Signing a book deal with a publisher is a pipe dream for many writers, and sometimes sheer passion isn’t enough to get your words into paperback. Here’s how romance writer Marie Higgins, author of Falling in Love Again (Colonial Romance) found her publisher, got her books into print and continues to cultivate the relationship.
How did you find your publisher?
I love the internet! I love Google! I asked around my Yahoo groups in hopes of someone knowing a good Christian publisher. I queried a couple (one I had to snail mail my story to), and when I found Walnut Springs I emailed a couple of their authors to find out more about the company. When I was satisfied, I queried them. Not more than a month later, I got an offer. They loved my story!
What do publishers look for?
I have been in the writing business for several years. I was even with Romance Writers of America and President of the Utah chapter for a few years. I’ve been to many conferences and workshops. This is the question most readers ask. It comes down to this… Write the best possible story you know how to write. Study your target publisher…which means if they publish romances the kind you write, then they are the publisher you want. If they publish science fiction and you write historical romance, they are probably not the right fit. Read their books to get a feel for the story and how the story comes together, etc. If you write this way, then it’s a good fit. If you don’t…it’s probably not a good fit. Once you have perfected your story the best you can, send it to them. Editors are very picky, especially lately. Don’t be discouraged if you’re rejected. If writing is what you love, keep trying!!
How long did it take you to find a publishing house?
YEARS! I’m one of those authors who was passed over quite a bit. I wanted to quit, but I loved writing so much, I couldn’t. Not only that, new stories kept popping into my head and I would always think “This is the ONE”.
How did you deal with rejection?
When I got that rejection letter or email, I wanted to cry “NOT AGAIN”! I wanted to throw my hands in the air and give up. Then I got angry because some of the authors I’d read from that publisher weren’t that good in my opinion. I gave myself one day to sulk and feel sorry for myself, and then the next day I grew tough skin and continued in my search for the right publisher. I tried to create better stories. I tried to write what I thought was selling that what editors were looking for. Soon, the rejection was behind me and I could move on.
What are some tips to maintain a healthy relationship with a publisher?
Don’t be a diva! lol Your editor knows what he/she wants for the publisher. Be willing to bend…a LOT. If you don’t think something is right with your edits, communicate to your editor and see how the two of you can work it out. Promote yourself, as well. Once your book is out, don’t wait for them to do all the work. You must do all you can to tell people about your story!
How does being on Wattpad benefit an already-published author?
Believe it or not…it lifts me up. There are several times during the day when my mood is low and I feel worthless and I wonder why I’m even writing. Then suddenly, I receive a comment on my story - and someone actually loves my writing. My readers are so involved in the story they get emotional. I LOVE IT! And…these comments come at just the right time, too. Believe me, Wattpad was the best decision I’d made in a very long time!