Tuesday 5 November 2013

Beyond publication - what happens next?

I started my blog Witchway - A Writer's Journey to Publication - in July 2009, full of optimism that I could improving my writing. At least to the point where a creative writing tutor wouldn't run and hide when I submitted the next dreadful instalment of my learning curve. Seriously. I once removed all the adverbs and adjectives out of a short story which then became flash fiction. I wrote:
I must believe that anything I do to the empty page must be worse than just enjoying it's white lovely blankness.
So I said (with three adjectives) in 2009. Since then I've written about how much courses have improved my writing, and how much reading improves my storytelling, and I've banged on about how competitions can get you a) noticed and b) an agent. But now I'm in the And Beyond area - what happens after your book comes out?

Foreign deals were one thing I hadn't expected. First it sold in dollars to the US, nice to know but since I'd sold the World English rights, it only affects my advance here (it pays some off). I might have to look at some edits to make it into an American book at some point. But then it sold in Germany - wow! I get a bonus, and the best thing is someone else gets to do all the work of translating the novel (they get handsomely paid, don't imagine some language sweatshop turning out manuscripts in various languages). So I went off to the World Fantasy Con (my first) and immersed myself in the world of fantasy writers, editors, readers and agents (this is my impromptu interview with audible.co.uk). I got home to find there had been an offer from Finland as well, so exciting!

The book was also mentioned by the Independent as well, which was very encouraging, as I'm working on book 3 at the moment. It was great to be at the Del Rey UK party, watching people look at our books, pick them up, discuss them - and then be asked to sign a stack of them. People bought a book, I'm still amazed by that. I want to run after them and say 'I do hope you enjoy it...' 

Life also goes on and I'm adapting to some changes in our family up here on our clifftop, haunted and rambly house (more adjectives). It looks like we may be better moving into town, so I'm going to have to fit edits to book 2 and finishing book 3 around packing and showing people around. *Sigh*. I shall miss it, even the ghosts with their malevolent influences, and no doubt it will end up in more books too. 

9 comments:

  1. uh uh. You can't just modestly link to the Independent. I won't let you!

    "Rebecca Alexander’s The Secrets of Life and Death (Ebury, £12.99) began life as an entry in a Mslexia writing competition, and has now become the first in a series with a strong female cast and a story that rattles along at a fair pace. It’s a fine addition to the urban fantasy genre and marks Alexander as an author to watch."

    I'm buying it as Christmas gifts but spreading my order around. And I still need mine signing! XO

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    1. Thank you Downith! You've always been so encouraging, I really appreciate it!

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  2. PS - Congrats on the foreign sales.

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  3. That Independent mention is just amazing! I'm so excited for you!

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    1. Thanks, Beth. It's a start, my first newspaper review!

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  4. Wow! Congrats on all the success, your book looks amazing. I know how hard it is to find your way to publication and then keep writing, hoping that book 2 and 3 will be as good, as well received. My book was published by a small publishing house, so I admire very much your trajectory and it gives me hope. Best of luck with the book, the move, and all that life throws at you.

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    1. Thank you, Georgina. I think getting anything published by anyone is fantastic, and the experience has made my writing better. You are well on the way now!

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  5. Just wishing you all the best, and saying I am waiting to buy your book from you so I can have it signed too. I have read a little of it on Amazon, and can't wait to get it into my hands to read properly. Just take care of yourself too and be kind to yourself. Sending hugs. Sue

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    1. Thank you for all your support! I hope to see you before too long, take care, Reb x

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