You’ve all heard the saying that “success is a journey and not a destination.”  I have to agree.  Look at the process of creating a novel.  You write and edit for hours, weeks, maybe years.  Then you begin the process of finding representation and/or a publisher.  Every step takes time. 

Once you find that publisher and you’ve signed a contract you begin editing again.  If you’re lucky you get to consult on the cover art, the catalog information, and the jacket blurb.  You’ll do a little more editing perhaps, some formatting, then the final manuscript goes to the next step. 

You receive your “advanced review copies” and start the process of obtaining reviewers not already notified by the publisher.  You show your ARC to everyone and fill the thrill of having the product almost complete.  You begin developing a marketing and promotional plan, ordering bookmarks, give aways, and visiting bookstores in your area. 

The book gets released, which means it ships to the distributors who ship it to the bookstores, who display it or ship it to the customer like Amazon.com.  You set up readings and signings, targeting your audience for those that would enjoy your story.  You agree to speak to groups interested in you, your story, or some of the topics your novel covers.  You buy a few books for those events not sponsored by bookstores, obtain a sales tax number and off you go.

Every step is exciting and new.  You meet wonderful people along the way.  You learn and teach and gush with pride when someone loves your book.  The journey truly is a many step success, filled with joy and tempered with a little fear.  Let’s hope when I start to do my speaking and such my hair cooperates.

Write on, my friends.