My next book, Rocky Road, releases on Valentine’s Day!
As I think back over the process of writing this novel, I’m especially grateful to the talented people who helped me bring this book to the cusp of publication. They are….
Charlene was one of the editors I had the pleasure of working with at Bethany House Publishers. She went freelance many years ago. Because I had a history with her and lots of respect for her skill and experience, I knew I wanted to hire her as my editor when I, too, “went freelance” with my writing. She was the first person to read Rocky Road and she provided lots of revision suggestions. As always, her feedback was excellent. After revising the manuscript, I sent it back to her and she performed a combined line edit and copy edit.
My very good friend and fellow author Courtney Walsh is talented at many things, cover design among them. I adore her. Plus, I trust her eye and her artistic style, so I partnered with her on my Sons of Scandal covers. After I hired an illustrator to draw the couples on the front of each book, Courtney took it from there. I’m thrilled with how the covers have turned out!
Sophia Walsh is an avid reader who received her degree in English. I was very fortunate to have her in my corner this time as Rocky Road’s proofreader extraordinaire.
Reba Buhr is an actress, host, and voice-over artist who can be heard in video games, commercials, animated series, and over 250 audiobooks. She does an outstanding job narrating the female point of view scenes in Rocky Road‘s audiobook.
Ryan Hudson narrated the male point of view scenes in Memory Lane. I couldn’t have been happier with his work on that audiobook and was delighted when he returned to narrate Rocky Road. Note: this is a stock photo I grabbed to represent Ryan. This isn’t actually Ryan. He doesn’t release photos of himself. Which adds an enticing air of mystery, does it not? I’m feeling inspired to write a book about a heroine who doesn’t know that her favorite male narrator (the one whose audiobooks she listens to as soon as they become available) is actually living in her building. But I digress….
I added a new beta reader this time out–Kay Whitton. If I had a picture of Kay, I’d share that here, too! I’m thankful to all of these women who generously read Rocky Road at its final stage to hunt for any lingering typos and mistakes.
I LOVED collaborating with all of the people I’ve mentioned above. They each brought their skills to the table and Rocky Road is so much better for it.
It takes a village!
Becky Wade
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I love that you highlighted this amazing cast of experts (!) to help/guide/ encourage and support you in your excellent writing adventures!!
It’s fun to celebrate them and the amazing help they provided!
I’ve always said there should be way more names on a book cover than just mine! Your post only proves that, Becky! And I LOVE your faithful team!
They’re all awesome!
So fun! And I love seeing Charlene’s face again after all these years. I love her. 🙂
Congratulations to all!
Congrats on the upcoming release, Becky! You have a fabulous team. I’ve worked with Charlene, too, and I know how keen her literary instincts are. Oh – and you should totally run with that mystery narrator in the same building idea. Love that!