SOME THINGS I'VE LEARNED

ALONG THE DAY

1. As soon as someone tells you “If you don’t tell me, I can’t help you.” Run, run like hell, you will probably be screwed by them. (see #6 below--they will help make this happen).
2. An “open door” doesn’t stay open very long. It's open until they figure out a way to screw you or until you stop thinking they are the most wonderful person you have ever met. (See #6 below).
3. Before you submit a book to a publisher, ask “Will I be able to interact with my editor? If the answer is no, be very suspicious, it may turn out not to be your book.
4. Before you submit a book to a publisher, ask “Will there be a cover page/title sheet I get to submit?” If the answer is no, be very suspicious.
5. Before you submit a book to a publisher, ask “Do I get to write my own back cover blurb?” If the answer is no, be very suspicious.
6. If you meet someone who it’s never their fault, they didn’t do it, they didn’t know, or they are new, trust me, run. It will very soon soon be your fault…they will use that open door mentioned above to paint you the bad guy before you’ve ever walked in the room.
7. When you are assigned an editor, check to see if they have a blog or website. If they do, read it and make sure they aren't saying nasty things about the publisher and/or current authors they are working with. If they are, ask for a new editor, they will say the same, or worse, about you.
8. Promos are good. Too many are bad. Your book is out, tell people, but not every day for weeks on end. If it's someone else's debut day, seriously consider giving them at least one day to be in the spotlight, really, it won't kill you.

If you have some things you have learned along the way, please share with me by writing me at: Regan@Regantaylor.com