You know how I keep telling you to never give up? To keep working hard and pursuing your dreams?
I have more proof (and exciting news) that dreams can come true!
Earlier in the year, I announced my first book deal with Astraea Press for my young adult historical novel Yakimali’s Gift.
I recently signed another book contract with Beau Coup Publishing for my middle grade paranormal novel The Castle Blues Quake.
I had submitted the story to another publisher, received a contract to look over as well as an author questionnaire to fill out. I felt pretty confident that we were going to make a deal, and then, unfortunately, it fell through.
Then I learned about Beau Coup Publishing from a member of a LinkedIn writer’s group I belong to. I talked to a couple of authors who had signed with Beau Coup, and they gave glowing reports, so I decided to submit, as their submission guidelines request, the synopsis and full manuscript of The Castle Blues Quake.
I heard back fairly quickly from the publisher that she enjoyed the story (luckily, she loves ghost stories!) and that she wanted to talk. I was excited to say the least, and a little nervous about the phone call. But after the conversation, and her description of the company and how they support their authors, among other things, I knew I wanted to work with her and Beau Coup.
The contract was fairly straight-forward. (By now, I have a pretty good understanding of book contracts!) I asked to have a few things clarified, and then happily signed.
My manuscript is currently around 40,000 words. They asked me to add another 10,000 words, so that’s what I’m working on now.
I’ll be posting every Wednesday to discuss my progress with this and with Yakimali’s Gift, as I continue down my Road to Publication. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’ll try to answer any questions you have about the publication process.
And please tell me any stories you might have about the pursuit of your own dreams!
Linda Covella, Author 
Wow – congratulations, Linda!
I’m still madly working on my edits. I was going to try to get published traditionally, but I’m seriously considering self-publishing these days. …still on the fence. 😛
Thanks, Linda! I signed with two small publishers, now, and I really believe they’re a great alternative to the big publishers and self-publishing. I still have to help out with marketing, but I think all authors do these days. These two presses at least really support their authors, their covers look pro, and they have distribution channels that can get your book in more places. They typically don’t give advances, but the % they give authors is pretty good. To me, worth it that they take a lot of that work off my hands! Good luck with your book!
Sounds quite appealing. Maybe I won’t give up the idea completely after all. Thanks, Linda. 🙂
Linda, my experience is admittedly limited since I’m just in edits now. But the people I’ve worked with so far at both publishers are super nice and helpful, and I’m seeing what they’re doing to promote their other authors. I’m going to blog every Wednesday about the experience as I go through the steps of publication and marketing!
Wonderful! Looking forward to your posts. 😀
Thanks, Linda. 🙂
Yay, Linda! I’m definitely coming to you if I ever run into a book contract. 🙂
Congratulations. Sounds awesome — so happy for you. More than well deserved.
Thanks so much, Silvia. You know you had a hand in this one. 🙂 You and that class we took were a huge help!
Oh wow that’s awesome, well done! And so inspiring for those of us still stuck in the quagmire of writing the first draft 😉 And well done for battling it out with contracts, I’ve heard some horror stories of writers getting tied in by terrible contracts. Best of luck with the edits!
Thank you, Celine! Ugh, first drafts are tough for me. I love the revising, though. See my comment to Michelle for a good contract negotiation book should you ever need it–or I should say *when* you need it. 🙂 Good luck with that first draft and happy writing!
Linda you are amazing! Well done!
With regards to the understanding of contracts, sounds like you’re the go-to person…
I’ve decided to go the self-publishing route, because it’s a collection of flash fiction/vignettes…
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Thanks, Michelle! If you ever need to negotiate a contract, this book “Negotiating a Book contract” by Mark L. Levine is a huge help. Best of luck with your flash fiction publication!
Congratulations Linda! What wonderful progress you are making, indeed! I will stop by on Wednesday to share your journey. I have a nonfiction book coming out in December on spirituality and weight-loss, and am hoping to place my first novel soon.
Stephanie
http://stephanierosebirdstudio.blogspot.com
Thank you, Stephanie. !ongratulations to you, too.! Best of luck with your December release and with your novel. Looks like you’re on your way! 🙂
That’s so wonderful! Congratulations. Wishing for the best for you, and an easy 10,000 words! 🙂
Thanks, Alex! I’m halfway there. 🙂
Congratulations on your stories.
Thank you, Patricia.
Congratulations, Linda. I’m looking forward to your middle school book. I’d like to get it for my nephew. He’s a 5th grader who loves ghost stories. 🙂 Keep on posting and keeping our spirits up. We all need that bit of positive thinking and knowing the golden ring really is within our reach.
Thanks, Aubrey! Stay tuned for updates. 🙂