So what’s been happening since I signed my first book contract back in March?
My deadline is June 15th, and I’m reading the manuscript over one more time, out loud, before I send it in.
A week ago I received and answered a 12 page Author and Book Questionnaire, which asked questions about (bet you guessed) me and my book, The Quiet in the Land aka Willa.
Some of these questions were challenging. Some were challenging and fun, such as:
What ideas do you have for the cover design or image and the interior design of your book?
What are some key words that cover the topics/themes in your book?
For your forthcoming book, what title ideas do you have? Please supply at least three variations and/or approaches.
After the questionnaire came my first phone conversation with my editor. I wish I had better recall for things told to me over the phone. I tend to forget 75% of what I hear. It’s partly why I choose email over phone communication whenever possible. But sometimes email is just too clunky and a real live conversation needs to take place. This one went well, I think. Edited to add: I took notes!
As of yesterday, I’ve had my first official photo shoot (official in that WaterBrook requested I have it done). Waiting on those photos now and hoping there are several good ones from the bunch to send to the publishing house.
My photographer happens to be a friend as well. Her name is Julie. We used the grounds of our church, Applegate Christian Fellowship, for the setting. We’re blessed to attend church in a truly lovely setting in the mountains of Oregon. Here’s a shot of the valley in the autumn.
I’m not sure what the photos will be used for. The back of the book? A website? Marketing and publicity? Maybe all of the above! I look forward to finding out.
That, and many other things. But the ball is rolling now.
Oh, Lovely Pic! Lori, you're adorable. I loved the other pics of the valley and the church, too. I'm excited for you for all the good that's coming your way. ; )
Zan Marie,
A good photographer can do wonders! I was amazed how Julie worked with the light and this reflector thingie she had, and taking such care in setting up the shots and angles and making sure I wasn't giving myself a double chin or anything. 🙂
The photos look great! Can't wait to see your finished book!
Thanks Lara. WaterBrook does some very nice covers, so I'm excited about that part of the process.
How exciting! It's always fun to get a sneak peek into the writer's life. Your pictures look great. 🙂
I was hoping other writers would find it interesting to know all the little steps in this debut novel process. So much of it is unexpected to me, so my thought is to share a post now and then about what's been happening. After my conversation I know a little better about what to expect in the coming few months. I like knowing these things. I need lots of mental gear shifting time! 🙂
This is so exciting!
Congratulations!
Thanks Becky!
Lori-
I missed the announcement about your book contract with WaterBrook Press. Huge congratulations! I am so happy for you! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your book!
Thanks Joanne! I'm looking forward to reading your debut with WaterBrook too. Looks like my kind of setting. 🙂