Starting Pieces: From My Computer to the Publisher's Desk

"What excerpt do you want on your hardcover jacket?" 
"Please provide a synopsis of your book for your paperback."
"What excerpt do you want featured on Google, Amazon, and the like?"
"Please provide us with your personal bio."
"What categories does your book fall under?"
"Please provide a 300 word count summary of your book."
"Please provide a 100 word count summary of your book."
"Please provide us with an author photo."
"Please provide us with details or .jpeg files for your book cover design."


These are just snap shots of the publisher's requirements for the author. Yes, the publisher is designing, publishing and distributing the book, but there is still so much to be done on the part of the author.

Once all of the requested information was submitted along with my signed contract and completed manuscript, I had to wait several weeks to receive electronic proofs of my book. This process is the same for all areas of publishing: traditional or self-publishing. Every proof had to be reviewed and noted for errors. The more errors discovered, either on the part of the author or the publisher, the longer the process is for the book's completion in print form. The first proofs I viewed were for the book's cover. I could not believe my eyes when I saw it for the first time on my computer screen. I was literally in awe. My husband and I both were blown away by it; it far exceeded our expectations. Immediately, we shared the cover with our closest friends, and I made sure to submit a copy of it to my friends who I thought were a part of my P.R. team. My initial shock could not be long-lived because I had to scan every inch of the cover to find something that did not meet my standards. When I discovered flaws, they had to be noted on my Proof Correction sheet. No changes would be made by the publisher unless it was typed on that form. Then, I was responsible for surveying each and every page of my manuscript to ensure that every word was as it was intended to be prior to publication. Often times when the publisher is configuring a manuscript for printing, errors could occur due to the shifting of font, graphics, etc. In a matter of a few hours, I found all that I was trying to find. I am quite sure that a few items were overlooked on my part, but as I stated previously, I was beyond tired of working and reworking my manuscript at this point.  So, when the time came, I submitted the forms back to the design crew of the publishing house and waited. And, waited. And, waited some more. I contacted the design crew several times to find out the progress of my book. Each time, I was greeted by a generic emailed reply. I received emails even when I requested phone calls. When I took it upon myself to initiate a call, I often received a voicemail that welcomed me to leave a message that, of course, was never returned. On three three separate occasions, I  approved the final proofs of my book, set the price that I wanted it sold as, and confirmed my mailing address, and after each time my book was never sent to the printer. Finally, I reached someone on the phone to express my displeasure and that was when my book finally went to print. It was during the week of Christmas 2009. Three weeks later, I received my first review copies in the mail. And, another three later, I received several promotional items for my press kits: Scattered Pieces business cards, bookmarks, and post cards. Now, all I have to do is successfully market my blessed book so that I can begin to recoup some of the money that I put out to have it self-published, which brings about it's own set of unique challenges. Can't wait to share them with you next Tuesday.

Until I blog again,

Flora Season