Writing Wednesday
On Wednesday’s I like to share information I picked up on my path to publishing, marketing and preparing to publish again. Information that I wish someone would have shared with me, back then.
My Publishing Story
When I finished my first book Bristol boyz Stomp, there was no doubt in my mind that I would land myself a big deal agent and get an amazing book deal, immediately. I was already a professional writer.
At eleven-years-old I would stay up all night, drinking hot tea that I made from hot tap water. I would take the tea into my closet with a flashlight, a book, a notebook and a pen. The Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew were my favorites. I would read a book and then would write an alternate ending, sometimes rewriting the entire book.
I also collect magazines. I would find interesting looking people in the magazines, cut them out and then I would create ‘lives and then stories’ for them. What a little weirdo I was…
I crack myself up now when I think about the time I read a story about Glen Campbell and Tanya Tucker and it seemed they were not in a good place so I cut them out of the magazine and created a better life and wrote a happy ending for the two of them.
For many years I told other peoples stories and I loved my job. I started quite a few historical romance novels, a cook book, several YA novels, a parenting book and two children’s books. These manuscripts are all still with me, collecting dust, maybe even growing potatoes. Someday…
In 1999 my youngest brother, musician David Albert was brutally beaten to death in a random road rage attack while on his way home from band practice. I dealt with the trauma the way I dealt with everything for my entire life, I wrote about it.
That journal was used to write the book that I rewrote, edited, rewrote and edited again and finally it was ready for publication, or so I thought.
I searched and researched agents, their agencies and their client lists. I made a spread sheet of my top twenty favorites, in order. I prepared a proposal, a query letter, a synopsis and a cover letter.
I decided to send out five-queries a week. Once I received fifteen rejection letters, I decided to have my manuscript critiqued and professionally edited. The first thing the editor said was the agents were most likely not reading my manuscript because it wasn’t formatted correctly. I fixed that, tweaked my synopsis, proposal and cover letters too. Re-energized I created another top twenty list and started hitting send.
There were requests here and there for several chapters, full reads and a few phone calls. The first yes I received was from Tate Publishing. I saw some negative comments about them online so I let that yes go, even though I really liked the woman I spoke with and she seemed to sincerely believe in my book and me as a writer.
The big agent finally called, mailed me a contract and before I knew what was happening an editor was calling from a top five-publishing house. After speaking with him I had a question for my agent. I called and left a message. After three days I called her again. I didn’t like her. I decided it was a professional relationship and it would be okay. When I spoke with the editor again he asked me, “Do you really think this book will sell nationally or will it be more regional?” I don’t know what it was about that statement, or maybe it was his arrogant attitude but I realized I was not with people that were for me and my book. I let them both go and cried for days.
All in all I had collected ninety-nine rejection letters.
I had spoken with dozens of people through this process and the one I was comfortable with, the one that actually read my book was, Janey from Tate. I did some research on the company and its authors. I found a Facebook group of Tate Authors and reached out to many of them. The feedback was all good.
I received a contract. I had it reviewed by a literary attorney and he said it was a good contract and he was thrilled because it allowed me to maintain all rights to my work.
My husband and I flew out to Oklahoma to meet the Tate Publishing staff and to see their facilities. It was quite impressive.
The production and publication process took months but it was all exciting. I cannot describe the feeling of holding my first book in my hands and the firsts for the book and me as a writer that came after.
There have been a few bumps in the road along the way but Tate has handled every one professionally. I am so happy I listened to that little voice that told me to go with them.
Do you have a publishing story? A publishing dream?
Doreen
28 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/ My Publishing Story…”
What a great story of your publishing travails Doreen. I’m so sorry about your brother, but it sounds like writing has been so helpful for you throughout your life. My book was an idea I had with my friend who was a prominent dermatologist. We partnered to write it (I did the writing, he was the doc) and I secured an agent that I met at a party. Adams Media was our publisher. We had a good contract for the day (2000) but I hear that Adams mainly does work for hires these days, so I probably wouldn’t chose them again. Our book is still in print by the way, on it’s 10th printing I believe.
10th printing wow! Bristol boyz Stomp is on it’s third, I hope it makes 10 too!
What a great saying and message this week. I too would read all night as a child. I still have my bookshelves full of those old books. I love what you’re doing and need to set my own goals. Thanks
Thank you I love that quote too!
Thank you for sharing your publishing journey. Nearly 100 rejection letters. Wow. I am glad that you persisted. I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I am glad that you are getting the message out about the dangers of road rage. All my best to you this holiday season.
Thank you so much Karen and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Your persistent journey paid off and that’s inspirational. So sorry for your loss, Doreen. Blessings.
Thank you, Carol so much. David visits me often:)
So funny because I was just telling someone last night that I still have many of my old Bobbsey Twins books and can’t bear to get rid of them! Thanks for sharing your story here — it’s fascinating, and I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother.
That is so awesome that you still have those books. I lost mine in a New Years Eve fire when I was 14. We lost everything except our lives which was a miracle. I am thinking of buying the books on e-bay for one of my granddaughters.
I love your story and hope to share mine with you some day…hopefully soon. Actually you are part of my publishing story because every Wednesday I am here, on your blog, in awe as your advice and your spirit jump off the screen and inspire me to keep going. I am so grateful to you for that!
Awww thank you and I look forward to reading your story!
I do have a publishing dream….I just haven’t gotten there yet. It is on my mind. Your story gives me hope!
Oh you must make your dream come true. It’s easy sit down and write:)
I love your posts about writing. It is so fascinating to me. When I get to the point where I start sending out my manuscript and get rejected, I will think of you and your 99 rejection letters. You are an inspiration and your story will motivate me to keep trying.
If I knew then what I know now those 99 rejections would not have happened. That’s why I love sharing these tips!
Doreen, as you know I too used Tate as my publisher and I too took my contract to a literary lawyer (who was also my writing coach) and he said it was not just a good deal, but a very good deal.
And here we are both getting ready to be authors a second time, just amazing!
I too have a book in the ‘hopper’ that I hope to have published. You always give me hope. Your journey has been a fascinating one. Thanks for sharing.
Good luck with your book!
I love that you are so generous with what you’ve learned. But I have to say, I love that you wrote a happier life for Glen and Tonya!
That still makes me smile. So sad about Glen now.
I have so many rejections, I could wallpaper a few rooms in my house! Some have hurt worse than others. But I’ve learned, as you have, to follow what’s in my heart.
Oh no! Yes we have to go with what feels right!
Loved the image of you hiding away drinking lukewarm tea and rewriting stories.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
My post today is about my first publishing journey (book for Kyle, not for sale), and it naturally made me think of you, Doreen. I have a new respect for authors everywhere; it was a LOT of work!! Glad I landed on this post today; it was interesting, and I could relate to the childhood writing habits. I have a memory of my sixth grade teacher inviting me to read a story I had written to the entire class; it was very validating to me as a young writer. Neat.
Merry belated Christmas!! I hope you had a wonderful time:)
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!!