How To Write a Historical Novel in Seven Easy Steps: Step Seven
7. Admire Your Finished Book
Okay, this is the only step to writing a historical novel that is ACTUALLY easy. I may not have been totally accurate when I said you could write a historical novel in seven EASY steps. But hey, I'm a novelist. I'm allowed to make up some things.
Anyway, after this step, there are many other things that go on, to do with sales and marketing and publicity, so that people will actually buy the book. I'm not really an expert in any of that, but if you want to ask a question, leave a comment below and if I can't answer it myself, I'll see if I can find someone who does.
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Sorry Platypus, I only just noticed your comment! The policy on who gets ARCs depends on individual publishers. In general, US publishers tend to print and give out more ARCs than Australian publishers (maybe because US publishers have bigger publicity and marketing budgets). They give them to anyone who is a reviewer with a large readership - that can be anyone from reviewers for journals such as The Horn Book and Kirkus, to influential YA bloggers with large numbers of 'hits' on their blogs. Librarians and teachers often receive ARCs, too. If you have a blog and post reviews, you can always contact the publicity department at a publishing house, explaining why you'd like an ARC - the worst that can happen is that they'll say no.
I just want to reach into my computer screen and grab one of those lovely books! Hurry, Book Depository...
I keep on seeing all sorts of comments on ARCs and would like to know - how do you get considered to receive them or manage to obtain one in the first place?
-Platypus
The girl on the cover does look like from a 40's movie, like from a film noir.
Andrea Zu
Andrea, the Australian cover's meant to show the setting sun, to illustrate the final scene in the book. Glad you like the North American cover. The girl does look a bit like a 1940s film star, doesn't she?
Araminta18 - yes, very pretty (especially a whole box of them)!
Steph, it depends on the publishing house and the type of book, but yes, usually ARCs are sent out to significant reviewers and booksellers and bloggers, whether it's a new author or not. (For the first Montmaray book, my Australian publishers sent off lots of ARCs wrapped in specially-printed purple paper to match the book cover, with a tag saying 'From the island of Montmaray'.) The publicists also try to find appropriate places for the authors to speak or do interviews or be guest bloggers, and some very, very lucky YA authors even get to be WRITER IN RESIDENCE on INSIDE A DOG! There are also book launches, book giveaways, signings in bookstores, etc - often organised by the author. I have no idea whether any of this sells more books or not.
I love the AU cover and in thinking is the sun rising or setting? But love the cover we are gatting in the US alittle bit more! The girl on the cover looks hard boiled, mysterious and feminin in that 40's way.
Andrea Zu
What kind of publicity goes into books, especially an author's first novel (or a lesser known author's second or third)? Do they send out a lot of ARC's to different readers, reviewers, blogs, bookstore etc to get it out there? Are their special contest or whatever enticing you to READ THIS BOOK. I feel like with author's that are fairly well known, in any genre, it's a lot easier to promote their work versus a new author but at the same time, everyone was a first time author at one time so I was just wondering how the publicity and getting the word out goes.
-steph
