My road to publication…
by R.T. Wolfe
The road to publication is changing. Self-publishing and the appearance of more unconventional publishers are shaking the landscape, forcing traditional publishers to evolve or suffer in sales. Some have chosen the latter. Although still strong sellers, print books continue to decline in numbers as ebook sales rise exponentially. For authors, this means the road to publication is no longer a standard process. Every author has a story. Here is mine.
I wrote Black Creek Burning, Black Creek Series Book 1, as a stand-alone novel. Although, books 2 and 3 in the series had already taken shape in my head, I had no idea if an agent or publisher would take more than the first book. In fact, I did the same with book 2 in the series, Flying in Shadows. What an incredible challenge it was to create a book that was, indeed, the next in a series, a prequel to the final book in a series, yet could also be a stand-alone novel. It was that sick kind of challenge. The kind that wakes you up in the middle of the night so you can spend a few hours working on it only to leave you nodding off at work the next day with a smile on your face.
As I worked on Flying in Shadows, I queried. I queried agents. I queried publishing companies. More agents. More publishers. The process was daunting. It contains extensive research on each and every agent/publisher you submit to. They each want something different; a cover letter only, a cover letter plus the first 5 pages, first 3 chapters, a full manuscript. And if you want your letter to stand out from the other hundred they received that day, you need to add something personal that is particular to that specific agent or company. I’d rather have a tooth pulled. But I was determined. The drug coursed through my veins, dragging my feet forward to get that next fix. Writing.
One inch away from self-publishing, I was offered my first contract. In fact, I was offered two in the same week. Go figure. I didn’t choose the right one and four months later was able to terminated my contract with that company and sign with ePublishing Works. They are one of those unconventional publishers, and I couldn’t be happier. Five books later, Black Creek Burning hit the top 100 on Amazon and #1 at Barnes and Noble. Pinch me.
Savage Deception, Nickie Savage Series Book 1, was released last month. If you like detective, mystery, romance, give it a try!
Here is the Amazon link:
And here is Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/savage-deception-rt-wolfe/1118045251?ean=9781614175131 (ebook should be live any day now)
Busy juggling loan sharks and Amber Alerts, Detective Nickie Savage makes time when the FBI seeks her expertise with a child trafficking ring. But when Nickie discovers that the men running the ring are the same ones who abducted her as a young teen, the case gets personal.
Risking her badge, Nickie goes rogue. Luckily, she has Duncan Reed, along with his wire tapping and surveillance expertise. But Duncan also wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Now, Nickie must choose: break her own rules and risk her heart or forge ahead alone.
THE NICKIE SAVAGE SERIES, in order
Risking her badge, Nickie goes rogue. Luckily, she has Duncan Reed, along with his wire tapping and surveillance expertise. But Duncan also wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Now, Nickie must choose: break her own rules and risk her heart or forge ahead alone.
THE NICKIE SAVAGE SERIES, in order
Savage Echoes
Savage Deception
Savage Rendezvous
Savage Disclosure
Savage Betrayal
Savage Alliance
This road to publication is longer than the United State’s Interstate 80. I’m still seriously considering self-publishing a series and have a bigger publishing company that wants a manuscript submission from me. I’m not sure which exit to take or if I should stay on the Interstate. As most authors do, I’m taking one day at time and working on the next book.
And for M.J.’s ‘Just for fun’… (love these!)
If you could be any animal, what animal would you choose, and why?
Savage Deception
Savage Rendezvous
Savage Disclosure
Savage Betrayal
Savage Alliance
This road to publication is longer than the United State’s Interstate 80. I’m still seriously considering self-publishing a series and have a bigger publishing company that wants a manuscript submission from me. I’m not sure which exit to take or if I should stay on the Interstate. As most authors do, I’m taking one day at time and working on the next book.
And for M.J.’s ‘Just for fun’… (love these!)
If you could be any animal, what animal would you choose, and why?
An eagle. I love the cold. I love to fly, and could fight for survival if I had to.
What CD is in your CD player right now?
What CD is in your CD player right now?
The playlist I use most has The Fray, GooGoo Dolls, Uncle Kracker, and Callie Colbert. Diversity. J
What is your concept of a fruitful day?
What is your concept of a fruitful day?
6,000 words and an hour of marketing. Woo hoo!
What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?
What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without?
Flush toilets. I know this might not seem like a modern convenience, but I’ve been to Liberia, and I’ve been tent camping a zillion times. I have my limits.
What are your three favorite smells?
What are your three favorite smells?
Ooo. That’s a good one, M.J. I’m going to say coffee, citris, and subtle cologne.
Subtle cologne. Definitely a romance writer's answer.
Thank you for having me back, M.J. I’m truly honored.
Thank you for having me back, M.J. I’m truly honored.
My pleasure entirely! Having my favorite author on is not much of a struggle.
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R.T.’s WebPage:
http://www.rtwolfe.com
