also, I was thinking last night that you are too hard on yourself in this post IMHO. the industry is as such that publishers court you with high praise, give you a big chunk of change, don't author fact checking or editing that goes beyond tweaking the prose and the flow, and then when the book comes out give you almost no support...it is so weird!!! we are so alone, and given so many mixed messages along the way. I have heard amazing things about Beacon--how unalone authors there feel. wishing you all the best with this!
Thank you. It's really been a great experience with Beacon so far. Their team is phenomenal and supportive, and they gave me a lot of creative freedom with this book so it feels like it's really mine.
My last book - Restoring Our Girls - came out last December, so as you mentioned, I had to focus on selling it during the spring - and this summer Todd and I changed our podcast a bit from Zen Parenting Radio to Zen Pop Parenting (more about Gen X pop culture and what it taught us about being people and parents, etc) - so we needed a new website, etc, and that took up most of my creative time. And I love posting weekly on Substack!! Keeps me writing!
this industry is so bananas for so many reasons you outline. can't wait for your next book!
Thank you! Your work has been a huge part of my learning and growing through the past few years.
oh that's so nice to hear, thanks for sharing.
also, I was thinking last night that you are too hard on yourself in this post IMHO. the industry is as such that publishers court you with high praise, give you a big chunk of change, don't author fact checking or editing that goes beyond tweaking the prose and the flow, and then when the book comes out give you almost no support...it is so weird!!! we are so alone, and given so many mixed messages along the way. I have heard amazing things about Beacon--how unalone authors there feel. wishing you all the best with this!
Thank you. It's really been a great experience with Beacon so far. Their team is phenomenal and supportive, and they gave me a lot of creative freedom with this book so it feels like it's really mine.
I need a rage-themed JC Penny photo session in my life!
It just feels right, doesn’t it?
Thank you for your vulnerability and for the practical advice! It’s overwhelming for anyone new to the industry.
Thanks for pulling back the curtain on the experience with your first book, and I loved learning how you're doing this differently this time around.
Thank you! Hope your publishing journey is going well! If you've ever got questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
Thank you!
can relate! thanks for sharing and I can't wait to read your new book!! xo
Thank you, Cathy! Do you have anything new cooking right now??
My last book - Restoring Our Girls - came out last December, so as you mentioned, I had to focus on selling it during the spring - and this summer Todd and I changed our podcast a bit from Zen Parenting Radio to Zen Pop Parenting (more about Gen X pop culture and what it taught us about being people and parents, etc) - so we needed a new website, etc, and that took up most of my creative time. And I love posting weekly on Substack!! Keeps me writing!
Thanks for sharing your experience Gemma with clarity and honesty. This is very helpful!
This was such a thoughtful read 🙂 looking forward to your second book!!
Thank you!
Smart and honest and helpful. Thanks for this!
Thank you, Lindsey! If you ever want to chat about the publishing world (I'm assuming you're in or close to submission?) hit me up!
Yes and thank you!! The proposal has been submitted... now just checking my email every six minutes. ;)