’“OK, YOU’VE WRITTEN A BOOK…NOW WHAT?” That was the title of a workshop I attended two years ago while I was in the throwsof writing my memoir.
The workshop, sponsored by the Jacksonville Public Library, was led by popular novelist Jessica Hatch. It focused on all that it takes to whet the literary appetite of a publisher, which is a LOT. It was a total emergence into the adventure/misadventure of securing a literary agent and creating captivating pitches, queries, and creative cover letters to publishers, all of which sounded labor-intensive and certainly daunting. Even when a writer (me) is lucky enough to gain a publisher’s attention, there’s a ton of work ahead. I hate to say it, but perhaps writing the book is the easiest part of the entire enterprise. Not really. Marketing the book, ultimately competing for media attention, and approaching booksellers is an ordeal, even though I’m working with a professional marketing team.
As of today (February 2025), a few articles have been written about the book, and there have been library requests and acquisitions. A podcast is in the works. It’s up to me to do a lot of the necessary follow-up with interested parties and bookstores and schedule appearances. This is something I didn’t anticipate, that’s for sure.
I have high hopes for pairing a book signing with an exhibition of my paintings in the fall. Updates will follow.
For now, just released on air: a PODCASTfrom St. Pete Radio
Thank you Deb Carson,fellow author and podcaster,and most importantly,my guiding light throughout the writing process.I appreciate this wonderful tribute, which honors me, my artwork, andmy new book- My Father, Picasso And ME.