OFFICIAL BOOK RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT!
Throughout my life, Friday the 13th has *always* proven to be an excellent and lucky day. Today has been no exception and I'm just NOW calming down to sit and write this entry out. I've been floaty-headed since 1:59 p.m. when I received a note from Jane Friedman, the executive editor at Writer's Digest Books. It appears she finally got around to reading the Sun Signs for Writers manuscript and if the reaction is any indication, they like it...they really like it! (I sound like Sally Field, I know!) *HUGE sigh of relief* I've been on pins/needles since the end of August when I turned it in. All sorts of worrisome thoughts have tortured my mind, such as "What if they don't like it?" or "What if they think it sucks and they change their minds?" Today put those fears to rest in a big way.
Now for the big news. *takes in another deep breath* First of all, publishers don't usually invest in much publicity for books by first-time authors...those things are reserved for authors who are more recognizable and who are known as consistent at having good sell-throughs for books. But first-time authors and first-time books...eh...it's a crap shoot. Keep that in mind as you read what Jane told me in her note today...because I'm OVER THE MOON at the news!
Second of all -- and this is what shot me straight over the moon -- Jane said:
"We're interested in seeing you come to BEA (BookExpo America) and do readings at the F+W
booth to promote Sun Signs."
My reaction...OH MY GOSH...they are going to send me to Washington, D.C. (found out it's being held there in 2006 instead of NYC) to BookExpo America, which is a HUGE deal -- to do readings for the book in their publisher's booth! HOLY SHIT...JUST...HOLY SHIT! BookExpo America, for those who aren't familiar, is billed as THE premier event for the U.S. publishing industry!
Once I caught my breath, I read the rest of her note. They want me to do an astrological chart for the "birth" of Sun Signs for Writers. The book's a Leo, by the way. Ironic considering all the needling I've given Leos in my life -- but it DOES fit! The chart will become part of the promotional materials for the book.
Finally, the publisher wants me to make contact with well known authors/figures/celebrities and ask for blurbs for the book. *bounces* And yes, I've already mentioned the book to Neil Gaiman and he wants a copy, so guess who's FIRST on the list?! Hell yes...Neil Gaiman! I'm going to TRY to get a blurb from Stephen King (my idol!), but that probably has a snowball's chance in hell. Still, I'm going to TRY! Maybe Wil Wheaton? He's a Leo -- that would be cool!
After reading Jane's note, I was excited/overcome/freaking out and I called at work and told him the news. By the time I began talking to him over the phone, I was weeping with joy. Anyone who is a writer and author will understand how this is my first "baby" -- first book of my own -- and how overwhelming the process can be. The birthing of this book was horrendous, not because of the writing of it, but because of extraneous events and people who tried to make my life a personal hell while I struggled to concentrate on the manuscript. It's difficult to do anything -- much less write a book -- when your emotions are all over the place and you're fighting personal battles (and using up precious energy) at the same time.
So now I'm sitting here, pinching myself. It's really happening. In mere months from now, I'll open up Writer's Digest Magazine's display of the new fall line-up of books and there my "baby" will be in their catalog. I'll be able to go into countless bookstores -- here and overseas -- and see my "baby" on the shelves. This is something I've dreamed about since I was a little girl of seven years old! And now, as the proverbial cherry on top of the dessert, my publisher is sending me to the nation's capital and BookExpo America so I can read from my "baby" at their booth.
Somebody pinch me and wake me up *right now*...because I cannot believe all of this isn't a dream. The thing is, although I wrote this book alone, it would have NEVER come about if not for the unwavering and gracious support/encouragement of my family and friends. That means all of YOU here online, too. I love you guys so very much...you helped me realize this dream by keeping my spirits up and telling me that yes, I *could* do this and not be afraid. Pat yourselves on the backs...you're a freakin' AWESOME group of friends!
Full moon ritual tonight, so I must go make ready. If I can get my feet to actually *touch* the ground, that is!
Now for the big news. *takes in another deep breath* First of all, publishers don't usually invest in much publicity for books by first-time authors...those things are reserved for authors who are more recognizable and who are known as consistent at having good sell-throughs for books. But first-time authors and first-time books...eh...it's a crap shoot. Keep that in mind as you read what Jane told me in her note today...because I'm OVER THE MOON at the news!
First of all, the official release date for Sun Signs for Writers will be August 9, 2006! *does happy dance*
Second of all -- and this is what shot me straight over the moon -- Jane said:
"We're interested in seeing you come to BEA (BookExpo America) and do readings at the F+W
booth to promote Sun Signs."
My reaction...OH MY GOSH...they are going to send me to Washington, D.C. (found out it's being held there in 2006 instead of NYC) to BookExpo America, which is a HUGE deal -- to do readings for the book in their publisher's booth! HOLY SHIT...JUST...HOLY SHIT! BookExpo America, for those who aren't familiar, is billed as THE premier event for the U.S. publishing industry!
Once I caught my breath, I read the rest of her note. They want me to do an astrological chart for the "birth" of Sun Signs for Writers. The book's a Leo, by the way. Ironic considering all the needling I've given Leos in my life -- but it DOES fit! The chart will become part of the promotional materials for the book.
Finally, the publisher wants me to make contact with well known authors/figures/celebrities and ask for blurbs for the book. *bounces* And yes, I've already mentioned the book to Neil Gaiman and he wants a copy, so guess who's FIRST on the list?! Hell yes...Neil Gaiman! I'm going to TRY to get a blurb from Stephen King (my idol!), but that probably has a snowball's chance in hell. Still, I'm going to TRY! Maybe Wil Wheaton? He's a Leo -- that would be cool!
After reading Jane's note, I was excited/overcome/freaking out and I called
So now I'm sitting here, pinching myself. It's really happening. In mere months from now, I'll open up Writer's Digest Magazine's display of the new fall line-up of books and there my "baby" will be in their catalog. I'll be able to go into countless bookstores -- here and overseas -- and see my "baby" on the shelves. This is something I've dreamed about since I was a little girl of seven years old! And now, as the proverbial cherry on top of the dessert, my publisher is sending me to the nation's capital and BookExpo America so I can read from my "baby" at their booth.
Somebody pinch me and wake me up *right now*...because I cannot believe all of this isn't a dream. The thing is, although I wrote this book alone, it would have NEVER come about if not for the unwavering and gracious support/encouragement of my family and friends. That means all of YOU here online, too. I love you guys so very much...you helped me realize this dream by keeping my spirits up and telling me that yes, I *could* do this and not be afraid. Pat yourselves on the backs...you're a freakin' AWESOME group of friends!
Full moon ritual tonight, so I must go make ready. If I can get my feet to actually *touch* the ground, that is!
posted by Bev Walton~Porter | 3:58 AM
