Happy Monday Everyone! Today I’m
excited to have Abbi Lee here to share a guest post to celebrate the release of
her MG Ghost Town Treasure Hunt. It sounds like a great book to read during the
Halloween season and I really like that it involves geocaching.
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When his best friend moves away, eleven-year-old Layton Clark wonders if he'll ever have another adventure. Then he meets Sherry. She introduces him to the treasure-hunting world of geocaching. A contagious thirst for adventure sends them hunting for mysterious geocaches popping up in random places-like an abandoned Kansas ghost town.
Layton and Sherry must work together to unlock the clues in the strange geocaches, solve a 100 year old mystery to clear a dead man's name, and convince Layton's archaeologist father the town is worth studying further so his family doesn't have to move.
Now
here’s Abbi!
Find Success in Switching Up Your Strategy
When I first started writing for
publication, I wrote picture books. I researched the industry, made a massive
list of literary agents, and wrote multiple manuscripts to fill out my picture
book portfolio. These stories went through critique partners, beta readers, and
many more people before they were ready to send out to agents. As time passed,
my inbox was full of rejection after rejection. Countless times, I received the
same feedback… my voice was more suited for middle-grade.
So, I made a switch.
I had an idea I thought would be
better for a middle-grade audience, so I began to write that story. Again, the
story went through trusted critique partners and multiple beta readers before I
felt it was good enough to send out. During the querying process, the
manuscript received everything from form rejections to full-manuscript
requests. All in all, the story ended up with 131 rejections from agents. I had
queried it until I had no one else to send it to. I was at the point where most
people in the publishing industry tell you to shelve the manuscript and move on
to something else. But instead…
I made another switch.
Everyone's road to publication is
different and no one gets there in exactly the same way. Choose the path that
works for you and keep writing!
Bonus: 3
Tips on Working with a Publisher When You're Not Agented
Working with a traditional publisher without an agent is a unique experience, but it’s definitely doable with the right approach and a reputable publishing company. Here are three tips to keep in mind while you navigate the process:
- Negotiate Your Contract: Without an agent, you’ll be the one negotiating with the publisher. This is intimidating, but not impossible. The key is to educate yourself as much as you can and bring in an expert, if possible. I listened to multiple author podcasts that featured contracts (check out BookEnds Literary Agency’s YouTube channel) so I became familiar on what was considered industry standard. I also had a lawyer friend look at the contract for any glaring problems.
- Keep Open Communication: Building a good working relationship with your publisher is crucial. Be responsive to their communications and provide any requested materials or information in a timely manner. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out when you have questions or need an update on the process. Keeping the lines of communication open can help ensure that your book’s production and marketing processes go smoothly for both you and the publisher.
- Stay Organized:
Keep detailed and organized records of all communications, contracts, and
agreements related to your book. Consider creating a calendar to keep you
on track to meet deadlines.
About Abbi Lee:
Abbi Lee taught high school English
and Social Studies before turning her full attention to writing. She now works
for a marketing agency, has been published in multiple magazines, and is proud
to announce Ghost Town Treasure Hunt
as her debut middle-grade novel. Outside of reading and writing, Abbi also
enjoys making (and eating) no-bake cookies, geocaching for hidden treasures,
and going on adventures with her husband and two daughters.
You can find Abbi via her website
or on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook: @abbileebooks
Giveaway Details
Abbi is generously offering a
paperback of Ghost Town Treasure Hunt for a giveaway. To enter,
all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget,
email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by November
9th. If your email is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the
comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.
If you mention this contest on
Twitter, Facebook, or your blog and/or follow me on Twitter or follow Abbi on her
social media sites, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra
entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. This book giveaway
is U.S.
Marvelous Middle Grade
Monday is hosted by Greg Pattridge. You can find the participating blogs on
his blog.
Upcoming
Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops
Friday,
November 1st I’m participating in the Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop
Wednesday,
November 6th I have an interview with author Jan Gangsei and a giveaway of her YA
Dead Below Deck and my IWSG post
Saturday, November 9th I’m participating in the Super
Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop
Monday, November 11th I have an agent spotlight interview
with CoCo Freeman and a query critique giveaway
Saturday, November 16th I’m participating in the In All
Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop
Monday, November 18th I have a guest post by Elisa
Stone Leahy and a giveaway of her MG Mallory in Full Color
I hope to see you on Friday!
