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My Publishing Journey: the initial reaction

Some time earlier this year amid the mass of submissions I sent out, I sent off a submission to my (now) publishers, never thinking for a minute but forever hopeful that they would accept my work. One of the few publishers who accept unsolicited material.

I had undertaken a lot of research regarding the publishing process and sent most of my submissions out to agents hoping for the best. My most useful resources during this time was my writing course which I do from home and the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2019.

My writing course helped me construct my submission to a professional level as well as aiding my writing process while the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2019 gave me all the information about agents, publishers and what to do to become a published novelist.

Some time in July I heard that my manuscript was being passed to the board of Editors who were to review it and get back to me.

Some weeks passed.

On Tuesday 17th September 2019 I recieved a publishing contract in the post. I was beside myself.

Excitedly I text family and friends delighted to tell them my news. I shared champagne celebrations that evening with some friends. I couldn’t sleep that night because I was sleeping on clouds. I couldn’t quite believe it.

MY FIRST NOVEL WAS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!!!

I dreamed of the book signings, the interviews, the launch party. I kept holding my contract to certify its reality.

I was telling people at work and each time it felt surreal to be talking about me and my novel. I received gifts and cards in the post. I was eligible to sign up to the society of authors. It all felt pretty darn cool.

6 replies on “My Publishing Journey: the initial reaction”

Hi Gareth. It’s a 2 year home study Comprehensive Creative Writing course with the Writers Bureau.

I came across your post and am wondering if you are still posting. The same thing just happened to me and I wanted to congratulate you and learn how you are doing now—June of 2020. I am blogging about the same thing and trying to understand the publishing contract. Maybe we can compare our stories?

Hello Karen. Lovely to hear from you. Of course. I’m still actively posting on my blog but haven’t put anything regarding my publishing journey in a little while because it’s all slowed down during the editing process and a little slower with COVID-19. Well done you!!! I’d be more than happy to compare, we’d probably learn a lot from each other!!

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