A Blog Resurrected

Five years ago I started this blog to chronicle my journey to what I hoped would be my first commercially published novel. The idea was the follow the detailed advice of so-called "experts" in the publishing field in how to present my story to the world. 

I did all the things they insisted upon, from producing an impeccable draft with help from a professional editor to assembling a marketing package to entice literary agents in hopes of landing a publisher. 

I did produce an impeccable draft of my book, COME THE HARPIES, which went on to win runner-up in a prestigious literary contest. But all attempts to land an agent and a publishing contract came to naught. If you care to experience my painful journey, I urge you to read prior posts in this blog.

After more than 150 rejections, I self-published HARPIES, as I have with my other books. I then went on to another project, this one called THE INDISPENSABLE LOTTIE HOT. I followed the same marketing process as I had for HARPIES, with similar results. 

And, as I announced in my last post in July, I pretty much gave up on this one as well, despite finishing runner-up last year in Pipeline's Unpublished contest out of 500 entries in the literary category. That achievement didn't change any minds among my rejectors, so I figured that was it for me.

But then...but then...I did one thing differently. Where I previously submitted exclusively to literary agents, I expanded my list to include a select number of smaller publishers that don't require agent representation.

One of the publishers I solicited in April responded last week. And this very morning, I signed my first commercial book contract! It even came with a small advance!

My 35-year quest to become a commercially published author will actually happen! The name of the publisher is Running Wild Press in Los Angeles. You'll be hearing more about them because I'm reviving this blog for those out in the ether who are interested in the steps required to go from a virtual unknown to becoming a professionally published author. 

There's a lot to it. I'll be working with editors and other creatives and much will be required of me from a marketing standpoint. The to-do list is long, including a photo session (which I dread), creating a website and Instagram account (No Twitter/X or Facebook, given my issues with their bosses), addressing legal responsibilities, create business cards, do events and whatever else comes up. All those steps will be covered here on my blog and future website.

I'll keep you posted as I approach publication, which is probably a year or so away. 

I tell you, what a kick in the pants!