stubborn Heart, is on sale at all online book stores until July 15th. It’s priced at just $1.99. Great deal!
Becky Wade
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LOL, Becky! I am in the hands-over-the-face, rather desperate mode, times 2. Trying to get my thoughts on paper for a new book that so far has very little inspiration happening and awaiting the revision letter on recently finished book that will need lots of additional words. Ack!!!
Ack! We all know that hands-over-the-face feeling well, don’t we?
Fun pictures of your process! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer!
I love your illustrations, Becky! It’s amazing how quickly I go from the hilltop/ inspiration phase to the despair at the typewriter phase. Right now I’m in the “tie myself to the chair to force myself to write phase.” The beach is beckoning…
I’m grinning, Lynn. Because, yes, it really is amazing how we can swing from hilltop to despair. Also, let me say that I don’t love the “tie myself to the chair” phase. It’s not a favorite. 🙂
Your pictures are hilarious. As always. LOL.
Ha! Thanks, Carrie.
Nice to know that head in hand feeling is not limited to the few, but seems part of the package. Loved this!
I loved this post! It’s fun to hear about the behind-the-scenes workings of publishing a book. At least it’s fun for me–maybe not so much for you! 🙂 And then we readers get the easy and awesome job of reading the finished product!Thanks so much for sharing your time and talents with us!