The journey begins
My new title is Tina Hogan Grant Author book Reckless Beginnings. Yesterday I signed and mailed my contract to my publisher to begin the process of publishing my first novel “Reckless Beginnings.” Prior to this event I have been feeling elated and super excited. I received the phone call last week that my novel had been accepted for publication. Wow! They receive over 8000 manuscripts a month and only publish 100. I felt honored and proud of my accomplishments.
I spent a week going through the contract, asking hundreds of questions, re-reading the contract, discussing it with friends and family, re-reading the contract yet again, until I finally signed it yesterday. All of a sudden in a matter of seconds, after seeing my signature at the bottom of that contract, it became real. My book is going to be published
Since I began writing this book seven years ago I have visioned this moment so many times. The day I sign the contract. It’s nothing like I had imagined. I wasn’t expecting to feel so nervous and have such anxieties. It’s the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure. Have I lived up to the readers expectations ? What kind of reviews and feedback will I receive? These insecure feelings I am experiencing since signing the contract have me puzzled. I feel as if my confidence level has dropped a few points. I’m hoping after this finally sinks in and the SHOCK factor finally wears off that I will begin to take this in stride, instead of thinking the worst. I ask other first-time authors: while waiting for your book to be published, did you experience the same anxieties?
My publisher tell me that it will be about ten months before my book will be launched. That gives me enough time to compose myself, enjoy this fantastic moment in my life and enjoy the ride.
I will keep you posted on the events of the publishing of my book as they unfold.