Good afternoon, everyone!
I hope you're all having a great week so far. I'm happy to share this very exciting Q&A with JCP's owner and publisher, Janie C. Jessee, with you all today.
Janie will also be taking over the podcast this Friday to share more information on all things publishing! She will answer common questions about the publishing process and give honest advice to current or aspiring authors that you won't want to miss.
So, without further ado, please enjoy the following Q&A!
BOOKMARKED: What are some basic tips and pieces of advice authors should know when trying to get their novel published?
JANIE C. JESSEE: Well, before you start, research your publishing options and ask yourself what you want out of the process. That may seem silly at first, but it's important to do this at the very beginning of your journey as an author before you invest too much time, effort, and emotion into the process of putting together a manuscript.
It’s okay to have dreams and goals. It's actually a healthy attitude, but if this is your first ever book you’re looking to promote, there’s only so much you can predict. And you have to expect the unexpected. For instance, what if you don’t sell any books, either through self-publishing or through a publisher? Being a published author is not for the thin-skinned. Having realistic expectations about your book’s success is integral to more than just protecting your ego. Even famous authors’ books have flopped, and some authors never even publish in their lifetimes.
Publishing your book is a tremendous accomplishment; however, just be aware of having realistic expectations.
So, what are some realistic expectations you recommend authors adopt going into the publishing process?
Expect everyone you know to ask you for a free copy. Remember all those friends and colleagues you explained your book to? They’re going to want to read your book, for free. Kindly direct them to where they can purchase a copy. Expect your friends to tell you that they saw your book in a bookstore window, when actually they didn’t really see your book in the bookstore window.
Expect that Barnes & Noble will tell you that they can’t order your book because it is POD (print on demand), and that really is a contradiction – because it can be printed when requested and ordered.
Expect to feel proud of your accomplishment. You’re published! Take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Expect to get to work on how you’re going to market, sell, and manage your book. Expect reviews. And expect not so good reviews!
What is your advice regarding authors wanting to make public appearances to promote their novel?
Well, just know that nobody will train you in public speaking. If you are worried, though, you can take a class at a local college. Nobody will educate you how to do a Zoom meeting either, but there are guides and walkthroughs online.
If you do an event at a bookstore, the bookstore staff will help you. They are awesome! One author wanted to make a grand appearance, so he arrived in a limo and had friends appear as his "entourage" taking pictures. The stage was set that he was an important person, and everyone wanted to buy his book. He had "bodyguards" – friends who appeared as bodyguards – around as he signed books and had pictures taken. He sold books!
What should authors expect from their book publisher?
A reputable publisher should lead each phase of the publication cycle from the initial editorial review and consultation through the coordination of printing and sales. Through the publisher's experience and sound judgment, the author's work is managed, packaged, and marketed with polished expertise.
The publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication!
Publishers expect you to take responsibility for your part of the deal. And that means that, sometimes, if you want illustrations in your book, you have to hire an illustrator and get that taken care of yourself.
What do publishers typically look for when considering a new author or manuscript?
Publishers want authors who use words well, who understand such basics as spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and whose prose is easy to read. Publishers want authors who will be able to write additional publishable books or stories or features for them.
Even if you submit a nearly perfect draft manuscript, you are expected to hire an editor or a ghostwriter/collaborator if needed, and your manuscript needs to be as polished as possible.
What final piece of advice would you like to leave our readers with today?
Remember to ask yourself questions about your expectations – and ask your publisher questions! That way, both of you can be on the same page with your vision of your literary career and publishing goals.
With the right book publishing partner, you can bring your book to life and share it with readers around the world!
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Thank you again to Janie for sharing such wonderful advice! And again, to learn even more, be sure to listen to this Friday's podcast episode, where Janie will discuss these questions in greater detail.
To all of our readers and supporters of this blog, thank you for continuing to spread the word! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
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