In the journey to publication, patience is a virtue

At the author gig I had this week, we were asked the question, what surprised you most about becoming a published author. While there are many astonishing things, one of the bigger ones was definitely how long it takes from book deal to shelf.

You know how long it takes to hear back from an agent, and then land one if you're able? Nothing really changes once the book deal comes.

It seemed like forever to get my contract once I was offered a deal, which was at the beginning of April, 2010. And my agent sent it back to HMH once because there was something in it she didn't like. I can't remember how long it took, but I would guess 8 to 10 weeks.

Then comes the advance check. That seemed like forever. I'd say another two months. So now we're at about four to six months.

Next comes line edits, copy edits, and first pass pages. These are all editing phases. You wait about three to six months for each phase, then only have about two weeks to get them done.

The one thing that seemed really early to me was the ARCs (advance review copy). I received those about March of 2011, and it was going out to the media and reviewers, which seemed really early to me. But what do I know, I'm only the author.

Then comes the longest wait. The book. As you know, my novel came out January of this year.  That's nearly two years from deal to shelf.

You've been warned. You want to be in this frustrating, yet rewarding business? Learn patience. Keep on writing to bide your time, otherwise you'll go crazy.

Super Special New Years Eve Blog Because I Have No Life

Dear 2011,

We’ve had some good times; we’ve had some bad times. You’ve given me a new car, new friends, and a new disorder (I could have done without that last one btw).

You’ve kept my daughters healthy, happy, and beautiful, however, 2012 and I are going to have a serious discussion about their grades. I got to see one daughter excel in music while the other one became a Duchess, and both still rock on the soccer field.

You’ve given me some awesome memories: Sundance with my mom, Forks with Heidi, ocean trips with friends and my girls, Arizona, surprising Gae in New York.

You’ve been good to me and my little book. Going through the process was like watching a child grow up. From first pass pages to ARCs to the finished product—what an amazing journey.

You’ve sparked new relationships in my life and ended others. You’ve shown me death and brought new life into my world.

Thank you 2011. For the most part, you’ve been good to me, but it’s time we part ways. Tell 2012 I'm looking forward to meeting him and to bring it. Whatever its plans for me, whether they be challenges, cataclysms, or celebrations, I’m ready, and I’ve got back up.

Goodbye 2011. It’s been swell.

Megan

Monday Morning Blahg: Procrastination = Missed Opportunities

Heeeeere's Megan

We finally had some nice (okay, decent) weather over the weekend.  The sun was shining, the birds were singing.  But guess what I was doing.  I was sitting in my living room working on my first pass pages.  Because I procrastinated and waited until the last minute. Sigh.  So I didn't get to finish this shoveling task I started, I didn't get my back patio cleaned up, or my planter boxes put in place.  I didn't get to go for a walk or a bike ride because literally from dawn til dusk (with a short Starbucks break) I was working. (All work and no play makes Megan a cranky butt)

Today it's raining again.

F³A: Stupid snow and writerly things.

Thing Three (my niece) and Thing One

So, it snowed here the last couple days.  Lots.  Annoying thing is that they didn't cancel school.  I almost got into three accidents yesterday getting my kids to school and then to work.  And it's because people think they can just drive like regular when it's snowy and icy out.  And they're in a hurry.  And their time is more important than anyone else's.  And they're dumb.  So, since they didn't cancel school again today, I did it for them.  I'm sorry, I'm not going to drive on a grid of ice sheets risking life and limb to get my kids to school.  And I'm skipping work today too.  Meh.  Nothing to do today that can't be done Monday.

Okay, enough about that.

My editor got my first pass pages yesterday, and so hopefully they're on their way to me.  I'm psyched!!  If you don't know what first pass pages, it is basically the pages of your book, in the form they will look when they're finally in book form, fonts, etc.  I decided to grab some random pages off of the internet to show you and it just so happens one of the first pics to pop up was Tess Hilmo's, With a Name Like Love.  Tess and I were 2k11ers together, so hopefully she won't mind me using hers.

This is what first pass pages look like.

This is a very important stage of the process because it is basically the last time you can make edits.  So I will be going over these pages with a fine tooth comb to make sure every word is correct, every period in its place.

Also going over my option book with my agent.  I've been working on three novels, Withered, Taking Zoey, and Sad.  I think we're going to go with Sad.  She didn't really like Taking Zoey, and I've got more on Sad than Withered.  She liked Withered also, so after Sad, and my dystopian, and maybe an edit on a superhero series I've written, I'll probably finish that one.

I suppose that's it for today.  Except for the Friday Weekly stuff.

Random iPod shuffle song: The Underdog by Spoon

Book of the Week: XVI by Julia Karr.  I'm about half way through and really enjoying it.

Movie of the Week: The Housebunny.  My daughter has watched it every night this week.  She's insane.  It is funny though.

Quote of the Week: "A lot of people like snow.  I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water."  ~Carl Reiner