Part 6? Did you read correctly? Yes, you did!
Due to the enormous success of my debut author series, two extra interviews will be expanding what was originally planned as a five-part series… to seven. A debut author from Ticonderoga Publications will join one more Harper Collins author.
It seems I’m not the only one who goes to sleep at night, dreaming about the day my novels will be read by readers, and not just sat on my computer. There are multitudes of aspiring authors out there, and they all want to know if the reality of becoming a debut novelist will actually live up to their expectations.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been interviewing authors from Momentum Books, Pan Macmillan and Harper Collins, as well as a self published author, about their debut experiences. All of them have novels releasing either this year or early next year. Read their answers here, here, here, here and here.
Now it’s time to ask debut novelist Greg Barron about his experience…
Part Six: Greg Barron
Greg’s novel Rotten Gods was released this July. Yay – congratulations Greg!
Rotten Gods by Greg Barron
Novel: Rotten Gods
Release date: 1st July 2012
Published through: Harper Collins
One-sentence description: When terrorists take control of a conference of world leaders in Dubai, an Australian intelligence officer parachutes into Somalia, seeking to find the woman who might stop the cycle of violence inspired by religion and political upheaval.
Hi Greg, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!
Greg Barron
1. Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?
The process of seeing my first novel reaching shelves in book shops, after ten years of writing has been a pleasure. I admit to having to deal with self doubt, and a new set of pressures—will my book sell? Will my next one be as good? But overall, I have loved every moment. I’m tired because I’m too excited to sleep.
2. When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?
a. When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?
The original idea came to me a year or two after the World Trade Centre attacks in New York.
b. How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?
I think I started to write books that were publishable after about five years of hard work. That’s about when I snagged an agent.
c. How long from final polish to publication?
Rotten Gods was published around twenty months after my agent and I judged it ready to go out into the world. Later I did some more rewriting at the suggestion of my new editor.
3. How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?
There was only ever really one publishing objective for me, and that was having a full length novel published with a major publisher. That is not to say that at bleak moments I didn’t consider other options, but I always stopped at the brink and returned to my main goal. I’ve written the occasional short story, in fact I’ve self-published a couple on my website, but they are not my primary medium.
That’s just me. Self publishing whether in electronic or print formats is a viable option for many people.
4. What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?
The easiest part for me has been the transition from unpublished writer to published writer. I established routines and methods years ago that meant that I have the writing output necessary for a book-a-year contract. Writing a good book every year is hard, and requires discipline. I record my word output every day in a little table at the beginning of my manuscript. I am never happy unless I’ve done my quota for the day. This varies according to whether I have a free day to write, have to work elsewhere, or have family commitments.
5. Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?
I have read and signed contracts, dealt with queries from the copy editor and proof readers, helped write a blurb for the back of the book, provided a biography, written a synopsis of future books, and addressed a sales conference. Oh yes, and there have been a couple of lovely lunches along the way. I really treasure the times I get together with my publishing team, they are talented friendly people, and look after their authors.
6. What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?
I have appeared at over forty bookshops and libraries across three states since my book came out on July 1. I’ve been interviewed on radio five times. Last week I spoke at a View Club, and am booked for a Probus Club in November. I use Twitter and Facebook to help promote the book, and network with industry contacts. One generous author gave me a guest spot on her blog. I’m still waiting for a call from Oprah.
I do, of course, maintain my own website, (I registered gregbarron.com six years before I got published), and am always trying to think of ways to get my novel into the public eye.
7. What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?
When the novel first hit the stands I felt tremendously exposed. Up until then I had always been able to choose who read my work. Publication meant that it (and I) was open to criticism from everyone with twenty odd dollars and some time to kill. Hopefully this feeling won’t be quite so strong next time.
8. Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?
An advanced draft of what will be my second published book has just gone to a structural editor, so I’m dying to hear what she thinks of it. It will be released on July 1 next year. Working title: The Savage Tide.
9. Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?
Here’s two:
1) Enjoy your life, writing isn’t everything.
2) Give your work to friends and listen to their opinions. I have a theory that if you can wow the people around you, wider success is assured.
Thank you, Greg!
It’s been fascinating to read answers from two authors with the same publisher. The other Harper Collins author was Bruce Lyman in Part 5. I’d love to know if readers thought their answers more similar than they expected, or more different?
I also interviewed two authors from Momentum Books here and here. What in their answers surprised you?
Let me know in the comments below!
