A quick, mini-blog

December 1st, 2004 · 10 Comments
by Jill Monroe

Publishing is a slow, slow business. Molasses slow. December 23rd when you’re seven slow.

I sold my book December 18, 2003 – was told I’d be out sometime in 2005. All the time in the world, right? Then change. I wasn’t prepared for fast-moving. In the Spring, I got the happy word I’d be out in December (and quickly changed all my references to weather/flowers/clothing) to reflect December temps in Oklahoma. Now if you’ve ever been to Oklahoma in December, you realize just how tough that is, because quite frankly, who knows what the weather will be?

This summer, it seemed like it would take FOREVER for my book to come out. Now it’s December 1st – my book is OFFICIALLY released. I know because I saw it at Wal-Mart. Oh sure, I’ve seen it on the cyber shelves of eHarlequin and Barnes and Noble, but to actually spy it on the rack, thumb through the pages, smell the scent it was amazing. So amazing that I visited 4 more Wal-Marts after that! (Sadly, I’m not exaggerating.)

Tomorrow – Target!!!

Before you ask about K-Mart – there are none in Oklahoma.

File Under: Jill's First Blog

10 responses so far ↓

  • Karen // Dec 1, 2004 at 10:05 pm

    Jill, Congratulations on your first book! When you say your book was moved up, what happens? What do you have to do to get ready to be published? What was the hardest thing?

  • booksquare // Dec 1, 2004 at 10:09 pm

    Okay, tell the truth, only five Wal-Marts? Where else did you go? It’s time to confess all. So, what was the most exciting part about Day One?

  • Tanya // Dec 1, 2004 at 10:39 pm

    Mega-congrats on being “official”, Jill! So, did you do anything at these Wal Marts? Take pictures (don’t laugh, I did ) or accost strangers, or anything? I can’t wait to read the book!

  • Jill Monroe // Dec 2, 2004 at 6:17 am

    Hi Karen – my book was moved up in the production schedule. It had been scheduled for early 2005, then changed to December 2004. There were a few minor changes to be made – I had my book’s time and setting for April – I also had a different title.

    The season didn’t play too big a role, except I did need to find out what color the Bricktown Ballpark grass was in December. That was easily handled with a quick call to the grounds supervisor. The title was something all together different Titles are hard, but my editor gave me some good direction – something that reflects the season – maybe with the word naughty in it. I think in all I gave about 20 “pick list” titles and Harlequin liked Never Naughty Enough.

    I think the hardest thing is revising. I know Booksquare has probably talked at length about embracing the revision process, but for me, staring at a blinking cursor while trying to internalize my editor’s suggestion is VERY difficult. Also, I suddenly have all these pressing tasks that must be accomplished around the house – like organizing all my picture negatives

    I can’t praise my editors enough – their comments were dead on, and after working in their suggestions my book was better.

  • Susan Gable // Dec 2, 2004 at 7:05 am

    Yeaaayyyy, Jill! Congratulations.

    You actually changed the book to reflect the time of release?? LOL. I’ve never done that – but then again, most of my books have covered long time periods, so they fit anytime. Although my May book from this spring was set in the fall. I guess I just didn’t figure it mattered. So that’s a new one on me. Very interesting.

    I hope you did take pictures at the store!

  • Jill Monroe // Dec 2, 2004 at 7:24 am

    Well, I did accost three Wal-Mart employees. Does that count?

    No pics, but what a good idea. I can always add something new to the bad pictures page of my website.

    My local romance writers chapter (OK-RWA) made stickers that say “Oklahoma Author” so I was busy putting those on the covers of my books.

  • booksquare // Dec 2, 2004 at 9:42 am

    Oh, yes, please talk more about the revision process. Makes me all excited! Actually, it might be fun for you to share the agony with others (why should I have all the fun!).

  • TEV // Dec 2, 2004 at 9:48 am

    MANY congratulations! I’m awfully pleased for you and look forward to hearing more next week.

  • Jill Monroe // Dec 2, 2004 at 9:21 pm

    Thank you Tev and Susan!!

    Jill

  • Jeffrey Powell // Jan 13, 2006 at 8:50 am

    Jill! My long-lost friend from college! I just heard, and I’m happy and proud for you. I read an excerpt and thought it was well-written – if you like that kind of thing.

    Best wishes.