Cover Reveal!
Going in new directions ... and some recommendations
Hi Everyone, happy February! I hope winter has been treating you well!
As promised a few months ago, I’d like share the cover for my romcom/momcom Claire Casey’s Had Enough along with a link for a pre-order sale at Barnes & Noble.
Ta-Da!
This one is dear to my heart as I’ve been writing it on and off for 7 years. (But who’s counting?) Is it a study in determination or madness? Time (and reviewers) will tell, I suppose.
Here’s the elevator pitch: When Claire Casey receives an invitation from an old boyfriend, the separated mom of three is thrown into a 13-hour tailspin as she tries to decide if a blast from the past will upend her future or help her reimagine it.
A bit of backstory: I started this book (which has had at least 4 different titles) in 2017 and got an agent in 2018. Published friends told me I was 90% there. Reader, I was not even 9% there.
That agent, despite her best efforts (and assurances with each rejection that we’d find the right imprint) was unable to sell it. I licked my wounds, made some revisions and sent it to a popular digital-first publisher. An editor there had a lot of enthusiasm for the story but asked me to make changes (known as an R&R — as in revise and resubmit). I liked her ideas so I reworked it. But when she brought the new version to acquisitions, she was told “mum fiction” wasn’t performing well.
Condensed version: I hired a developmental editor and revised once again and submitted to other publishers who rejected it saying they didn’t know how to market it: Was it romcom or was it women’s fiction? (Don’t get me started!)
During that time, I decided to turn my attention to writing thrillers. Those had to be more straightforward, right? (Sure, if you don’t get sucked into debating mystery vs. suspense vs. thriller vs. horror.)
Whenever I finished something, I’d turn my attention back to Claire. I hired another developmental editor (see what I mean about determination or madness?) and she was instrumental in helping me get clarity on where this could sit in the market with a few more adjustments.
As longtime readers may recall, I sold that version to the editor who acquired The House on Cold Creek late last spring. I was thrilled to work with her again and just as I was typing those words to her, she announced she was leaving for a new publisher. My next editor and her assistant had a lot of suggestions for the manuscript. So after rocking in a fetal position for a bit, I put on my revision hat and got to work.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I think very often when someone announces that their book has been acquired or shares the cover, it seems easy, almost effortless, like everything lined up just right. Even when you’re happy for them, it’s hard to silence that, “He/She’s one lucky son of a b!#%h!” in our heads. I’ve been at this long enough to know that a deal landing in someone’s lap drama-free and without a ton of sweat-equity behind it has about the same odds as getting struck by lightning.
So if you have a project you believe in, keep at it! I like to think that this version (my 115th) is my best yet. I’m also excited that these characters will be out in the world in June and no longer just in my head and iCloud. (I’m really selling this, right?)
If you’re a writer in need of a little inspiration, Camille Pagán is hosting a free webinar on Feb. 15th. Here’s the link. Camille will be sharing three game-changing strategies that can help you get your book published. I always learn so much from Camille.
Where I’ll Be:
While I’m taking a break from fictional kidnapping and murder, I’m trying my hand at stand-up comedy once again.
Thanks to my pal Holly (of Parenting Pizza Bagels by Holly Rizzuto Palker) who organized this show, I’ll be joining some very funny ladies for a Galentine’s comedy night. Here are the details if you happen to be in the area!
My Funny Galentine: An Evening of Tea & Laughter
February 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Vintage Tea Parlour 23 Nelson Avenue Staten Island, N Y
I’m also hosting this online workshop in March, which is coming up fast!
Ready to Write Your Memoir? Here's How to Begin
March 22 from Noon to 1:30 PM (EST)
Register here
Books & Listens
Lie in the Tide by Holly Danvers a twisty page-turner perfect for the beach. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy and couldn’t put it down. And just look at this cover!
Doll Parts by Penny Zang
The Virgin Suicides meets I Have Some Questions For You in a dual timeline suspense following one woman as she begins to uncover the truth of the death of her estranged best friend and the Sylvia Plath adoring sad girls they attended college with decades ago, all while holding a secret that will slowly unravel her new, suburban dream life.
For your listening pleasure:
Following You by Eva Lesko Natiello came out on audio and I can’t wait to listen! Eva is not only a great friend but also the bestselling author of The Memory Box and a book consultant.
Ace Marvel by Jenni L. Walsh, narrated by my pal Gail Shalan, who was just featured in a wonderful interview on Judith D. Collin’s site.
To watch:
Speaking of comedy…
We’ve been enjoying Bookie…maybe don’t watch this with your kids…
Time for my obligatory cat photo!
As always, thanks for reading!
I am JUST CATCHING UP!!! I've missed reading your posts, and realised I've missed many via the app 🤦♀️! This is fantastic news, Liz, HUGEST well done!!!! So exciting!! 👏
Love this cover!!