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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Time Management for Authors by Mary Ellis


 In my blissful, pre-published days, I erroneously believed that once an author received the coveted “call” and turned in a complete manuscript, she could relax and put her feet up. Nothing could be further from the truth. Being published means honoring contracts in a timely fashion, along with a multitude of details. No longer was I squeezing time to “write a book” into my daily routine of tending home, family and day job. With each new release, the juggling act increases from three balls in the air, to four, five or even six. Let’s take a look at how five projects could potentially demand your attention simultaneously:
First, there’s the book you’re currently writing and editing, according to your publisher’s expectations for word count, level of violence, etc.
Secondly, the book you recently submitted is by no means done. A plethora of add-ons must be finished before the book heads to the printer, such as developmental edits, line edits, back cover copy, book cover suggestions, and blurbs for catalogs and sales brochures.
Thirdly, if this was a series, chances are a book was recently released and requires promotion. Your title will either sink or swim during the first several months. An author must get the word out to readers through blog interviews, website and newsletter giveaways, and book signings, along with social media. Otherwise, with so many fine books releasing each year, how will potential readers find yours?
Fourthly, an author needs to research the next book she intends to write, and that often involves travel or at least long hours spent in the library. Not everything on the internet can be trusted for accuracy, so first-person travel, when possible, is especially helpful.
And finally, what happens when your current series draws to a close? If you don’t wish to be out of a job, you must devise an irresistible proposal that your publisher cannot turn down. Publishing houses consider projects well in advance, so authors need to think far down the line too. Considering all this stress, hard work and long hours, you might conclude that I’m complaining. Nothing would be farther from the truth. I love being an author and pray each night for God to make me a better juggler.  Happy reading!

Mary Ellis has written twelve best-selling novels set in the Amish community and several historical romances. Her latest, Magnolia Moonlight, is third of a new mystery series, Secrets of the South, from Harvest House Publishers. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate, a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. She enjoys traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming, and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog, and cat. Sunset in Old Savannah releases in early 2017. She can be found on the web at: www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary-Ellis/Author

Please leave me a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Magnolia Moonlight!
Happy Reading!

38 comments:

  1. Wow, that's a lot of balls in the air. I applaud and admire authors who get the job done on time....huzzah!

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    1. Haha, sometimes were right on time, and sometimes we're real close. thanks for commenting.

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  2. I'm so thankful for all of you great Christian authors who write books for us to enjoy reading!! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books.

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    1. Thanks so much for being a reader of Suspense Sisters. and thanks for leaving me a comment.

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  3. I so enjoy your books, and look forward to each new one you bring write.

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    1. Thanks for being a reader of Suspense Sisters blog, and for leaving me a comment!

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  4. I love your books and I have seen this one advertised. It sounds so good, would love to read it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

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    1. Thanks for leaving me a comment. Good luck in the drawing!!

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  5. Really, really makes me glad that I'm a reader and not a writer.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. I love to ready books too, Mary, whenever I get the time! thanks for leaving me a comment.

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  6. Whew, just reading what you have to do made me tired! And Hershey's is my favorite chocolate, what a dream job!
    I've heard lots of great things about Magnolia Moonlight!

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    1. Wow, Gail! You're my randomly picked winner of Magnolia Moonlight. I will contact you via email for your mailing address. I hope you enjoy it.

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    2. Thank you! I'm so excited to be receiving it.

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  7. Wow, I never thought about all of the tasks that have to be done at the same time. I really admire the fortitude of the writers. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  8. Interesting article.....you are on a fast track all the time to get a head..thanks for the chance to win...

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    1. thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. good luck in the drawing.

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  9. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I love the "Secrets of the South" Series! Can't wait for the next one!

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    1. thanks so much for your kind words about my series!

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  10. Hi Mary, you are a busy woman and we love reading those books you work so hard on. I Am anxious to read this one coming but then I like all that I read of yours. Enjoy the holidays will be here before we know it.
    Paula O

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    1. You're not kidding about the holidays, Paula! I'd better at least start my shopping!

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  11. I would love to read this! Such a great series. Thanks, Kristie tklovenestataoldotcom

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words about the series!

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  12. You nailed it, Mary. Thanks so much for encouragement it gives this "candle at both ends" writer! Cheers

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    1. I'm so glad I was able to encourage you, Marilyn!

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  13. I am in awe of authors and all you do! Thank you!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  14. I'm not a writer, but did not realize how much goes into get a book published. Interesting article.
    betsylu2@msn.com

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    1. Thanks, Beth, for taking the time to reply! Good luck in the drawing.

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  15. I've never read any of your books before, but I love mysteries! Thanks for the giveaway! tennisbec(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I truly hope you'll give my books a try. I love writing mysteries. Good luck.

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  16. Thanks for the chance to learn more about an authors life :-) I'm sure it's like any other job, you have to keep on task and manage your time well!

    Thank you for the chance to win Magnolia Moonlight!

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    1. Thanks so much for posting a comment to Suspense Sisters!

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  17. An older friend once told me that "if you want to get something done, ask a busy person to do it!" Mary, you certainly fall into that category.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're not kidding, Connie! Thanks for leaving me a comment!

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  18. Reading this I am in awe of all that authors have to do in the creative process of writing a book. I have read one of your Amish books Mary and I would love to read this book too to see more of your writing creativity
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed my Amish stories, and hope you'll give my mysteries a chance as well. Thanks!

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