Pam, that is fabulous!! I don't know how even a multi-published author could take finally seeing the product for granted! Yay!

Donna

Go Pam!!

The timing is perfect. It will be out in time for summer reads and can be a best seller in time for Christmas gifts!!

Good for you!!

smile

Pam, as in June 2004? Congratulations.

At this stage of the game what are your responsibilities?

Also, you mention the public speaking part. When you're talking about your own book the passion will kick in and you'll do fine.

I had some comforting thoughts before talking about my project on kive televison bout my project.

It's my project, so what can they ask me that I won't know. If I was working for someone else, other people may know some of the answers and I may not have been involved with certain aspects. But if it's all yours then no one else can talk about it better than you!

I also pray for peace, calm, clear mind, and God's words when speaking.

You'll be amazed at how well you do. I'm willing to bet on it.

Hi Pamela, isn't the journey of publishing exciting? Everything about it is one big discovery.

I'm so glad you survived the agent black hole. Sounds like you learned some wonderful valuable lessons.

Having your book come out in June is great, as it can be marketed toward the summer readers. People with vacations and those who wait until summer to catch up on their reading would love a new mystery!

Does your publisher have a marketing plan or (as most small publishers) is that left up to you? If so, do you have a marketing plan?

Thanks for the encouragement and support ladies!

Dotsie - I have printed out your "Dotsie's Hints for Public Speaking" ( ) because they are BOTH important to remember.

Vicki - yes indeed this is a great journey...as for your question on marketing - because this is a small publisher I will indeed be doing a lion's share of that myself. They represent their clients at book fairs around the country BUT local and area stuff is up to me. My publisher will send a rep to a book-signing/reading so I'll have someone "holding my hand" (haha) once in a while.

If you have any suggestions, I'd be really grateful to hear them.....I've already contacted Barnes & Noble and plan to hit the local bookstores to shake hands, pass out business cards....!!

Thanks again everyone for the comments and congrats...one of the nicest things about Dotsie's site here is the genuine SHARING and CARING.

Pam

Pamela, the first piece of advice I can give you is find out how many advanced reading copies you can get from the publisher. Then start compiling a list of authors and reviewers you'd like to read the book and give you a review. For authors, send them a short note ahead of time giving them a brief paragraph or 2 about the book and asking them if they'd like to read it and provide a review. (by the way, if you queried me with a request, I'd love to read it and give you a review. )

For reviewers, everyone has different submission policies, so follow them carefully. Some want the book 4 months before publication, some want it with a whole package of info, so be prepared.

You can find some great reviewers at http://freereads.topcities.com/bookreview.html

As for advanced marketing, here is a great link for what to do up to a year before your book comes out.
http://members.aol.com/spilledcandybks/checklist.html

Here's a list of more marketing links
http://members.aol.com/spilledcandybks/library.html

I hope they help.

WOW! Thanks for all the GREAT information and links Vicki....I have sent off an email to find out how many ARCs I will get - I think though that all I have to do is just let my publisher know of people I'd like them sent to and they will handle it. In which case thanks for your offer to review my book....you are sweet to say you would.

I visited your website, by the way - enjoyed it! If you think of anything else you may have experienced that would be useful to a novice like me I'd be happy to hear more.....

Thankfully I have some time to prepare for this experience....like a complete makeover, new wardrobe, etc. (haha..just kidding)

Pam

you're welcome.

See if your publisher can also announce your book on "Publisher's Lunch" http://www.caderbooks.com/

I got some great responses about NOT WITHOUT ANNA from film makers. NWA is being reviewed by 2 studios.

Glad you liked my website.

Oh, don't forget to get a professional headshot. This is for your press kit, book cover, publisher's website, etc.

If you can, have your makeup done professionally for the photo, then make sure you own the rights to the photo so you can use it whenever you need to.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Thanks yet again Vicki. I subscribed to Cader's "Lunch" newsletter for a while when I was looking for an agent...you know - just to see WHO was having successes! It's a great website but I hadn't thought of asking him to mention the book when it's published. I will now though!

I do appreciate the tips. It's all NEW to me but everyone has been so helpful. Some of my fellow members of "Sisters In Crime" have helped too. Writers are a nice group of people - don't you think?????

Pam

I think writers are a great bunch of people!!



Of course, I'm not biased at all.