The first next step I took after selling my first two books was the necessary paperwork with my publishers. Then there was researching author collectives within my genres and applying. (This is a subject I'll touch upon in a later post.)
For this post, I'll jump to my first real next step - working with my editor (who's amazing!). When I received my first round of edits a few days ago, I honestly thought I was going to puke. The idea of opening them and seeing the mountain of work I had ahead of me made me want to run for the hills. But when I opened them yesterday I discovered they weren't as bad as I'd imaged. There's work to be done - yes - but it's totally doable.
IWSG pondering #1: How do you see yourself as an author? Are you harder on yourself then need be? Do you avoid giving yourself a pat on the back when deserved?
My other next step in authorship is designing my own author website. I currently have one, but it's mainly an off-shoot of this blog. Now that I actually have books coming out I need to highlight them, my publishers, and myself as an author. Phew...It's been a ton of work. The biggest challenge has been deciding what to include on the website and where to put it. I ended up spending a few days surfing cyberspace for author websites - I'm sure I checked out a few of yours. *Thanks for being such great examples, btw.* And as you can see, designing that site led me to revamping this one. I wanted to simplify Writer's Alley.
IWSG pondering #2: No matter which step you were just at, how did you manage the next one?
Splat: Due to those edits, I won't be around for the rest of the month, excluding for a fabulous middle grade book I'm highlighting on the 7th. I want to wish each of you a wonderful, happy, & safe holiday! And please come back in the new year for my new website and special newsletter reveal with all sorts of goodies and exclusives!!! I'm nervous....
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
To be honest, I wasn't sure what's best to include. That's the main reason I surfed. And there's a plethora of authors with a host of different elements on their sites. I kind of noted a few that were most important - who I am, what I do, and what I write - and I've left the rest up to what I'd like to include. I might find in the future some of what I've added is unnecessary. The great thing about that - and designing the website on my own - is that I can change it whenever I deem so. :)
Hi Sheri - well done .. we need to work out our next step. I'd love to be more technical - am sure I could be ... just need to knuckle under ... good luck with the edits -and have a great and happy end to 2015, then an excellent 2016 - cheers Hilary
I hear you about being more technical. Just more studying, I suppose. Can't get enough of craft and technique books and articles. It's scary to think how many articles I've bookmarked to go back to later on my laptop. lol
2016 is going to be such an exciting year for you!! Good luck getting everything done. And best wishes for a wonderful holiday season for you and all your family. Take care!
Sounds like you are in a very good place at the moment, Sheri. Really happy for you. I often look at other author webistes for inspiration for the time I step into that same place :) Your blog revamp is looking great and I can't wait to visit your spanking new website. Enjoy the ride and have a fantastic December. This is going to be one very happy Christmas for you, I'm sure. Well done you!!!!
Is it really cool though? That's part of my point. Some folks only have blogs, while others have blogs they barely use attached to their websites. Thus, what material to post on which site and so on... Yeah, designing a site is tedious. Wish I could just hire someone. Maybe someday. You've done well with your site(s). Did you do them yourself? (You've probably told us before, but I can't remember.)
Good luck with edits and the author website! I always freak out when I get critiques and the like. I know there will be work, but I always assume there will be so much work. So far it's never as bad as I can make it out to be, but we writers are known for our imaginations. Happy Holidays!
Good luck with the website. With so many different kinds of looks available, I'd think deciding what you want your "brand" to look like is probably the most daunting part. But fun, too. Latch onto the fun. :-)
Glad to hear that your edits feel do-able. Keep on plugging! 2016 is going to be one exciting ride. Make sure to stop one in a while and ENJOY it.
I think we all tend to be hard on ourselves. But we need to be, in order to produce good results. Good luck with your edits! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
It's exciting to hear about each step you are taking to prepare for next year! Way to go with all of your hard work! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Don't be nervous - you're doing great. You're already active on social media, and with your own website and newsletter you're a step ahead of many people (including me!). Good luck with the edits! :)
Looking forward to your new site. The new year is a perfect time for a fresh approach. Good to hear your edits aren't too bad. I'm sure they will make a great story even better.
I open up my edits, am horrified at the amount of work I have to do, and then reopen them either hours or days later thinking they're not too bad. Then I tackle them and turn them in before schedule. Yay on your two books. Happy holidays.
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
Excellent tips! And good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Shelly! Enjoy your holiday season!!!
DeleteChecking out other author websites is the best thing to do. Why come up with everything from scratch when you can steal some good ideas?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday season.
To be honest, I wasn't sure what's best to include. That's the main reason I surfed. And there's a plethora of authors with a host of different elements on their sites. I kind of noted a few that were most important - who I am, what I do, and what I write - and I've left the rest up to what I'd like to include. I might find in the future some of what I've added is unnecessary. The great thing about that - and designing the website on my own - is that I can change it whenever I deem so. :)
DeleteEnjoy your holiday season, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheri - well done .. we need to work out our next step. I'd love to be more technical - am sure I could be ... just need to knuckle under ... good luck with the edits -and have a great and happy end to 2015, then an excellent 2016 - cheers Hilary
I hear you about being more technical. Just more studying, I suppose. Can't get enough of craft and technique books and articles. It's scary to think how many articles I've bookmarked to go back to later on my laptop. lol
Delete2016 is going to be such an exciting year for you!! Good luck getting everything done. And best wishes for a wonderful holiday season for you and all your family. Take care!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the edits! So many exciting things happening. :)
ReplyDeleteHere's to the next crazy ride! Best of speed on your edits and prep for release. Exciting times.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are in a very good place at the moment, Sheri. Really happy for you. I often look at other author webistes for inspiration for the time I step into that same place :) Your blog revamp is looking great and I can't wait to visit your spanking new website. Enjoy the ride and have a fantastic December. This is going to be one very happy Christmas for you, I'm sure. Well done you!!!!
ReplyDeleteCool you're making an author website.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and hope it all comes together!
Is it really cool though? That's part of my point. Some folks only have blogs, while others have blogs they barely use attached to their websites. Thus, what material to post on which site and so on... Yeah, designing a site is tedious. Wish I could just hire someone. Maybe someday. You've done well with your site(s). Did you do them yourself? (You've probably told us before, but I can't remember.)
DeleteAnyway, have a wonderful holiday!
Awesome how you're starting your career as a published author. Have a fantastic holiday!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with edits and the author website! I always freak out when I get critiques and the like. I know there will be work, but I always assume there will be so much work. So far it's never as bad as I can make it out to be, but we writers are known for our imaginations. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Not sure why I didn't think of that reason. Our imaginations sure do get the best of us! I'm glad you mentioned it. I feel better now.
DeleteAll the best to you & Happy Holidays, too!
Have a great break. Get good work done and LIVE! :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats! It a great kind of busy! Have a great holiday!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the website. With so many different kinds of looks available, I'd think deciding what you want your "brand" to look like is probably the most daunting part. But fun, too. Latch onto the fun. :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your edits feel do-able. Keep on plugging! 2016 is going to be one exciting ride. Make sure to stop one in a while and ENJOY it.
Good luck with the edits and then breathe. Happy Holidays to you, too.
ReplyDeleteI am very hard on myself, and found that since going it alone, I'm even worse, because now the buck stops with me and not the publisher.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with all the edits! See you when you're back.
I think we all tend to be hard on ourselves. But we need to be, in order to produce good results. Good luck with your edits! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to hear about each step you are taking to prepare for next year! Way to go with all of your hard work!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
You're leaving me?!? NOOOOO!!! Kidding. Not kidding. But good luck on your edits!! If you ever need something you hit me up!
ReplyDeleteDon't be nervous - you're doing great. You're already active on social media, and with your own website and newsletter you're a step ahead of many people (including me!). Good luck with the edits! :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your new site. The new year is a perfect time for a fresh approach. Good to hear your edits aren't too bad. I'm sure they will make a great story even better.
ReplyDeleteI open up my edits, am horrified at the amount of work I have to do, and then reopen them either hours or days later thinking they're not too bad. Then I tackle them and turn them in before schedule. Yay on your two books. Happy holidays.
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ReplyDelete