Write, revise. Critique, revise. Submit, revise. And then one day: submit, interest, offer, contract!
For every five years of writing and waiting, most of us only get one offer. We get so used to rejection and revision that it is hard to know what to do with good news!
Big news: Last November, I randomly sent out a Christmas story that had won a couple of contest prizes. An editor showed interest.
Bigger news: I signed a contract!
Biggest news: The book will be available on Sept 2, 2025!!
Celebrate
I mostly screamed and ran around. More prepared people have a bottle of champagne aging in the refrigerator. Or make quick plans for dinner out with the advance money.
Telling special people
Of course, sharing the news is the most fun because we celebrate twice! Many times, the publisher will ask that the news not be made public, even though the contract is signed. Sometimes they wait for art. Sometimes they do not want to conflict with other books they are releasing.
But they did let me tell “close connections.”
For me, that was my spousal unit and kids. Then my close writing friends: 2 former critique groups, 1 current group, 2 support groups, and a couple of other writers – about 40 people. All sworn to secrecy!
Telling the world
Most times this thrilling moment is a PW announcement to cut and paste on every social media. But this time the process was moving quickly; as soon as we passed Christmas, I saw and approved art. We decided to hold off going public until the cover was revealed.
W-A-I-T-I-N-G is the worst!
Official announcements
There were many choices: send to 4-5 bloggers to reveal on the same day, post on my social media first, or just put up a link to the Amazon page and let the congratulations pour in!
I chose one blog I have followed for years to exclusively reveal the cover and wrote an article about the backstory and history of its publication. I chose this option because it was an opportunity to showcase her blog to some of my friends who don’t know her. And she did get some new followers! So, if my good news can help someone else, why not?
March 4th was Cover Reveal! Wait ‘Til You See This! – Cover Reveal For Robin Currie’s JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS! PLUS A Giveaway!!! – Susanna Leonard Hill
Saying Thanks
If you read the above article, it was apparent I did not write this book in a vacuum. Aside from the paid editor and agent, I gave credit to a “once a year brainstorming” month blogger, another who runs mentor texts month, another who offers very inexpensive critiques, and my ever-faithful book-birthing critique group.
Hardly the end…
Now that the news is out, the real work begins. Promote everywhere, but not to the point that people get sick of seeing my adorable cow! Moo!
Robin Currie is a multi-award-winning author. As a public librarian, she learned story sharing during more than 1000 story times. Her latest book, Just Enough Room for Christmas will be released on September 2, 2025!
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