Thursday, July 30, 2009

What happens after the contract?




My next short story, Love Waltzes In, will be out soon at Red Rose Publishing. This makes my third piece to be picked up by RRP and I have to sit back a little and ponder my luck. Some folks out there do not understand how important it is to be successful repetitively as an author. If at any time your work gets rejected, you experience a setback.

For some people, setbacks can be life altering. I’m pretty sure that with my recent successes tucked into my jeans pocket, to get a rejection would hurt and maybe even send me into a writer’s depression.

So what happens after that all-important book or story gets a yes? I can tell you what has happened with me.

1. After sending back in my contracts, I celebrate a little. I mean, come on, you worked really hard to get that ‘yes’ right? You deserve a nice dinner and some down time. Take it now because soon you will not have time.
2. Once the celebration is over, get yourself a website if you haven’t yet. This is crucial! I am a radio show host who helps authors promote their work and nothing sends me into a tailspin faster than an author with no place to send readers. I know Amazon is where they BUY the book, but heckfire, they want to learn about YOU too.
3. Begin building your social network. The big three is plenty to begin with, including, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. If you are active there, then you will have plenty to keep you going. If you are ambitious like myself, branch out and find such sites as Livejournal, and Ning, and have a ball.
4. Get to work on a list of potential sites to promote yourself aside from your website and the aforementioned networks. You will need a blog. Believe me when I say you will have a lot to talk about soon.
5. Finally, don’t be afraid to talk about the coming soon work. It is vital to build a buzz about it long before it arrives. You’ll be very glad you did. And don’t forget online radio shows! Introducing WRITERS! And others will get the word out faster than you can say Jack Frost.

I hope this has helped you. I am happy to say that Love Waltzes In is my third acceptance but not my last. There are many more enjoyable works in the wings by Kim Smith. Keep reading!

9 comments:

s.w. vaughn said...

Hooray! Too right, Kim, it's so important for authors these days to have a presence online.

I love that cover - it's fantastic!

Sheila Deeth said...

Congratulations! You write so simply and give such matter-of-fact advice, you almost make me believe that first yes might be more than a dream one day.

Sheila Deeth said...

I meant to say, many thanks for the encouragement.

Kim Smith said...

Hi gang! Thanks for stopping by Sheila. I hope you are encouraged by all of the things we bring to the table at Mb4. Maybe one day we will be HOSTING you and your big release. I would be too thrilled!

Aaron Paul Lazar said...

Congratulations, Kim! Way to go. I love the cover, too. It's gorgeous. And I can't wait to read it. ;o) You are a wonderful romance and mystery writer - keep them coming!

Suko said...

Congrats, Kim! It's very generous of you to share your knowledge and expertise with others--thank you!

Marta Stephens said...

Yup, writing the book is nothing. So you spend a year or two or three from beginning to end. After that, you'll be promoting it forever.

Congrats, Kim!!

Kim Smith said...

Thanks everyone :) and a warm welcome to Suko!

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

Excellent advice. Any of us who are published know that signing the contract is only one small step, promoting is a whole staircase.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com