Renee, Happy Release Day! And welcome back to Title Magic.
Renee Knowles’ latest verra sexy novel, Guilty Pleasures, from Siren Publishing is being officially released today. I tell ya, I can feel the heat and the hawt excitement from here... Sizzle... Szzzzzzzztt!
And I know her fans are already lining up to click on the buy button.
Was this blog planned or was it the fascinating magic of synchronicity?
At my invitation, Renee did want to blog around this time since she knew Guilty Pleasures would be coming out. However, I can tell you when we scheduled this blog, she didn’t know her release date.
The magic of synchronicity strikes again! And today is just for you, Renee. Enjoy!
And I know her fans are already lining up to click on the buy button.
Was this blog planned or was it the fascinating magic of synchronicity?
At my invitation, Renee did want to blog around this time since she knew Guilty Pleasures would be coming out. However, I can tell you when we scheduled this blog, she didn’t know her release date.
The magic of synchronicity strikes again! And today is just for you, Renee. Enjoy!
Taking It All In
By Renee Knowles
By Renee Knowles
I was recently asked in an author interview what I wish I’d known about publishing before I sold my first book. As I read the question, many thoughts ran through my mind. There were lots of tidbits on promotion I wish I’d realized beforehand. There was also a lot of general advice I could have used. And if someone had told me that I wouldn’t feel much different as a published author than an aspiring one, I never would have believed it.
But what really went through my head—and what ultimately became my answer—was that I think you never really have a chance to take it all in. Once you sell, you’re besieged with things you need to get done before the book comes out, not to mention working on the next book.
Publishing is such a fast-paced business, and there is always something new needing attention: a new book contract, edits, promotion, blogging, press releases, and, um, actual writing. I know when I sold, there was never a moment to just relish the feeling. To just take a short time for yourself and say, "Wow, I’ve done it!"
And with new contracts comes more responsibility. How will this book sell? What can I do to make it better, deeper, more emotional and more high concept? Why does the hero on my cover have brown hair while the character in my book is blond?
Even though writing is a "hurry up and wait" business, there always seems to be something that has to be done. So, when are you supposed to pop the champagne and a box of Godiva chocolates?
I’ve discovered you have to make the time for that. You have to enjoy every moment as it happens. Every reader e-mail, every great review, every new addition to your newsletter list. It’s the small victories we need to savor. It’s the small triumphs that we remember long after the initial thrill of signing the first contract is over.
But what really went through my head—and what ultimately became my answer—was that I think you never really have a chance to take it all in. Once you sell, you’re besieged with things you need to get done before the book comes out, not to mention working on the next book.
Publishing is such a fast-paced business, and there is always something new needing attention: a new book contract, edits, promotion, blogging, press releases, and, um, actual writing. I know when I sold, there was never a moment to just relish the feeling. To just take a short time for yourself and say, "Wow, I’ve done it!"
And with new contracts comes more responsibility. How will this book sell? What can I do to make it better, deeper, more emotional and more high concept? Why does the hero on my cover have brown hair while the character in my book is blond?
Even though writing is a "hurry up and wait" business, there always seems to be something that has to be done. So, when are you supposed to pop the champagne and a box of Godiva chocolates?
I’ve discovered you have to make the time for that. You have to enjoy every moment as it happens. Every reader e-mail, every great review, every new addition to your newsletter list. It’s the small victories we need to savor. It’s the small triumphs that we remember long after the initial thrill of signing the first contract is over.
Renee
Sensual, Sassy and Slightly Sinful
Going Topless--"A must read."--Euro- Reviews Out Now! Siren Publishing
For more information on Renee and her books, please visit www.reneeknowles.comComing August 4th—A New Series! An erotic romance series that will set your heart ablaze.
Pleasures, Inc.
A male escort service where the hottest men fulfill your steamiest fantasies, and they are there for your pleasure only…
Pleasures, Inc. Book 1: Guilty Pleasures
[Erotic Contemporary Romance] Diana Grady has stayed away from love, pouring her energy into making her escort service, Pleasures, Inc., a success. Until she hires sexy, intelligent Nick Duvane. She can't resist Nick's sensual words and steamy caresses. Then she discovers Nick is an undercover reporter who could destroy her company—and her heart.
JUST RELEASED from The Wild Rose Press!!
COURTING TROUBLE
A sensual historical romance novella of love, lust and overwhelming passion…
In the world of Regency England, a lord and a lady play a dangerous game of desire. But will the price of pleasure be the most ultimate sacrifice of all—their hearts?
P.S. Renee interviewed me a while back for Authors and Books ~ http://authorsandbooks.blogspot.com ~
http://authorsandbooks.blogspot.com/2008/06/welcome-guest-author-savanna-kougar.html ~
20 comments:
Great post, Renee!
I think those outside the publishing business don't realize just how much work an author has to do even after the book is written and sold.
And of course, you always have to be working on the next manuscript and the next ...
Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by! I know exactly what you mean. There is always something that needs to be done...
Hugs,
Renee
You summed it up beautifully, Renee.
Everyone -- it was Renee who came to my rescue when my first book went on sale. I didn't have a clue and was a lost little kitten in a big bad world full of vampires. I say that nicely as I write contemporary and most I know write paranormal. :)
Thanks so much, Renee for being there.
Bekki
Bekki! How kind of you to say that! But really, you are a promo guru--so much more on top of it than me LOL.
And, btw, that book of yours became a Siren bestseller!!
Hugs,
Renee
Happy release day! (Didn't I just say that a few weeks ago? LOL.) This is a great post, Renee. You're absolutely right; there is so much more to do once you get that contract. Self promotion is so time consuming, but yet so necessary. Taking the time to treat yourself to a celebratory massage gets put on the back burner. But you're right; we all need to take the time to do it. Getting that contract is no small accomplishment, and we need to recognize it and celebrate the success!
Hi Helen! Thanks for your comment!
And you should be celebrating your success--a first sale! I'm really looking forward to it:)
Hugs,
Renee
It was a major collective effort.
And you're so right about taking the time to treat yourself and celebrate. Or simply to take a break. It doesn't have to be anything major.
Burnt out is burnt out and it can damage your whole view on things. It's been eight months and I'm just now figuring this out. lol
I went shopping with my husband yesterday instead of handing him a list. I'd forgotten how much fun he is to shop with. Very rejuvinating.
Bekki
Renee, I'm so glad you wrote about what it truly takes to be an author these days. It's hard to explain to those not on this side. And you've done a beautiful job.
I'm rather a driven person at times. And I need to remind myself to take a break like Bekki said.
I absolutely love writing and don't want to get burnt out!
Yes, Bekki, I think burn out is a major issue for writers. Especially with all the pressure to produce so quickly.
Hugs,
Renee
Hi Savanna!
Thank you so much for inviting me today, and for the fabulous intro!
No, we can't have you getting burnt out! Then we would miss all the wonderful stories you tell :)
Hugs,
Renee
Thanks for joining us on Title Magic! I think you never really know what it's like until you do sell. So much happens all at once it's like a whirlwind! I've gotten very picky with my schedule so I can make time for everything. I was just wondering how do you juggle everything? Do you have strict schedule or ???
Hi Anitra!
I wish I had a strict schedule! We just adopted a baby boy and now the only schedule I keep is his LOL!
I just try to fit it in when I can. I used to do one-two hours of promo work a day and then writing and editing (I am also a freelance writer and editor).
But you work with what you have, I guess :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Renee
LOL! Kids have a tendency to do that but that's a good thing. :)
By accident I ran across a review of my last book, and it was wonderful. Either I had forgotten about it or never saw it, but at any rate I read it and afterward took the time to give myself a little pat on the back. You're right; we all need that occasionally.
Elaine Cantrell
www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
Renee
Thanks for sharing a big day with us. I hope the new series really takes off and you will have the chance for a few of those moments when you just enjoy.
Happy belated release day, Renee!
Hi Elaine,
I'm glad you took the time to savor the great review! And then shouted it out to the world.
It certainly gives you a spring in your step when something like that happens :)
Thanks for commenting,
Renee
Hi Evonne,
Thanks for the good wishes on the book! I am taking some time today to just savor--after a whirlwind of promo yesterday LOL.
Renee
Thanks so much, Mel!
Hugs,
Renee
Renee,
Congratulations on your GP release!
I loved your post. I am an aspiring author and I dream about the day I can call myself "published" but what you said really helped me rethink and refocus. It is a great gift to take each day as it comes and appreciate the little things...the colleague who appreciates your voice, the blog reader who enjoys the interview you conducted, etc. Life is full of "snippets of bliss". Thanks for reminding me to cherish those instead of always looking toward the "big daddy". :0)
Tiffany
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