I know I haven’t talked about it much here, but I’m writing a book. The book is called French Accents, Farmhouse French Style for Today’s Home. It goes to print very soon, it will be ready for a fall release. I have been working on it for over a year now. So some of you may be wondering, “How did she get a book deal?”
Hee, hee, I sometimes wonder myself how I got a book deal. But I’m going to talk about it today.
So what is that like?
It’s like being married to your camera and computer.
Throw in a desk covered with mail, and forgetting to pay your bills, and that about sums it up.
It’s not as fun and romantic as I expected it to be. The birds didn’t sing when I opened up my computer to write!
After I started working on the book, I took a look at our farmhouse and realized it really wasn’t very French at all. Now what? I wondered why I ever agreed to write about French design. What was I thinking? I had to completely redo the place to make it more French.
It’s been a comedy of errors here, but hopefully the end result will be worth it.
So how did I get a book deal? Well I built this little blog and a publisher noticed it and approached me. I did not go find them; they found me. I think publishers in the future will be looking to bloggers more to author books. Why? Because bloggers are networked with other people interested in the same topic. Also, bloggers don’t need photographers and stylists, they typically do all of that these days. The budgets for promoting books gets smaller each year, so it really helps if the author has her own peeps.
Now what if a publisher is not beating down your door and you want a book deal? Based on what I have learned, a blog is a great place to start. You can build a community of like-minded individuals and get some name recognition. Again, I’m not an expert here, but I hear that a lot of publishers don’t deal directly with authors, so an agent is one option for you. If you look online at the websites for author agents, you will see what types of authors they represent (si-fi, romance, self-help, etc.) They will often mention if they are accepting new authors or not. I hope some authors will comment on this post to give you more insights here. From what I have seen, it appears that if you want to get a work of fiction published, you need to submit the entire work, while if you are writing non-fiction, a well-developed outline will do. If you find an agent that is looking for authors in your category, you can fill out a form or send the person a pitch.
Now for an announcement on FRENCH ACCENTS, Farmhouse French Style for Today’s Home, I will be revealing the cover on April 12. Stay tuned!!! Did I mention, I love the cover!! And it’s not a photo of my home either; so I don’t think you have seen this photo yet.
The book will be out in hardcover Sept 8, 2015. It is now available for pre-sale! FRENCH ACCENTS, Farmhouse French Style for Today’s Home
Can’t wait until the 12th now for the reveal! Writing is hard work…and can be lonely, too, even if you are in a room full of people. Have a happy Easter and happy writing!
Cannot wait to see the cover of the book Anita….congrats for finishing the book…it must be such a huge relief for you and how excited you must be to actually have it in your hands. Great accomplishment!
Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
How exciting!!!!! We are writing a book too! I can not wait to buy yours and devour each lovely page. It is going to be so successful because you are so talented. Congratulation and keep us posted as to when we can pre-order:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Oh I am so excited! Cannot wait until your book is available for purchase!!
So glad you wrote this post. Yet another carrot dangled for those of us wondering if we should keep going… 😉 It’s interesting what you said about re-doing your home to make it more French. I often wonder the same thing about mine, given I bill myself as a proponent of French design. For the record, I think your style is most definitely French, but I also think it’s clever that you added the farmhouse twist to it. I think it’s really hard (and not entirely necessary) to pinpoint 100% French design, but I also understand the compulsion to think you need to. Actually, I just noticed your header says “farmhouse french”. Is that a recent change? Very smart branding, I would think (not that I know… lol). Like the others, I too, look forward to the reveal, as well as the complete book that will follow. I love your style and I think your unique point of view will be a welcome addition to the book market… 🙂
Congratulations Anita! Your blog and pics are so beautiful – a book is a perfect fit! Best of luck to you on the rest of the process.
That’s super exciting… although I’m sure more work than excitement right now, like you said, the birds don’t sing every time you open your computer.
Well congratulations! Liz http://www.HometoCottage.com
How very exciting for you, it is humbling when we as bloggers are approached to do something exciting and a book is very exciting! Your photography is wonderful and I think it was you that recommended I use ‘Shoot Fly Shoot’ for some lessons when I bought my first DSLR. Their lessons have been a Godsend and I did my first ‘real’ shoot last week on the most incredible Mediterranean style house. She is an interior designer and she loves French and Italian style. I could have spent three days photographing her home. I spent a day, took 300 photos and have 75 that work out of them so I am thrilled but still waiting her approval as to if she likes them or not.
I can’t wait to see your book cover and learn more about your book as I am thinking of collaborating with a few designers to feature their homes by way of a book.
As you say, bloggers are photographers, stylists and writers, which is the perfect combination for writing a book. I hope I get an opportunity at some point like you and I am keen to see your book published. I am sure it will be a hit as your home is so charming.
I know all your work will be worth it! I’m looking forward to the release of your book, congratulations!
A get together to celebrate the completion of your book is in order! You should be very proud and, perhaps, a bit relieved to have it behind you. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
So proud for you. We want to do something on this in the Round Top Register!
I am so excited about your upcoming book and can’t wait to see the cover. Hope you’re including lots of great photos.
Writer’s Digest is the best tool for aspiring writers. It is revised every year and includes an index of publishers, addresses, contact person, and guidelines for submission. It also gives tips for writing.
Writer’s Digest is a writer’s best friend.
I cannot wait to purchase your book. You are inspirational and the “real deal”. Your blog is a treat.
I can’t wait to see the cover and purchase your book! I know it’s been a LOT of work, but what an accomplishment!
Anita, I am looking forward to the cover reveal. I know it will be another gorgeous addition to your portfolio. 🙂 Can’t wait to purchase my copy. ♡ You are such an inspiration to so many and I feel blessed to have found your blog. I love your down to earth style and the way you connect with your readers each day. I am sure I am not alone in saying, you make us all feel like personal friends even though we’ve never met. Kudos to you on the new book! I am sure I will savor every breath-taking page. ~ Liz