For all those interested in the publishing process, here's an approximation of my journey so far:
1) First, there's the book contract with that mind-boggling legalese. If you're lucky, an agent can lead you through the minefield -- otherwise, just close your eyes, take the plunge, and SIGN IT!
2) Someone called a Content Editor will read your cherished baby and tell you it's WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! When negotiating what to rewrite, remember that honey catches more flies than vinegar and be as polite and flexible as you can. Don't burn bridges; you may want to work with these people again.
3) After the content changes are finished, someone called a Line Editor or Copy Editor will take on the job of fixing your grammar, punctuation, spelling, and making sure your novel maintains continuity. When Sammy has blond hair on page 11, but shows up on page 30 as Sami with brown hair, your editor has to catch it. You can end up feeling like a pretty big dummy at this stage.
4) When your line edits are done, the cover artist takes over. They'll read the blurb you prepared with your editors and choose a design they know the publishing house feels is marketable. Some houses let you have input. Most don't.
This is the scary part I'm in now. I think a great cover is super important to sales. I've seen my cover and luckily my publisher, MuseItUp, allows me to have input, so I'm making a few suggestions that the artist is trying out.
This week I'm celebrating that I'm lucky enough to be in the publishing process at all, but let's all cross our fingers and hope my cover will come out okay and appeal to lots of buyers. I have fingers, toes, and everything that's anatomically possible to cross -- crossed!!!
This post is part of VikLit's blog hop, Celebrate the Small Things. To be part of this blog hop, all you have to do is follow the link and put your name on the Mr.Linky list, and then be sure to post every Friday about something you're grateful for that week. It can be about writing or family or school or general life. This is the funnest and easiest blog hop ever!
44 comments:
Great, concise explanation of the publishing process, Lexa! Especially for those of us who know nothing about how it all works. Crossing fingers and toes in the hopes that you get the cover you really want.
You are lucky, but it does sound all so out of your control, so that must be difficult. The cover is the first thing that pulls me toward any interest in a book. I hate those with semi naked men on them. I like the pictures, but I just know I'm going to be bored by page three. :) Best of luck with the rest of the process, especially the cover. If you have input it'll be great. You have great taste! :)
Shah
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That's fantastic how you have some input, especially since that's normally so rare! Definitely keeping my fingers crossed that you end up with an awesome cover. :)
It's difficult when you have so little control. But just make sure you're happy with the cover before you sign it off...
It sounds quite nerve racking - I'm crossing my fingers for your cover : )
I'm an attorney and the contract sounds scary. Would definitely hope for an agent to explain it to me. Can't wait to see your cover!
Labor is always painful when giving birth. However, afterwards the joy of bringing something to life makes it all seem worthwhile. Best of luck, Lexa.
If your publisher is good and they've worked with you, then your cover will rock. Mine has always delivered an awesome cover.
If you decide to do a cover reveal, let us know!
I agree, covers are very important. I was in a book store yesterday, selecting 4 pocket books for autumn reading by the fire - and I noticed just this. Pretty or intriguing pictures, shiny letters, contrasting colors will all make me pick up the book to read the back. Ugly beige colors with boring fonts will make me avert my eyes from the shelf.
That about covers it! I'm at the content editing stage but as soon as I'm done my book goes off to copy editing and we'll see just how bad I am at grammar, lol.
I'm still in the first draft stage, I had no idea authors don't design their own book covers. Congrats on being in the process.
My niece is an attorney so I asked her to check my contract before I signed it, I was so intimidated by that. I bet your cover will be amazing! I will keep my fingers and toes crossed too. :)
Can't wait to see the cover they come up with. You're lucky to get some input on that. :)
I would be so nervous about a cover too! But I'm sure it'll turn out fantastic- can't wait to get to see it!
All these steps are important and stress inducing lol
I agree about the cover, a great one is important. I'm sure yours will be awesome! Can't wait to see it ;)
I worry about my cover all the time, and I don't even have a book deal yet, lol. I really think they are one of the most important things. Very few books overcome a terrible cover, and it's scary to have so little control. I have my fingers crossed for you!
Thanks Lexa for taking us through the steps. Book covers are important as they are the initial attraction for readers.
It's a process alright! Glad you're in it and meeting the challenge!
How exciting to soon have COVER ART!
I love #3...you can end up feeling like a big dummy. So, so true.
And it is so exciting to have cover art.
I'm sure it will be a great cover, looking forward to seeing it when it's finished.
This is something a dread. Eventually I'll get something published and be confronted with a peculiar cover. As a retired illustrator it will be unnerving to have someone else's art on the cover of my book.
Congratulations on being published. I was very lucky as I got to create my own cover. The ones the cover artist was doing a terrible job. Thankfully my publisher agreed and loved my attempt. The firs time you hold your book in your hands is amazing. Saviour it, because it isn't long before you pushing it like crazy, and praying for good reviews :)
Ah, yes. So many steps to produce a great novel. You're almost there. Love following your input. Crossing fingers, toes (and that ain't easy) and everything else for the cover. Having seen MuseItUp covers, I imagine it will be gorgeous and just what you want. Congrats.
Can't wait to see your cover! :)
I'm glad they're letting you have input on your cover! I agree that it really matters to sales. I look forward to seeing it :)
I agree with you Lexa. A great cover is very important. For people like me that reels us in, the read the blurb and thumb through the book.
I'm so so picky about covers. I've seen some that just ruin the book IMO. And it's sad. I just got my cover and it's very exciting! Having a cover reveal blogfest if you'd like to join!
Thanks for sharing the pub process!
I'm so so picky about covers. I've seen some that just ruin the book IMO. And it's sad. I just got my cover and it's very exciting! Having a cover reveal blogfest if you'd like to join!
Thanks for sharing the pub process!
I'm so so picky about covers. I've seen some that just ruin the book IMO. And it's sad. I just got my cover and it's very exciting! Having a cover reveal blogfest if you'd like to join!
Thanks for sharing the pub process!
Human, Lexa,
Ah yes, I'm sure your cover will end up being much better than my ridiculous human's cover.
Oh before I go and on behalf of my ridiculous human...Argggghhhhh!!! Blog Hops! Phew...:)
A peaceful, pawsitive weekend to you.
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)
I'm so excited for you! I'm glad you got to give some input into your cover, and that you're getting closer toward release! I can't wait!
Loved reading about the different steps! So exciting that you get to have some input on your cover. I can imagine the cover is the stressful part because so much of it is out of your control. I hope it looks fabulous!
~Jess
I can't wait to see your cover. :)
its a fun process, isnt it? the waiting kills me! and a killer cover is a must!
so happy for you!
Oh, you're at the nail-biting exciting stage!! Oh wait, all the stages are nail-biting yet exciting. Good luck with getting the cover you love!!!!! I'm looking forward to the grand reveal.
My favorite part is holding the book for the first time. It all becomes real. :)
How nice that Muse It Up allows your input on the cover. It is crucial to getting the book noticed!
This is a pretty insightful post! Thanks for sharing.
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What a great journey you're on. I'm having fun watching it!
I couldn't do it--waiting for a cover from someone who hadn't read my entire book. I mean, don't get me wrong, there are some amazing artists out there, but that's a part of the process I'd have to keep the reins on.
Wow, that's so amazing. I'm still in the agent but no editor phase and it kinda blows, so DEFINITELY celebrate where you are!!
Exciting to be at this stage! All the best!
Lexa, I had no idea you were at such a far stage in the publishing process. I'm really glad for you that you're able to give input, and it sounds like your input is important to those involved. I can't wait to see (and read) the final product.
xoRobyn
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