Wisdom from the Publishing World with Angie Stanton

Welcome to the February installment of the 2021 Author Series. Each month a published author takes the stage to share their wisdom as they tell us what they wish they had known before they published their first book or what advice they would go back and give their pre-published self.

Angie Stanton is a young adult author who I’ve known for many years. Back in 2014 when I had just published my first young adult novel, I noticed an article about her latest book release in the Wisconsin State Journal. I loved the story and reached out asking if she’d be interested in being interviewed for my blog. She said yes! Since then we’ve forged a great friendship and are often on writing journeys together (workshops, conferences, and even a writing residency.) 

And before Angie shares what she's learned with us, she has some big news to share first!

★ ★ ★ BOOK REVEAL ★ ★ ★

I’m thrilled to announce my tenth book DON’T CALL ME GRETA: A Stolen at Birth Novel.

This one has been in the works for a long time and I’m incredibly excited for you to read this gripping and poignant story of intrigue, adventure, and the struggle for family loyalties.

★ ★ ★ Available for presale on Amazon ★ ★ ★

Want to win a free ebook copy of DON’T CALL ME GRETA? Enter the Goodreads giveaway here!: https://bit.ly/3a2xadM

I'm looking for readers who are interested in an Advanced Reader Copy (e-book format) in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads and Amazon. If you’re interested and have either of those accounts, please message me at angiestanton.author@gmail.com.

DON'T CALL ME GRETA

Piper Winslow’s life is destroyed when her mother is arrested for kidnapping her as an infant. With her mom in jail and her real family trying to reclaim her as Greta—her birth name—she runs away.

Despite close calls and an illegal border crossing, Piper and an unlikely passenger are on the adventure of a lifetime, while eluding authorities and dominating headlines. Unfortunately, her birth parents have unlimited resources. Piper is discovered and returned to her real family, but not everyone is happy to see her.

 As Piper struggles to cope in her new life, she hits one obstacle after another. This family that appears so perfect on the outside harbors secrets, and nothing is as it seems.

Will she ever be fully accepted? 

Will she ever fit in? 

Will they stop calling her Greta?

★ ★ ★

If I could go back and talk to my pre-published self, what advice would I give.

Hang on and enjoy the ride! Prepare for the highest highs and lowest lows. Unexpected fun will pop up along the way, but so does disappointment and frustration.

My journey to publishing was unusual. My first book was a romance picked up by Avalon Books, a small New York Publisher. It was the first book I’d ever written and I knew how fortunate I was to get my foot in the door.

The next book I wrote, Rock and a Hard Place, was rejected more than 70 times. But I was determined and stubborn, so I indie published it in May of 2011. The book took off despite my ignorance and lack of promotion. Later Amazon put the book in a special sale, and a big five publisher took notice and offered me a four-book deal.

I was surprised that publishers often don’t communicate well. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes and the author is generally out of the loop on unless the editor needs your input or approval for something.

Edits can be devastating when the book you love is being micro analyzed and often changes are requested that make no sense or are editor intrusion. Be prepared.

If you aren’t the lead book in a publisher’s release season, you will likely be lost in the shuffle. Publishers put all the big bucks on a select few books, so temper your expectations.

Release days are generally underwhelming. There are no big fireworks, flowers or gift baskets, so plan your own celebration.

Luck plays a huge part of publishing from acquisition to successful sales, and once you’re in, nothing is guaranteed. In fact, you are valued most for your upcoming book that still has the hope of breaking through, but if it doesn’t, you will likely soon be set aside.

A lot more rests on the author than you think. Authors generally set up and pay for their own book signings and conference appearances.

I never expected the occasional surprises such as an announcement that a book had been picked up by a foreign publisher, attained a positive industry review, or was put in a special promotion that earned me more money.

I also never knew how valuable networking and writing relationships would be. These are your comrades in arms. Everyone has different experiences and insights that when shared help strengthen your own skill and marketing sets. Covet and nourish these relationships.

Publisher coordinated book tours are as rare as spotting a unicorn. Every book signing, conference and speaking engagement I attended, I planned and paid for myself. Only do the things you enjoy and that you can afford.

I never realized that publishing can be very unstable. I’ve had editors leave mid editing, publishers discontinue the line they bought the book for (twice) which meant they canceled all promotions. I’ve had a hard back released, and then its planned paperback release never happen.

Imposter syndrome is real and every author has it, including the best sellers. Be kind to yourself and keep pushing forward.

Angie Stanton is the award winning, best-selling author of If Ever, Waking in Time, Rock and a Hard Place, Snapshot, Royally Lost, Dream Chaser, Under the Spotlight, Snowed Over, and Love 'em or Leave 'em. 

A few of her awards include:
★ National Readers' Choice Award Winner
★ HOLT Medallion Award Winner 
★ Write Touch Readers' Award Winner 
★ Midwest Book Award Winner 

Angie has a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin. Her books are available on Audible and have been translated in German, French, Spanish, and Bulgarian.  A life-long daydreamer, she's put her talent to use writing contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow. In her spare time, Angie loves to enjoy the best live entertainment on earth, Broadway. She is a contributing writer to BroadwayWorld.com and is currently working on her next book.

For more information on Angie and her books, please visit here on her website at: www.angiestanton.com or on social media:
Facebook: AngieStantonAuthor
Twitter: @angie_stanton
Instagram: angiestanton_author

Angie Stanton's books include, National Readers Choice Award Winner: If Ever and Midwest Book Award Winner: Waking in Time