Friday, July 27, 2012

Life After a Book Contract

My life has definitely changed since December when my two-book deal was announced. And it continues to change. But that doesn't mean it's exactly like I imagined either.


What I imagined:
I thought I'd be counting the days until my release and thinking nothing major happens until that point.


What really happened:
I'm glad I have time to prepare for my release. I've been busy editing, writing the other books in the trilogy, doing interviews and radio shows, brainstorming promotional ideas, and getting really excited about my launch party in Boston. Did I mention it is a zombie aPROMcalypse? How awesome is that?


What I imagined:
I'd be contacting people to interview me and review Touch of Death.


What really happened:
People are contacting me... already! Just last month, I was contacted for four author visits. I've already done readings for Touch of Death and school visits. I'm blown away by this. I also have an amazing marketing person at Spencer Hill Press. (Kendra, you rock!) Having a great publisher behind me really is helping to get the word out.


What I imagined:
I'd be wishing my life away until January.


What really happened:
I'm enjoying every step in the process. I'm looking forward to giveaways and of course the big release day, but I really like all the other things involved in the process. I'm savoring every moment.


So life after the contract is even more amazing than I thought it would be. I'm truly grateful to my agent and Spencer Hill Press.


Your turn. How was life after the contract different from how you thought it would be? And if you are pre-contract, what do you imagine life to be like after you sign?

77 comments:

  1. I don't have a contract, but I'm very excited for you! It sounds amazing and fun. :) Enjoy every moment!

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  2. Wow, sounds like you're having the time of your life! Savour every moment :D I always think that if I ever got signed, I would just walk around like I was in a Disney movie. Stupid grin on my face and everything :P
    RB

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  3. Thanks for sharing your journey, Kelly. Life is never what we expect it to be, but it's always an adventure.

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  4. It's so cool to get this window into the process--thanks for sharing! I guess as exciting as a book deal would be, there are always other works in progress (sequels or not), so it makes sense that the day to day writing business can't stop.

    I didn't know you were launching in Boston! You'll have to let me know the deets--looking forward to it!

    Kip

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    1. Kip, you're in Boston? I'll be at Arisia January 18-21.

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  5. What an exciting time! I'm still pre-contract, but I'm taking notes from your experience. Sounds neat.

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  6. I found that the three or four months before your book come out are ultra-exciting. From the moment ARCs appear, it's a roller-coaster ride. And I also discovered that the "release date" is a fluid thing, with bookstores getting it early (and if you're not Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, they'll go ahead and sell it early) and the sales link going live on Amazon ahead of schedule.

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    1. Oh I've heard about that. The I'm at the 5 1/2-months mark now, so I guess I'll be looking forward to those things soon enough. ;)

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  7. Well when I got my first contract, it wasn't what I wanted for my books. Sooooooo, I started my own publishing company with my husband and all I can say is WOW, it's been an amazing and unbelievable journey for us. We've accomplished things I hadn't even dreamed of. And the fact that there are really people that want to read my books still has me in awe. So, life after the contract has consisted of A LOT of work, LESS time in my day, and pushing me beyond boundaries in which I've never even considered.

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    1. I'm not sure how you do it all, LM. You amaze me! :)

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  8. Well I have to say life after my 1st contract was not what I expected. I was busy but thought I'd be busier and hoped I'd get some guidance. However, my next couple of contracts I expect more promotion from my publishers so am really looking forward to that. I'm glad Spencer Press is working out so well for you!

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    1. Thanks, Allyn. I couldn't be happier. :) Good luck with all your contracts.

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  9. Congrats!! Sounds like you're having a blast. It's awesome that SHP is so supportive!

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    1. I really can't say enough good things about them. :D

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  10. Congrats, sounds like SHP is behind you 100%, hun. Enjoy the ride. My post-contract with various publishers, since I publish both YA and adult, has been rather mixed. I don't know if I've ever sat back and enjoyed the ride. I'm more busier than usual and the marketing and the tours can be both fun and exhausting.

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    1. I would imagine writing for both YA and adults would be different. I'd love to hear more about your experiences some time.

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  11. Sounds like a whirlwind of activity! Congrats, and thanks for sharing your experience!

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    1. It's really exciting for me. I love learning new things and seeing how books are put together. :)

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  12. This is all right on regarding the changes in expectations. You live life, keep writing and plan your publicity routes. Good luck with it all!

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  13. I just love your posts! :) This sounds so exciting! I'm happy things are turning out so great. I thought the process may be something like this only because I've read similar posts :) It sounds awesome!

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  14. So happy for you, Kelly! Keep on truckin' girl.

    For me, I'm not sure I imagine anything. If someone offered me a contract for something I wrote, I'd imagine it would be some computer software product and not a novel. :D

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    1. Thanks, Diane. And hey, I wouldn't doubt it if you got a contract for a novel.

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  15. I'm glad you're enjoying the process, Kelly. We all need to slow down and enjoy the journey :) (just like the car commercials tell us LOL)

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  16. Well, no contract yet but I will keep trying. Someday right?
    I think I always imagined that it would involve lots of footwork, never thought anyone would contact you. I have also heard from a few published authors that life after the contracts doesn't mean anything stops, in fact a few have made it sound like their life got even more busy. So I guess I have had a reality check since I started writing. I love your take on the situation best.
    Congrats to you!!! You made it to the ever allusive thing called publication. I'd be lying if I didn't say I am a little envious :-)

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    1. Yes, someday! I never thought this would happen for me. As cheesy as it sounds, this is my dream come true.

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  17. It's very interesting what you share about your experience, Kelly. One thing that has been a 'worry' to me ... and maybe one I will never have to deal with ... is the marketing part of it all. I'm not one to push myself out there into the public eye, and a serious lack of time for it would also be a hindrance. I'm always impressed when authors are happy and good at doing that. Good for you!

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    1. I like doing promotional things. I was very nervous at first, but author appearances are fun. I always have a blast and meet really great people.

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  18. Yeah! It is nice to hear that the after contract time has actually been better than expected. I think it is awesome that so many people are reaching out to you. How exciting that the launch is in Boston- that isn't too far away from CT. :) Can't wait to hear the date.

    Stephanie and I have recently found a wonderful agent (in June) and she is busy working with us. I am not sure what the future will bring- but I am enjoying each day right now. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. Jess, I'll be at Arisia January 18-21 for the launch.

      Yay for signing with an agent! That's great news! I'm so happy for you and Stephanie!!! :D

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  19. Not there yet, but it's insightful to see how anthor writer handles it.

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    1. I look forward to hearing your experiences when that day comes. :)

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  20. I'll let you know when I get one. :)

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  21. I just wish I'd get a contract.

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  22. I'm glad this is going so well for you, Kelly! You're sending out a lot of encouragement these days--congratulations on that AND the contract.

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  23. I lived in small towns at the time my books were coming out (still do), and we were miles from any larger cities. Pre-contract excitement resounded with a thud. After the books came out I was able to do events in larger towns and that has been pretty exciting. Have a great time with this and I wish you many, many sales.

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    1. Thank you, Marja. I really appreciate that. :)

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  24. When I get there, I'll let you know. :-)

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  25. Congratulations! You seem to be holding up pretty good. If you ever feel overwhelmed seek solace in your faith. It works for me.

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  26. I am glad it is going so well. I am four chapter to the end, I feel like it is the final stretch for me in the writing process, then I'll be looking for the deal. I look forward most to working with a great PR person. It is lonely doing it on your own!

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    1. Yes, it can be lonely doing it all on your own. Having a team behind you is incredible. Good luck!

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  27. I was surprised by how many people contacted me.

    Enjoy the ride. Your positive attitude and experiences shine through here.

    Have a great weekend.

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    1. It's crazy how people go to the authors, isn't it? Crazy good, of course! :)

      Have a great weekend.

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  28. Life after contract is hectic, crazy, and fun. Also more work. :)

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  29. We're so glad to have you in the SHP family, Kelly! And I'm So excited to be a prombie!

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    1. Thank you, Kate! I love being with SHP. You all have been so amazing. And I have my dress all picked out and ready for the zombie aPROMcalypse! :)

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  30. I imagine all of the same things! I think the thing that would freak me out the most is having someone contact me. I'm so used to shopping my wares that it would be surreal. I'm so glad you're able to enjoy every bit of this!

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    1. Thanks, Adrianne. I'm so thankful for this entire process. It's been incredible.

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  31. Hi Kelly! Visiting you back and will follow. I write YA also - first ebook about to be uploaded (maybe...see Mon blog). Like your style - you're right, we need to keep ourselves amused and anchored in the real world when we write. And yes - there is always work to do!!! : )

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    1. Hi, Carol. Thanks for dropping by. I'll be sure to check out your Monday post. :)

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  32. I won't have a contract with a publisher, but I have one with myself. Congrats and looking forward to reading your books.

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    1. Thank you. I bet having a contract with yourself is different than you'd imagined too, though.

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  34. Hi Kelly. Just saw your comment on my blog & that you're now following. (: Thank you ! It means a lot. Oh, and your new book sounds AMAZING! I just added it to my TBR shelf, and I can't wait to read it. (: How cool that you get to go to all of these events ! That must be super exciting. (:
    D: Aww 1 away from being your 500th follower! - im a new follower btw- :D

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    1. Thanks for following me, Karen, and I really appreciate you adding Touch of Death on your TBR list. :) That makes my day. So nice to meet you.

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  35. very interesting, thanks for sharing some of your journey with us.

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    1. You're welcome. I'm glad you found it interesting.

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  36. Well, as I'm not looking for a contract, I'll have to leave that to you!

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  37. Wow, Kelly, congratulations on all this. How amazing!

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  38. Great for you, Kelly! I love the idea of a zombie prom--LOL! Best with the book and with your busy schedule! :o) <3

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  39. I'm glad to hear about your experience! ;) I've often wondered how it would be like after the contract has been signed, and you made it sound so real and so awesome.

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