Let’s Read Something As A Newbie

It wasn’t long ago that I was a newbie. I still remember those days fondly when I thought all you had to do was write the book. Let’s go back in a time machine and read a website. One that I’ve stumbled upon because it’s Harlequin.

Oh, and look it talks about The Book Publishing Process. I should know more about that so I know what to expect. Harlequin should know about what it takes to get published.

“Our Harlequin Horizons team will assist you though the book publishing process every step of the way, but it’s up to you to take the first step.

I’m taking the first step. I’m actually reading the website instead of finding the address or the e-mail addy and sending my manuscript off.

“By following our publishing process you can make informed choices about your publishing journey and ultimately end up with the book of your dreams.”

I like that sound of that. Harlequin is going to give me the down and dirty tips to getting published with them. I mean it’s HARLEQUIN, they know what they are talking about. Some of my favorite authors started there.

“Before you even start down the road of self-publishing, you must decide what your final goal will be.”

Wait. Time Out. This is the book publishing process? Self-publishing. Doesn’t that cost money? I mean I was just at the other website where they talked about a different process. One that involves working on my craft. Getting to know the industry. What it takes to write a compelling story. Crafting a query letter. Somehow writing a synopsis that doesn’t involve vodka and pulling out you hair. One where you get an advance. One where you can walk into a bookstore and see your name on a book.

Yeah, I thought that was the book publishing process. But this is Harlequin.

“Is your goal to be picked up by a traditional publisher? Or maybe it has always been your dream to see your name in print and you would be content with that alone. Whatever your final publishing goal is, defining it from chapter one will guarantee you achieve the dreams you hold in your heart.”

I totally want to see my name on a book and have readers. I want to write stories that come alive on the page. I want one of those Nora Roberts commercials “Everybody reads Nora Roberts” and she’s with Harlequin. So, let me keep reading.

After selecting your package you will have the option to add additional editing, design and marketing services that will enhance your book. Speak with one of our Publishing Consultants for guidance to select the right package and services for your unique needs.

So, I don’t have to work on my craft? I just can pick a package and my book can be published. I can have my own Publishing Consultant who will take me through the entire process. There is a lot of stuff I don’t know and that will be helpful.

Our online submission process and trained check-in coordinators make it easy for you to submit your manuscript and any other necessary materials. You will receive an e-mail within three to five days introducing you to your design team and telling you about the next steps.

Three to five days?!!!!! Man on some of those threads at EHarlequin like the Submission Care Group people talked about waiting a freaking YEAR. And just to be rejected. But, wait a minute, my materials? Does that mean my query, synopsis, and full manuscript. I bet that’s what they mean. But, wouldn’t they have already decided that my book is good enough to publish?

You can rest assured that you will always have creative control over your book and that our designers will listen to your vision. When the initial design and layout of your book is complete you will receive a draft for your review and approval. No changes will be made without your approval and we will not move forward until you are completely satisfied that your book reflects your vision.

Holy crap! I’ll have control over my cover and what can and cannot be edited. Christina Dodd ended up with that three-armed whooper. And, OMG! I’m going to have complete control? My CP kept telling me I didn’t need all that backstory. That my book actually started on page 100. And I can keep it? Man, ’cause I really felt that I needed those scenes to set up the later conflict. And, really showing Cade vulnerable after his childhood puppy died will have the reader understanding why he’s so closed off. I knew! Where do I send my manuscript?

Before your book finally goes to the printer you will work with your publishing team to determine the price of your book, your royalties and other post-printing details. Once your book is published people all over the world can buy it through our online bookstore and you are free to start your marketing efforts. Congratulations! You are finally a published author.

Royalties? My book available world wide? Published author? This is all I’ve ever dreamed of.

Do you see the problem here? Do you see how and why it’s misleading? At what point in time in this Book Publishing Process is it really stated how hard it is to make sales, especially as an author who isn’t established? Where does it point out that POD is damn hard to get your book in a bookstore? There is one sentence that talks about online bookstore. One. Do you see how this description aligns itself with the real process of Submission to Contract to Book on the shelf?

*Our online submission process
*submit your manuscript and any other necessary materials (Q and S, Partial, Full)
* the initial design and layout of your book is complete you will receive a draft for your review and approval (galley?)
*Imagine the joy of seeing your book on your shelf or even the shelves of your local bookstore (What author hasn’t imagined this?)
*Before your book finally goes to the printer (print runs?)
*the price of your book, your royalties and other post-printing details

At the very least 6 lines. And one reference to Online Bookstores World wide. Tell me how is this truly self-publishing? How on this planet does it not seem misleading? You know when this was first announced I couldn’t get my mind around how anyone would fall for this. How anyone who could not do extra research to find out this publishing route may not be the one they wanted to take.

Then I found 1200 reasons to discredit my belief. And then I started to remember how I was as a newbie, truly remember, that I had no idea what it really meant The Road To Publication. There wasn’t an easy out or a shortcut. But,there had to be one. I wanted readers. Deep down my misguided self believed all I had to was get my book in print to do that. Some type of fairy dust magic could happen if people just read my words. It never really crossed my mind to make my words worth reading. It never really crossed my mind in order for a reader to buy me, they had to know I existed.

So the problem isn’t only desperate people will fall for these promises. The problem is not knowing it takes more than penning the novel. The problem is not knowing that once the book is in print and available worldwide, the hard work has just begun.

I’ve yet to find on the website this part of the process being explained that doesn’t come wrapped nicely in a package (for a price).