As I mentioned, one of the most important things I have learned is that there is always more to learn. And I am still learning.
Right now I’m learning about the process of getting a book published. LIKE A RIVER has been through revisions and copy edits. It has been through careful scrutinizing by my editor for mistakes. Now it is going through all things promotional.
“Galleys” were sent to a number of successful authors for review, and I am thrilled to say that it has been very well received. Rave reviews were offered by Jerry Spinelli (Did you love MANIAC MCGEE and MILKWEED as much as I did?), Richard Peck (Has he ever written a book that didn’t make me both laugh and cry?), Kirby Larson (And now HATTIE BIG SKY has a sequel!), Rich Wallace (who has taught me more about plot than anyone), Sandra Neil Wallace (whose range goes from Middle Grade to YA to non-fiction), and Michaela MacColl (writer of wonderful historical fiction, my favorite genre). I am in awe of their words, and now they have read mine!
The newest step has been Advance Reader Copies (ARCs). Those will be sent out to reviewers and booksellers. They are a chance to see the book in (almost) its final stage.
It has been an informative process, and I am an eager student. In six months, LIKE A RIVER will be on bookshelves in libraries, classrooms, and bookstores. I will love seeing it there, but the place I really want to see it is in readers’ hands. I hope they will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed the books of Jerry Spinelli, Richard Peck, Kirby Larson, Rich Wallace, Sandra Neil Wallace, and Michaela MacColl.
