Five Things I Wish I’d Known Before Publishing a Book
By Guest | April 7, 2013 |
photo by HAMED MASOUMI
Please welcome author Sarah Pekkanen to Writer Unboxed today. Sarah is the internationally-bestselling author of four novels. Her latest novel, The Best of Us, releases on April 9th. Following in the heels of her former novels, which have won rave reviews in O the Oprah magazine, People and Entertainment Weekly, The Best of Us has earned a starred review via Publishers Weekly and has become Marie Claire’s book pick of the month.
Because of ongoing negotiations between Barnes and Noble and Simon and Schuster, The Best of Us isn’t on display in Barnes and Noble stores–a loss of visibility that can hurt a book’s sales potential. WU offered to do a giveaway for Sarah, and she suggested something even better: Sarah will send signed copies of her entire back list to one randomly chosen commenter (U.S. or Canada only, please)!
We’ll be in touch with the winner on Wednesday. Even if you don’t win, we hope you’ll support Sarah by buying a copy of The Best of Us yourself and/or helping to spread the word about this book and giveaway. Thank you!
What’s Sarah’s book about?
An all-expense-paid week at a luxury villa in Jamaica—it’s the invitation of a lifetime for a group of old college friends. All four women are desperate not just for a reunion, but for an escape: Tina is drowning under the demands of mothering four young children. Allie is shattered by the news that a genetic illness runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of her husband’s infidelity. And, finally, there’s Pauline, who spares no expense to throw her wealthy husband an unforgettable thirty-fifth birthday celebration, hoping it will gloss over the cracks already splitting apart their new marriage.
Languid hours on a private beach, gourmet dinners, and late nights of drinking kick off an idyllic week for the women and their husbands. But as a powerful hurricane bears down on the island, turmoil swirls inside the villa, forcing each of the women to reevaluate everything she knows about her friends—and herself.
To learn more about Sarah and The Best of Us, please visit her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Five things I wish I’d known before publishing a book
1) Every single writer faces amazing highs and crushing lows – if you hate roller coasters, this isn’t the career for you. I was out with a group of authors at dinner a while ago, and one woman – a New York Times bestseller who writes luminous, gorgeous novels that accomplish the rare feat of being critically acclaimed and commercially successful – confided that years ago, she got such a vicious, heartbreaking review that she literally didn’t leave her apartment for a week. Other authors weighed in with their confessions: We’ve all felt horrible at times. We’ve all looked down at sentences we’ve typed and felt as if slugs on the sidewalk held more appeal. And we’ve all had transcendent moments, when the words flow and we fall into the zone and we emerge hours later, dazed and hungry, a little in awe of what has turned up on the page. Sometimes these things happen on the very same day. I constantly remind myself that I’m going to be writing for the rest of my life, and now I’m trying to take a more steady emotional approach to my job.
2) Aim to beat your deadlines. This year I was on track to turn in my novel well before my April 1 deadline. Then we got hit with a cluster of mini-crises: My husband had surgery and was told he couldn’t drive for 4 weeks…. which stretched to 8 weeks when recovery proved to be more complicated than expected. This was especially problematic because our three kids go to three different schools and need to be dropped off and picked up. Did I mentioned we moved a week after my husband’s surgery and needed to get our old house ready for sale? Then the Norovirus wiped out the entire family…. If I hadn’t gotten a good chunk of my book done before our personal hurricane, I would’ve missed my deadline – and that isn’t something that endears an author to a publisher. From now on I’m setting a deadline of my own that will hit before the one in my contract, so that if the unexpected happens, my book won’t suffer.
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3) Exercise enhances creativity. Some of my athletic pals swear they work out plot twists while jogging, but I’ve always been skeptical. Chocolate and caffeine have always done a perfectly fine job of fueling my imagination. Recently I tried a hard-core spinning class – the kind where the instructor yells and acts a little bit like she wants to beat you up- and I came home sweaty and exhausted, and immediately wrote a chapter. I think it’s because the angst we writers feel gets worked out along with our sweat and toxins, so we can do the actual job of writing – rather than worrying about writing, which sometimes feels like a more pressing occupation – when our bodies are spent. My old writing routine was to drop my son at preschool, then race to a coffeeshop and write until it was time to pick him up. Now, three mornings a week, I’m dashing to the spin class a few blocks away and then firing up my laptop in my car outside his school, in order to save time. I bet I get every bit as much writing done – if not more.
4) Don’t wait for the right time to write. You know that book about the fox who talks about all the place he won’t eat green eggs and ham? Turn that around and come up with a list of all the places where you can write. Some of my personal favorites: the orthodontist’s waiting room, my backyard, the school pick-up line (helpful safety tip: you’ve gotta put the car in park for this one), soccer practice…. Carry your laptop or a pad of paper and a pen everywhere (and make sure it’s a working pen, not the defective kinds I seem to stockpile). Whenever you have a snatch of time, write, write, write. Those moments really add up, and sometimes, you’ll get stuck somewhere and be able to knock out a good-sized chunk of writing.
[pullquote]”The perfect book to cozy up with on a rainy day” – Marie Claire magazine [/pullquote]
5) The Freedom App is a writer’s best friend! Social media and the Internet are to writing books what chocolate and fresh-baked breads are to diets: Pure kryptonite. I’ve noticed that I tend to spend more time on Facebook when the writing is not coming easily. It’s so easy to giggle at photos of angry-looking cats, rather than face the drudgery of massaging the kinks out of a knotty paragraph. The Freedom App has saved me. You can lock out on-line temptation and write for a set period of time – and you’ll actually get writing done! I was actually shocked by how often my itchy fingers tried to hit the connect button before remembering that I couldn’t go on-line.
Many thanks to today’s guest.
You can read more WU guest posts by visiting this link.
Oh, wow, Sarah! THE BEST OF US sounds like a great book! Sure hope your B&N problem gets resolved soon. And loved your interview, too. Great advice for any writer at any stage in their career!
I’m trying to work in exercise. I’m a morning writer because the house is quiet. Working out helps me recharge and write more at night. Love your book cover and blurb.
Such helpful advice! Can’t wait to read your newest book!
That’s fantastic advice! I need to try the Freedom App. And working out. And, well, all of it! My youngest starts preschool in the fall, so maybe I’ll be able to get a routine going then. In the meantime, I need to grab those bits of time where I can, as you said.
Great post – can’t wait to read your new book. I particularly love the advice #4 – we can write anywhere! Parking lots are particularly good as there is no wifi there to distract you.
Great post, Sarah. I tell my friends that I’m not going to read any reviews when I’m published. We’ll see how that goes. :-)
Abbi
Common sense and experience were rarely so expeditiously useful! Thanks
Thanks for the really useful advice! I know that itchy fingers sensation too well. Actually, that’s why I am here… better get back to work! (But still glad I visited!)
Quite an enlightening post, and I can’t wait to read The Best of Us- it sounds wonderful!
Thanks for the article. I’ve always thought I was in control of my procrastinations online (I don’t visit fbook much, or browse at random, and until recently I didn’t subscribe to blogs) but they’re rapidly trying to overtake my writing time. I’ll try freedom.
The novel sounds awesome and I’ll be sure to get it out and post of review :).
The Best of Us sounds timely for me since a group of my best friends from college are reuning this summer in the city of our now defunct college 40 years after graduation! Many of us haven’t seen each other in all that time. After Sandy, though, I can do without a hurricane. Not likely in Kansas. Congrats on the new book!
Thank you for your “five things.” I am not familiar with the Freedom App, but can absolutely understand how sidetracked the Internet can get us. I swear it only takes a second to check for e-mail messages and then only a second to read one, then another, etc. until an hour has passed by in what seems like a minute. I look forward to reading your new book. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations to Sarah on her wonderful books. Looking forward to her latest book.
All excellent tips. I try to follow most of them. When a writer is in the middle of a crushing low it is hard to remember that every writer experiences them. Writing tends to be a solitary occupation but we are still part of a larger community and it is important to remember that. My physical condition does not allow me workouts. However, I do try (unless heavy rain is happening) to walk my cat on his harness and leash every day. However, I usually do it after I have been writing. Often people with chronic conditions only have a few good hours a day and so I use them to start writing soon after I get up. I do like the idea of the Freedom App so I want to look into that one. I don’t do Facebook but love Twitter and the internet in general. The Freedom App is sort of like an internet intervention!
The Freedom App sounds amazing and I will have to check it out. I always sit down to write and then hours later I find myself on Twitter or YouTube wondering where the time went.
Can’t wait to read this book. My 3 BFF’s came to my house for a reunion– all native New Yorkers, and the first time in 30 years that ALL FOUR of us got together. Amazing weekend!
Your tips are all spot on. When I sell, I will try not to be overwhelmed by “iffy” reviews. And I will tell myself that it’s still publicity, and subjective, and not everyone will agree–some will check it out to see if that reviewer matches their taste
Ellen
I don’t like roller coasters but love to write … Can’t make a career out of it yet because I’m new to it. And I can’t wait to check out Freedom App! Did you aelf publish? Not sure I understand why you wish you knew these things before you published a book rather than wishing you knew them before even starting to write :-). Then again – I’m new to this.
Hi Linda,
That’s a good distinction – I wish I had known these things before starting to write! I’ve never self published; my books are all with Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Best,
Sarah
great advice. thanks so much. Hope the B&N fiasco works out soon. Now to put some of this much needed advice into service! thanks again
I need the Freedom App NOW!
Wow, this really hit home! I’ve been doing more beating myself up about not writing than actually just doing it. Great post!! I can’t wait to read this book!!
Great post!! This really hit home. I can’t wait to read this book :)))
Sounds like a great book! And I love your advice. Especially about the exercise — I’ve never been a fan of “working out” but I got a dog that needs walking, and that’s essentially the same thing. Now, to reap the benefits! :)
Number #1. Yes.
Sarah, all points well taken! I love the whole danged roller coaster, whether it’s life or writing about it, so I’m good there. But I really appreciate you sharing your experience as concerns beating the deadlines—I wouldn’t have thought of that. Sounds smart.
I look forward to your continued posts!
I get some of my best ideas while walking my dogs for an hour every morning.
Sarah, I love your books and can’t wait to get my hands on The Best of Us. I feel those highs and lows, and I haven’t even been published yet. I’m also one of those running writers. I can’t run the negative tape loop and breathe at the same time. It also keeps the chocolate from catching up to me. :)
Great advice! Walking anf frsh air help boost my mood – and that freedom app sounds like a great idea!
Whoops! And a blogging spell checker!
Sarah, your new book sounds wonderful. Can’t wait to read it. I also like to spin and agree that exercise is a great way to clear the mind and get you ready to write! I have received inspiration for scenes while spinning. To bad I can’t write and spin at the same time. Probably only a matter of time before that is also possible!
Great post, thank you, Sarah! And yeah, I’m one of those people NEEDING Freedom App! Your new books sounds very intriguing, too – congratulations!
Great post, Sarah! I’ll be buying your book, too. Sounds like a good one to get lost in. Not like I ever having trouble getting lost in a story :))
Thanks for five amazing common-sense tips writers in any stage of their careers can adopt. +1 for exercise: talk about shaking loose great ideas! Today while preparing the “lot” for our new chicken coop, I raked leaves, pulled roots, and finally figured out a more action-packed method for introducing a key character in my novel. best of luck with your newest novel.
Hints #1 and #4 really resonate with me.
I’m having trouble with the emotional highs and lows. I’ve had a good streak of sales recently, but the rejections still hurt as much as they used to. I don’t get as elated about the sales as I should, and I get more dejected about the rejections than I should. I have to learn to be more temperate, to just go with the flow, each come as they may.
And I’m also in the bad habit of waiting for inspiration to strike lately, partly because of what I just mentioned. I need to write whenever I have time–in my office after work; at work after my job is over; wherever and whenever. I’ve been trying to establish a pattern lately, instead of just writing whenever I get the chance. Let’s try that.
Good entry, and the book sounds like a good read as well.
Very helpful advice, Sarah!
I especially like the suggestion about setting one’s own “early” deadline since life is definitely what happens while you’re trying to meet the publisher’s deadline! I’ll share this on Facebook for all my writing friends in anguish. My latest revisions fell off the radar screen, when my 92-year-old father fell.
I spent yesterday afternoon lounging at the beach, enjoying The Best of Us. Perfect beach read!
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I’ve been meaning to get the Freedom App forever (but if I had, I wouldn’t be here now). And I must learn to be more flexible about when and where I write.
Best wishes for a Happy Pub Day tomorrow!
“Some of my personal favorites: the orthodontist’s waiting room, my backyard, the school pick-up line (helpful safety tip: you’ve gotta put the car in park for this one)….”
Very witty, Sarah!
One of the things we wished we knew before being published was how much of the marketing would fall on us…
Thank you for the advice. I am trying to get up the nerve to write the story that is bouncing around in my head. Your post is inspiration to pick up my pen…
Basic stuff but well worth continuous reminding. I would add, turn off the TV and if the internet is a distraction, rip your router off the wall and toss it out the window.
Great article! Shared in on twitter.
Wow, I love the tip about writing anywhere! I definitely get caught up in “the conditions have to be just perfect to write” problem. I’m going to try this. Thank you!
It’s the ‘write anywhere’ part that always gets me. Ideas often come to me while I’m out walking with my dogs. Perhaps I need to take a small recorder — easier to pack than writing tools. Thanks for the great advice.
I love Sarah’s work and absolutely will support her. Feel terrible for the authors caught up in this debacle.
Sarah,
Great tips about exercise and approaching the emotional roller-coaster with a more steady emotional perspective. I’m looking forward to employing these myself. Good luck with The Best of Us!
I wonder what is more emotionally debilitating: a poor review from a respected critic or indifference or negative criticism from your peers or writers you admire?
Thank you Sarah for sharing such great advice! I need that Freedom App. Also, I was lacking motivation to go work out today. I am now stepping away from my manuscript and computer…
An interesting read, thanks! I was just thinking about using the freedom app. Facebook is so addicting.
Your advice about being ready to write anywhere…pure gold! I wrote a whole 2000 words the other day waiting at the dentist. I didn’t want to. I always have that ‘ugh’ moment about getting started. But once I pulled out my notebook, the dentist disappeared and my actually felt a little disappointed when I was called in for my appointment. Thanks, Sarah, for the advice. I also need to check out the Freedom App!
Thanks for some great tips. Always be ready and the Freedom App sound good, but setting your own deadline sounds like a must.
Your new book sounds like a must read. So sorry the publisher change is hurting your launch.
I love your work, Sarah, and thank you for this piece. Not only are you a writer who rocks, but you also have a life and a family, which is like so many of us. Great advice on writing anywhere. Thank you!
So so late to this, but I love this post. I’ve never been able to get to a deadline before I HAD to, but I live in hope.
And I adore the Freedom app. It saves me, more days than not.
Thanks Sarah, I needed the pep talk and refocusing this morning. Going along with the exercise theme, does this make you the writer’s equivalent of a personal trainer?
Coming late, but I wanted to say “doh” on the tip about the parking brake. (Hope everyone’s okay.) Also, the Freedom app doesn’t work for my computer, but I use Chrome as my browser and it comes with GetFocusd. Awesome stuff and sobering in that it reveals how habitually I use the Internet.
Lastly, I agree on the value of exercise! I’m back in dance class and guess who’s finally writing consistently and which are her best days. (Hint: you don’t need to. ;) )
I completely agree with you that exercise enhances creativity. There’s something about the rush of adrenaline after a workout that seems to unleash the creative juices.
Congratulations to Ellen Breen! You are the winner of Sarah’s signed backlist! We’ll be in touch with your directly ASAP. Congrats, again.
[…] we leave you with five pieces of fabulous advice to writers from best-selling author Sarah […]
Great article, hadn’t hear about the Freedom App, perhaps I’ll look into that if I dare “loose” the interwebs ;) The only negative thing came in the begining – before the article.
Once again contests in this ever smaller world are US only… I see this way to often… it’s thanks for buying our books, oh. .wanna win something, well I got a finger for you :( … I get a flashback to the worldwide release of Dragon Die (a game) which got very delayed in coming to Europe cause they all got bought in the US, also the next batch.. and us in Europe had to wait.. and wait. Yep, we want your money, but only after we’ve service our more important customers, please step to the back of the line.
sorry about going off – but it irks at you after a while. :/ love the page though :)
[…] Writer Unboxed » Five Things I Wish I’d Known Before Publishing a Book […]
I’ve been writing since 1975. Poems, Jokes, short stories; But the contradiction to that is I am very new to actually being a writer. All of what I’ve done has been with solo efforts or very little to no assistance. (editing, illustrations, etc) I published my first book last year (auto-bio) and all the things I did before then were things I did only when I was at total ease with myself. And that has been very seldom over the 62 years I’ve been alive. (35 of which in sales) So now I’m writing my 2nd book (fiction) and I’m researching, and I ran up on this page. I saw so many similarities that I began to think, “Maybe I am an accomplished writer and didn’t know it.” The writers block, the rewrites or changes of many and any kind and so on. But I am still not so convinced that I am not open for some shared insight. I’m about half way through my second book, but I get very funny thoughts that I write and record on a digital recorder. So if there is anyone out there who has some advice for me and don’t mind shariing with me please hit me up here on one of my facebook pages. Regular page is; Bobby Edwards, Miami, FL. or CATSKILLS https://www.facebook.com/pages/CATSKILLS/320537364644129
Thank You!!