The Blog

Questions and answers about what it’s like to publish your first book will be bubbling over at the next meeting of the Maryland Writers’ Association Annapolis chapter. The group’s president, Jenny Yacovissi, a debut author herself, has gathered three newly published authors to share their experiences with finding a publisher, working with a publisher, getting involved in marketing, and any other area of publishing that may arise. I’m happy to say I’ll be one of those authors. Others are Lisa Hillman, author of Secret No More, and Ted Weber, author of Sleep State Interrupt.

Jenny asked us to be prepared to talk about the many details leading up to and through publication, but she also asked us to think about the biggest lessons we learned in the process. I don’t know what I’ll say about that. Maybe it’s the never-ending need for patience. Nothing seems to move fast in publishing until you’re not ready for it. Or maybe it’s the need to speak up for yourself and what you want for your book, especially in editing and design. You may not get what you want, but you may be able to move things closer. Or maybe it’s how kind and helpful people in the industry can be. My publishers were always encouraging and full of ideas for marketing. Or maybe, looking at the whole journey, it’s never give up.

I’m eager to hear what Lisa, Ted, and Jenny say about the lessons they learned. We’ll be starting the conversation at 7:00 p.m. on November 15 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis. If you’re in the area, please come by. It promises to be a lively discussion