So, what do I have going for me? What will make that reader reach for my book? The first thought to pop into my head--the cover. My editor tells me they're working on it now, even though the book won't release until 2018. I've shared my ideas for a concept. Who the heck knows what I'll get, but it won't be a half-naked man. This is romantic suspense, and their focus will be on a suspenseful cover. I love scenery covers, but my greatest fear is you MUST HAVE name recognition for scenery covers to work for you. People don't know me from Adam.
Oh, and on the cover note...my editor also told me they need an author photo on the inside back cover. When I mentioned this to my daughter, she stared at me in horror. "Please don't tell me you're going to use the one you have up on Facebook?" So, I made a panicked phone call to get my hair cut (it's been a year and looks like hell) and another to the photographer who took both my daughters' senior pictures. She's pure magic, but I seriously doubt I'm going to look as awesome as my gorgeous, skinny, young girls. No one is that good... Then I stood in my closet for an hour wondering why I own nothing that will make me look like a best selling author...hey, appearances count, right? Anyway, the photographer is squeezing me in later today, so please hope for the best.
Back to my angst...I'm currently writing the last chapter of the first book in my SIREN COVE series. For the first time in, well, EVER, I'm wondering if the book will work. They wanted traditional romantic suspense, and I aim to please. I've got a very dark undertone to the suspense, plus a secondary mystery with a creative twist. I've tried to tie it all together and think...hope...pray...I've succeeded. But I'm worried. Will new readers (the one's who're going to pick up my book despite the fact there's no naked man on the cover) keep flipping those pages to see what happens...or are they going to find the plot too convoluted? I'm hyperventilating just thinking about it. Is this book clever...or did I try too hard? I guess I'll find out.
We all have a safety zone, and I'm out of mine. What about you? Do you freak out over new and different or take it in stride? Or do you stay with what's familiar and comfortable and doesn't give you an ulcer?
The first two books in my current series, BORN TO BE WILDE, are available now. People seem to like them, but I could use more reviews...just saying. All buy links are on my website. Or, click on the covers to go straight to Amazon. Happy reading!
17 comments:
We all fear the unknown. So, really, what was the alternative? Say no to the print contract and advance then always wonder what if? I don't think so. Though I do understand the jitters. You'll get my opinion soon enough. ;-)
What Margo said is so true. Plus they wouldn't have offered you that contract if they didn't have confidence in your ability to deliver. (They're in it for the money, like most businesses, period.)
On your outfit, I'm sure you picked something perfectly appropriate, but I learned a lesson one time I participated in an author panel. I wore a pretty peach sweater (with some sparkly threads...I love bling), and one of my author friends said, "Leah, it's a beautiful sweater, but nothing about it says suspense/thriller, and that's what you write." I had never thought of my clothing as part of my brand, but she was right! Can't wait to see the new photo, or the dark undertone stuff!
We all go through anxiety in new situations, so you're in good company. LOL Since this is new experience for you--you always seem so confident--it is humbling. As Leah said, they wouldn't have offered you the contract if they didn't believe in you. Please share your new picture.
You're taking good steps, Jannine, but I'd include some help with a make-up artist (the photographer will help you with this), and a conscious thought about clothing, as Leah said. Focus on your brand. Conjure one of your tough heroines. I like the idea you're adding complexity to your plots. That's always my aim...and I don't know if it works until my editor has at it. In other words the more tricky the plot, the more you need superior plot editing. I try something 'way out' with every book, so I always feel like I'm starting all over...join the jittery club :-) P.S. Just finished/enjoyed Wilde Side, will get review up ASAP
First off, Jannine, I'm reading Wilde One right now and will get it reviewed soon. Secondly, I've read enough of your books to know you will succeed. I've had lots of angst. Not about having ideas or getting the book written or my ability to do so. Mine is am I pursuing the right path for my books. But it feels more like a feeling of being lost...just not knowing what to do differently. Good luck to you. You have this!
Margo and Diane, thanks for the pep talk. I don't know why this book is freaking me out so much. I'm almost afraid to get your opinion, Margo. But you always have good suggestions. I think part of the anxiety is switching editors. I was used to Marci, and Martin might have completely different expectations...
Jannine, I was looking up some conferences and saw a head shot of Faye Kellerman. Check out her website on http://fayekellerman.net. When I designed my website, I looked at the big-selling suspense authors-women-for how they designed their websites. Your photographer could be helped by your showing her some head shots of suspense authors like Faye Kellerman.
Leah and Rolynn, some excellent advice on the photo shoot. I went with shades of black and gray. Hopefully that will project a suitably suspenseful image. We're taking the picture outside with Lake Tahoe as a backdrop late this afternoon. The outdoors is my brand, so I'm trying to keep it real. I should have the photo by next week to share. A review will be much appreciated, Rolynn. Thank you!
Brenda, I know the feeling about the right path. I just kept trying different things, pushing forward little by little. For the Wilde series, they told me it was too soon for print. Now, apparently, they think I'm ready. But I've seen other unknown authors get print and crash and burn. It's scary. I appreciate your vote of confidence and am thrilled you're enjoying Wilde One!
I want to go with 3/4 length for the photo, Rolynn. I checked out some inside back covers, and many didn't have just the head shot. That way it can be cropped for profile pictures on social media, and I'll have the original that's not so close up. My mom took my current one with my phone while I gritted my teeth and told her to keep snapping pictures. I feel there's nowhere to go but up from that!
Jannine, you are a wonderful writer so I know this will succeed. It's normal to have the jitters. And I stress over having an author photo done. Haven't yet. Please let me know how it goes and give me some tips! I feel for you!! {{Hugs}}
My son is a hobby photographer with an expensive camera and lens. He took my latest group of pictures. I never gave any thought to what I was wearing, only if it was a color that looked good on me.
Publishers don't offer advances unless they've already run the numbers and feel they'll get it back. I was told I'd probably earn mine out the first half of the year and I did...but then it wasn't a mega advance, just 4 figures. You'll be okay. I have no doubt because the publisher will be pushing this new line to make it succeed.
As for feeling out of your comfort zone, I so relate to that. I have been there. It is very scary and, yes, you do doubt yourself. The trick is to stay focused on the task, not easy for someone like me who's distracted by other ideas. I think you're more disciplined than I. You're so, so close to reaching your dream that doubts do and will creep in. It's normal. Creative types feel things deeper. It's the curse part of the gift.
Thanks, Donna. I'll let you know how the picture taking session goes. I'm going to try to have fun with it.
Vonnie, my first instinct was to go with my favorite color...blue. But nothing looked right, so I started thinking in terms of image instead of color and headed for my daughter's closet. We'll see if the photographer stares at me and says, "Really?" LOL As for the advance, mine isn't huge, either. I have to assume they know what they're doing in betting on me and stay positive!
This next step is scary--I'd be nervous, too--but it's an exciting scary! You've stayed on target through your whole writing career, and mass market print is the next appropriate step. You are ready. I know you are. And I can't wait to see your new picture!
BTW--I've got Wilde Side up next on my Kindle. I'll get to it soon, I promise.
Thanks for your support, Alison! My writer pals mean so much to me.
The surprising thing here is that you've never suffered from doubt and anxiety before. This is a GOOD kind of anxiety...it means you're climbing the success ladder. As other said, they wouldn't have contracted you if they didn't have faith. Embrace the anxiety and enjoy!!
I've been disappointed in sales before, Ally, but I never doubted it was because my books weren't good enough. Now, I feel pressed to produce the sales, which is why I'm so anxious. Sales seem to be out of our control, for the most part.
Update on the photo shoot. The hair cut went well--very pleased with that. BUT, it got windy at the beach while we were taking pictures. My bangs are messed up in the shot I like best, wouldn't you know... The price I have to pay to have a Lake Tahoe backdrop instead of the studio!
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