An Interview with Author Paulette Harris on Publishing

I welcome multi-published author Paulette Harris to my blog today. Paulette is a delightful lady with a heart for God and a desire to help others.

Because Paulette is celebrating her birthday this month, one lucky person will win a print copy of her book Vapors. I’ll randomly choose someone from those who leave a comment. Comments will be open Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have a chance to win if you missed reading on Friday.

The winner will be announced on Monday, so be sure to visit again to see if you’ve won.

Let’s find out what advice Paulette has for writers about the publishing business.

Q: At what point in writing your book did you begin to look for publishers?

A: I looked for publishers when I finished the book two days before 9/11. For novels, your first book at least needs to be finished and polished as best as possible.

Q: How did you choose the publishers you queried?

A: I choose publishers who publish in the same genre. It was difficult at the time, but more are beginning to pick up these supernatural warfare stories as the Christian public demands are made known.

Q: What was the worst thing to deal with in the publishing process? What was the best?

A: The worst thing about the publishing process is always the rejection, of course, especially when acquisition editors like the book and when it gets to other divisions in their company, someone turns it down or you barely missed the opportunity to publish with a certain company because there is an author that signed a contract with a similar story ahead of you. Finding a publisher for your book can be frustrating.

The best part is when someone catches your vision for your book and believes in it. They are after all, our babies, and we hope that they find good adoptive parents who will care for them as much as the author.

Q: What advice do you have for writers concerning finding and gaining a publisher?

A: All I can advise another author between finding and gaining a publisher is to remember that God’s timing for each piece they write is perfect and if we pray and let Him choose it will always be the best for that book. I know it sounds rather trite but it works. Our job is three fold. Keep writing, pitching, and praying, letting God have it. We do our part in the process and God will do his.

Q: What advice do you have for them for during the process between acceptance and release?

A: When it’s accepted, make sure you understand the contract and do your best to support and help the publisher in whatever he or she needs in the marketing. Also, it’s important to try to understand and work as well as you possibly can with the editor.

Q: Do you have a another book in the works? A publisher already lined up?

A: I have five other books being considered by publishers. They cover a variety of genres, but all of them are inspirational.

Q: Five books, wow! I’m fortunate to get even one finished, let alone 5. Kudos to you. So I’m sure you have a lot of experience behind you about publishing. What did you know about publishing when you first began that helped you the most?

A: I believe other authors helped me understand the process. I attended as many classes and conferences as I could to learn what the publishers expected and how they wanted to be approached. Many companies have their own version or way of submitting. Each is an individual requirement that you need to check out on their submission pages. Many will not consider your work unless you attend a conference or have an agent. Usually, the conference will provide information on each company and who their attending Acquisitions Editors will be. It’s important to study that before you go to your appointments. I always try to dress appropriately and be rested.

Q: What have you learned—good and bad—that you’ll apply to the next time?

A: I’ve learned a lot about self-publishing and Createspace. As authors, we need to be aware and on top of the changes in the industry. There are many opinions and arguments, most of them are contradictory, yet indeed valid and it’s tough out there right now. The competition is fierce. This wasn’t so when I seriously started pitching. It seemed easier. I think most that turn to self-publishing are satisfied that they delved into this area, but the marketing is hard and there is no financial help.

I don’t think traditional publishers are going away soon, but they, like most other businesses, have had to tighten their belts. Traditional contracts for books are fewer and offer less.

I’ve also learned that many Christian publishers are not who they say they are, and it’s because they are people trying to earn a living. Sometimes, they lie; sometimes, they pull back on their word, and the industry has changed. It’s important to find a good reputable publisher. It’s worth the wait and you’ll save yourself a lot of heartbreak. If someone new comes into the scene, look for credentials. Ask friends you trust, is there someone they know who is working with them, and learn as much as you can. Then be willing to wait. Remember write the story and put it into God’s hand.

Yes, I’ve run into a few problems. I think we all do, but that’s how we grow.

I’m so sorry you’ve experienced Christian publishers who have been less than honest or lacked integrity in their dealings. You’ve certainly given my readers several things to consider and look for as they seek a publisher. Thank you for being here with me today. I wish you God’s best with Vapors and the other five books now in consideration–and Happy Birthday!

Thank you, Debra, for this interview, I thoroughly enjoyed our time together, which isn’t ever often enough. May your readers be blessed this fine day.

ABOUT PAULETTE HARRIS:

Paulette is a writer and speaker. She loves to review and help other authors and their work. She writes all types of pieces including screenplays. She is published traditionally and also self-published. Paulette enjoys golf when she can, raising orchids, gardening, horses, and her husband of 46 years. She has two children and five grandchildren. Paulette loves to network when she is able to and is a member of several writers groups, including ACFW, CWG, Springs Writers which she started, Military Writers of America, and a number of screenplay groups. Three fluffy cats allow Paulette and her husband to live with them in Colorado.

You can connect with Paulette at her website: www.pauletteharris.com

ABOUT VAPORS

Two unlikely men, one a double agent, the other a pastor are summoned in a most unusual way to fulfill God’s call on their lives. They live in a world that’s become the one world government, full of betrayers, can they possibly succeed when reality is confused with shades of deception? This is a supernatural book about the BOOK OF REVELATION and the two prophets found in it warning people of what will take place in the future.

Vapors can be purchased at Paulette’s website or at Amazon.