Blog Series- Press Send Part 3

Once again we are back to talk about e-publsihing. I want to Thank you for joining me for week three of my five week blog series.

Last time we left off at getting contracts on four books-

By the time I contracted my first four books I was proud and very happy to find a home with Total-E-Bound. Now a year later that has not changed. Throughout the last year I have heard several publishers who their authors are not happy with. It looks like I found a home right where I needed to be.

At the time I started to get a little more knowledge about being published a lot was going on in my life. Abby was starting school, Hubby was past second back surgery and still not recovering, and I started a new job. (The job that I currently hold.) Now I am lucky on the job front. I have a good job, I enjoy working in the accounting department, like the people I work with. It is an 8-5 job were I am busy all day (more than busy actually.)

So now that I am happy at work and hubby is home to take care of my little one we get into a routine.

Now I prefer to write at night. Friday and Saturday nights are the best work I get done. I follow a basic rule. Write. Everyday, write.

A lot of aspiring authors have said they don't have time to write. Well I say make time. It's about what you want.

I still have a full time job and a full time family. Sometimes I have to give up going out to dinner or the movies. But everytime I get done with a manuscript it feels wonderful... and that is worth it.

Hubby and I also have a system. My computer is right next to him with he TV between us. So I can write on a Friday night during the night and into the early morning and he is there with me. I've learned to ignore the TV and three dogs and it works for us.

I also get my daughter involved. Everytime your name goes into a hat- Abby picks the winner. Names of contest? Yep, there she is again. It will be a long long time before she would be able to read any of my books, if ever, so I get her involved in other ways.

She wanted the dogs involved so in Magical Menage I put in my two black labs Taz and Belle. She wanted her name used. So in the fourth book in the were chronicles- there is an Abigail.
Now onto contracts. All contracts should be easy to read and understand.

Tip # 4-

As you get your first contracts Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Now is the time. Your new to publishing and your editor and publisher knows this. They will be more patient (or they should be) take advantage and get your questions answered. If I'd never inquired about Seduced by the Neighbour it might have never been published.

Edits-

Take your time. Listen to what your editor says. You don't always have to change to what they are suggesting but listen. It might make your work even better.

I'm happy to report that now with eleven publsihed works I have gotten soooooooo much better. I have less edits each time. This is a goal for me. To improve with each manuscript. As I strive to make each book better than the last this isn't always easy. Luckily I have a wonderful editor who gives me all the time I need.

Tip #5- Connect with your editor.

My editor is on yahoo messanger with me. We are able to message back and forth and discuss what is going on with my books. Having the support she offers means everything to me.
Research- a lot goes into getting publsihed. It is important to know what you want. If you want a fictional world create one that others will love. If you are being more realistic- prove it. Write what you know. Read and research what you don't.

Part of my royalties each month go to research. Yes, that's my excise to spend money on books. And hubby lets me! Lol!

What do you like to read? Why? Remember the people that are reading the books you are will probably read yours. You can pick up a lot from a book. Esp a book from the publishing company you want to be published with.

Look at the genres they publish. Will your book fit in. Are they trying for a new direction? You don't want to get stuck with someone who will be moving to only wrotic books if you write sweet romance. Pay attention to the updates on there sites.

Next week we will dive into the world of reviews and promotion. And I have a lot to say about both! So I hope you will come back for the last two weeks. And march's Guest Authors will be here soon. Don't forget each comment posted to the blog series will be entered into a contest for a free book!

Thanks for stopping by!

Crissy Smith