What I sold: the first two books in a paranormal romantic suspense series.
The series centers around a unique special ops team recruited to recover a stolen antidote. The team members include a wraith, shape shifter, and mage, as well as a vampire and the human female he's forbidden to love.
The first book, Chosen By Blood, comes out May 2011. See the trailer by clicking here.
From the call on
(to see how I got there, see the page on my journey to the call CLICK HERE)
November 18, 2009: My agent called with the offer.
In December: I spoke with my new editor! Needed to brainstorm titles for the book.
January 25, 2010: My agent sent me the contract! I got my first advance check a few weeks later.
April 14, 2010: I turned in proposal for book 2 (contracted).
May 11, 2010: My editor called asking for my input for a cover conference. Also asked for author photo and book bio to be sent in soon.
May 13, 2010: Title w/b Chosen By Blood
June 5, 2010: Went to a conference and spoke to two fab authors who offered to do cover quotes for me!
June 21, 2010: Photographer had to sign photo release for author photo.
July 15, 2010: Editor forwarded me cover copy of Chosen By Blood. I took a look and make some suggestions that we worked through together before finalizing.
July 29, 2010: Met with my editor over lunch at RWA National Conference. Presented two workshops while attending the conference.
July 30, 2010: Participated in the Berkley Author signing at RWA National (giving away promo materials)
August 1, 2010: I sent out reminders to authors who said they would read and provide quotes for me (telling them they should get it soon).
August 18, 2010: Editor sent me revisions on Chosen By Blood.
August 19, 2010: I sent back revised manuscript.
August 24, 2010: Editor got back to me on final tweaks for manuscript and I worked on them and returned.
August 25, 2010: Editor sent manuscript in for copy edits and got bound ms out to authors who wanted them (to read and provide quotes).
September 2010-October 6, 2010: I received author blurbs from those who said they'd read and loved the book!!!
September 24, 2010: My editor sent me the copy edits for Chosen By Blood. They came electronically so I could go through them in track changes in word. They are due 10/11/2010.
October 6, 2010: I turned in my final copy edits to my editor. The copy editor did a great job!
October 7, 2010: My editor sent me the cover proof for my novel--I had no idea what direction the art department was going in. The cover is GORGEOUS! I love it. The cover model, his clothing, his stance etc all perfectly represent my hero's natural elegance but smoldering passion and intensity, too. I can't wait to show it to you, but there are a couple of final tweaks that need to be made. I'm not sure when I'm going to be able unveil it, but it'll be worth the wait, though!
November 15, 2010: My editor and I confirmed the title for Book 2 in the Para-Ops Novels: Chosen By Fate.
January 3, 2011: I received the Galleys of Chosen By Blood, due by January 12.
January 4, 2011: Received the cover copy for Chosen By Fate. Also, my editor told me she'd read Book 2 manuscript and loved it!
January 7, 2011: Returned tweaked cover copy of Chosen By Fate to editor.
January 12, 2011: Discussed doing a short-story free read for Chosen By Blood readers with editor. Also, had to shorten Chosen By Fate copy a bit, which I did.
January 15, 2011: Received ARCs of Chosen By Blood! Gorgeous!
January 19, 2011: Got in touch with my publicist and discussed promo options.
Late January 2011: Had to cut down edits in Galleys as there were too many! Oops!