Like the arrow keys on a computer which move my manuscript up or down, forward or back, taking a new step in my writing career was filled with possibilities. I started writing category because I love Romance and the shorter genre. I still do and so, my category career continues. But as is human nature, I wanted to try something different. Enter Warner Books and the opportunity to write single title romance and take my career in a new and challenging direction. How did I handle the experience and what have I learned as a result? Because I am a writer, I think those computer arrow keys provide a perfect analogy..
A Step Forward…
More characters and more space to develop them! More plot, if I choose. In The Bachelor, I opted for a panty thief to spice things up. More, more more! I was in writer’s heaven.
A Step Backward…
Entering a new genre was like starting over again with that first sale. New editors, new expectations, and all new rules culminating in that dreaded word, revisions! But with the right editor, the experience was challenging and I came through learning much about my writing, myself and the things I can accomplish. By the time I worked on my second single title, The Playboy , I’d learned many lessons and was able to apply them with confidence. Less revisions and much praise! That step backward was a worthwhile trip!
A Step Sideways…
Move those computer keys left or right, the direction doesn’t matter. While I was writing, sometimes I felt like I was treading water without making headway – especially since I went from writing a 230 page manuscript to a 400 page manuscript. With the help of a supportive critique partner and family, the books did get written and from treading water, I’d reached the finish line!
I’m now *this* close to seeing my book in print and on the bookstore shelves. I’ve learned about promoting single titles and how different and more time consuming that job is than promoting category. I’ve learned to think more about budgeting my money for promoting (note, I didn’t say I DID budget). And I’ve learned to treat my publisher as a partner in having the book do well. But the most important thing I’ve discovered on the road to publishing a single title is that every step taken is ultimately, a step forward.
