Lessons in publishing

Back in 2009, as an assignment for a summer writing workshop, I wrote a chapter about a girl who couldn't pass her road test. I had no idea where the story would go. Today, it's a published novel.

There was quite a bit I didn't know back then. The publishing process, for example, was an entirely a mystery, and all I knew was that I wanted to be a part of it. 

Even so, research can't prepare you for everything. I had no idea how hard it would be to write something new after the novel was under contract, or how much editing goes into the manuscript after it's sold (spoiler: a lot). There was so much I couldn't have anticipated, either. You name it, it's probably happened in this winding publishing journey of mine. 

There have also been the gratifying milestones, such as receiving the advance copies and seeing that the book, well, looked like a book and no longer like a Word document. Like an awesome book trailer and Publishers Weekly calling the book "satisfying." Like my friends and family members, near and far, who have been nothing but supportive. 

And here we are today. Here's the story of a girl finding her way in the world.