writing
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Guest Blogger: Camille Eide
I’m pleased to welcome Camille Eide to my blog today. Be sure to check out her just released book, Savanna’s Gift. I read it last week and really enjoyed the story.
My First Publishing Contract!
Last spring, I was in the middle of convincing my second novel to quit stalling and finish itself when I heard about the call for submissions at White Rose Publishing. They wanted Christmas Romance novellas for their holiday Extravaganza. The deadline was two months out. I decided to give it a try just for fun, to take a break from my obstinate WIP, and as an exercise in plotting story on a smaller scale. It took me about a month to write it. Though I have an agent, WRP didn’t require agent submission so I followed their guidelines and submitted the story. I was told I would hear back in a few months. But a friend who also submitted for this heard back quickly, so when weeks turned to months, I figured my story wouldn’t make the cut.
I was surprised to get an email from the publisher in July. They liked the story and asked if I would be willing to add something—the hero’s point of view. My word count was at the low end of the required range, so I had plenty of room. I agreed to the addition, so they sent me a contract—my first!
Since Savanna’s Gift is an eBook, I’ve had the gratification of seeing the publishing process in a short time. I worked with in-house editor—a first for me—and I have to say it was great and not at all scary. Through this, I’ve also had a chance to test all the promotional tips I’ve been gleaning over the years. So Savanna’s Gift has been a great first glimpse of life on “the other side.”
It has also been my first venture into the public eye, my way to test the “reader” waters. Since I’ve been focused strictly on pursuing novel publication, my writing has not been “out there” for public feedback. I’ve gotten feedback from friends, writing partners, contests and industry folks, but until now, I’ve never had an audience or known if people would like my work. (I haven’t been a super active blogger . . . ) The response to Savanna’s Gift has been amazing. Shocking, actually. Makes me wish all the more that my other books were out. I feel like I’ve gotten a taste of what authors feel when they release a book only to have readers devour it in a day and clamor for the next one. I don’t say this to boast, but to say my “detour” into publishing a novella has given me an extra leg to stand on as I press ahead with my full length novels. Knowing total strangers have read my work and want to read more is probably one of the most gratifying things I’ve experienced so far as a writer, maybe even more than being offered a contract. Makes me wonder why I haven’t tried publishing shorter works before.
Question: Are you a cave-dwelling novelist with no clue if you even have an audience? Have you offered freebies such as short stories on your blog or website? If not, what do you think about publishing short stories, articles or novellas as a way to begin building readership?
About Savanna’s Gift:
When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?
Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson. Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love. Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn’t because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?
Savanna’s Gift, A Christmas Romance (eBook novella) now available for $1.00
Please note: No eReader? There are free apps for phone, computer, etc. Download Amazon’s Kindle for PC app in minutes and take advantage of lots of free Kindle books!
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5cJlr7KmSk&feature=youtu.be
About Camille:
Camille Eide writes contemporary Christian romance and romantic women’s fiction. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is mom to three brilliant college-age kids. She’s grateful for the amazing grace of God, and either in spite of or thanks to that grace, she has a PhD in Learning Stuff the Hard Way. She’s also a church secretary, a bassist, and a passably devoted fan of classic rock, muscle cars, and Jane Austen.
Blog: Extreme Keyboarding
Website: www.camilleeide.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/camille.eide
Twitter: @CamilleEide
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Why Amish?
Love them or hate them, Amish books seem to be here to stay.
Personally, I’m on the fence. I’ve read a few Amish novels that I’ve loved and set just as many aside after the first few pages. But the question really isn’t whether or not I love Amish books. The question is, what is the appeal that makes this genre such a sure seller?
I think it’s the same thinking that drives the historical market. We’re so overwhelmed by the craziness of our world, that we crave an escape to a simpler time or place.
Of course it’s an illusion that life has ever been simple. People are still people, and unfortunately, many seem to get joy from the destruction of others. At least in an Amish community, you can fall on the ice and not find it ten minutes later on Youtube.
What do you think?
Do you love Amish stories or not so much?
What draws you to Amish or historical novels?
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Buy Books!
So, you have a hard to shop for person (or two or three) on your Christmas list? Me too. What do you get the person who seems to have all they need? Or that person who wants for nothing?
How about a book!
Don’t give up on me here. I have reasons.
1. There’s a book out there for everyone. From women’s fiction to steampunk, these days a shopper can find any genre that the mind can imagine.
2. We all need an excuse to step away from techno overload.
3. A book is great when the electricity goes out. Just think how much your gift will be appreciated when that winter storm hits and the power is out. All you need is a flashlight.
4. Stories give us a new perspective. They allow us to step into the shoes of another person and give us a broader view of our world. Okay, that may not be a reason to buy a book as a gift, but it is one of the reasons I love stories.
Are you buying books this Christmas? Any favorites you’d like to share with us?
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The agent search
Do I need an agent?
At this point in my career, I ask this question often. After all, I don’t have any novels published. But what I do have is publishing credits, three completed manuscripts, significant contest credits and the will to take this passion from intense hobby to career.
Without an agent, the next steps become more difficult.
Writing is, for the most part, a solitary adventure. Besides those brainstorming sessions with my critique group and conferences, I feel I’m pretty much on my own out here. Don’t we all really want someone on our side? Someone who feels what we do is worthy of the time, agony and frustrations of the process? I’m not sure an agent can really provide that, but it sure would be great to know someone felt my work was good enough to invest their time.
There are thousands of literary agents out there. Narrowing them down to about twenty wasn’t too hard. But will any of them want me, and will we be a good fit?
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Someone who believes in me and my work.
- Someone with strong connections within CBA publishing world.
- Someone who cares about people, not just money.
- Someone who brings their faith to the table.
- Someone who will push me to be my best.
I’d love to end this post with a short list of what my dream agent needs from me, but that’s a question I can’t answer. So I’ll bring what I have and hope it’s enough.
Here’s what I have:
- A willingness to work hard.
- A mind that’s open to suggestions and willing to make changes.
- A mountain of past work and enough ideas to fill a file cabinet.
- A dedication to improvement.
- Patience, though that’s a work in progress.
What do you think? When does a writer need an agent? What do you need from a literary agent?
