An Interview with Author Linnette R. Mullin

Today is launch day for Finding Beth, so I’m doubly excited about my Friday Feature interview with debut author Linnette R. Mullin because we get to share in her excitement.

Linnette has graciously offered my readers an opportunity to win a free copy of Finding Beth. Keep reading for contest details.

I bet you can hardly contain your excitement about today, Linnette. What does the day have in store for you?

Yes, I’m excited and nervous and anxious all rolled into one!

First on the agenda is our visit here, of course. I can’t wait to hear from and talk with readers. I’ll also be running last minute errands, gathering my books, book marks, pens, and whatever other things I need to take to my book launch event.

My whole family will be loading up and heading to Atlanta Bread Company in West Columbia, SC. (What to wear???) We’ll arrive at 5:00 to set up. The party will last from 5:30-8:30. We’ll gather near the fireplace around the Christmas tree.

My son and a friend of his will be supplying us with acoustic music and singing. We’re really excited about that! A press release went out on Sunday, so I’m praying the Lord will use that to bring in readers. One can always hope!

I can’t believe it’s time for celebrating the release of Finding Beth. It’s heady stuff. I feel like I’m moon walking; my feet are hardly touching the ground.

How long did it take to write your book?

I finished the first draft and several rewrites in about three years. The learning curve of telling vs. showing takes some time to overcome on that first book. I spent another six months editing and rewriting some more before landing a contract.

How did you choose the publishers you queried?

Once I learned that most publishers ignore you unless you go through an agent, I turned my attention to agent hunting. By the time I found CrossRiver Media, I’d just about given up on finding the right agent for me and was looking more seriously at self-publishing. When I heard a writer friend works with a small traditional publisher, I sent her my query right away.

Yes, the “need an agent” to shop your manuscript can be very frustrating. Small publishers tend to be more open to direct submissions. What did CrossRiver want the proposal to include? Was it difficult to write?

It was a very typical proposal. I sent them a cover letter, synopsis, first 50 pages, marketing plan and market comparison, author pic and bio – including writing credits/awards. I think there are aspects of proposal writing that are hard for every writer – especially fiction writers. We tend to be more color and less black and white. Facts and figures and research are not my strong suit, so it’s definitely not my favorite part of the writing industry.

Were there particular resources you utilized in writing your proposal?

Proposal help came mostly in the form of blogs and writer friends, writers conference classes, maybe a resource book. It’s good to gather information on proposal writing because every agent and publisher want different things. Proposals are basically the same, but you want to read criteria from wherever you’re sending it to so you don’t leave out something vital that’s specific to that agent or publisher. This is one area where you really have to do your homework.

Give us a general run down on the process once your book was accepted.

Celebrate!!! Shout it out to everyone who would listen and probably to a few who’d rather not. LOL

The process following the signing of the contract has been interesting. There has been a lot of waiting. Publishers are busy publishing multiple books at various stages, so sometimes there are long waiting periods in between.

I had two rounds of edits. The first was a general content edit, and the second more line by line edits. Once the edits are complete and the formatting is done, it goes through rounds of proofreading and sending out an electronic advanced reader’s copy for endorsements. There’s the cover art process of picking out backgrounds and a picture of a model, then looking at specs to pick out the right combination, and then letting the cover artist work her magic. Once we think the book is all done and ready to go, we get an actual print copy of the book to proofread before it goes to the printer for the release. And all along the way, you are busy, busy, busy marketing your book. It’s a crazy race, but so worth it to reach that finish line!

What specifics did your publishing contract cover?

My contract defined the rights of the publisher and the rights of the author; the royalties for each form of the published work – print, audio, e-book, etc; what forms the publisher are not entitled to –i.e. movie rights (every contract differs – read yours carefully); what the publisher promises the author and what the author promises the publisher; etc.

Do you have any advice for other writers concerning contracts?

Proverbs says many counselors are wise. Find people who are well versed in this area. My first helper was a lawyer in our church who has published books. My second helper was a friend who has been in the biz as an author of over 100 books and a gazillion articles, and has worked as an agent, as well. My third helper was a friend who has been an editor for over 30 years who has published works, as well. These three men gave me three unique perspectives and great advice that covered all the bases.

I recommend to every writer that they get help deciphering the contract no matter how straight forward it seems. Read your contract over thoroughly. Ask questions. Not only did I get outside perspectives, I asked a lot of questions of my publisher who was very gracious and answered me honestly and thoroughly.

Never sign a contract until all your questions are answered and you are completely satisfied with the final contract. (As a side note, make sure what you’re asking for is reasonable and fair to both you and your publisher. Remember, they are your friend. Or should be.) Make sure everything you discuss is written into the contract to your satisfaction – don’t depend on taking the publisher’s word for it. If you want something more thoroughly defined, request it be done. Two, ten, or twenty years down the road, somebody else may inherit that person’s job and the only things they are bound by are the words on the contract you signed.

You’re very fortunate to have friends as advisers who are well versed in the industry. What was the worst thing to deal with in the publishing process? What was the best?

The worst part is being told things like 97% of writers sell less than 100 copies – only 3% sell more than 100.

The best thing is when you’re in the zone, whether writing or editing, and you nail a scene – I mean really nail it! Every fiber of your being hums in unison with your creation. It’s staggering! Amazing! Incredible! The twin best thing is when a reader tells you how much they love your book.

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

Continually research and seek for the perfect fit for you throughout your writing process. Figure out what publishing options will work best for you. A big house? A small house? Self-publishing? What will best fit you and your needs as a writer? Depend on God to aid you in your search. I could have wasted a lot of energy pursuing agents and publishers when God had a small traditional house who does not require writers to go through agents, and who is the perfect fit for me. Be in tune with God. He knows what you need and he knows what your publisher needs. Trust him for it and don’t try to rush the process. It will happen when it’s meant to happen and you’ll learn a lot of valuable information along the way!

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

Be patient. It’s going to take a while. Stay busy. When you don’t have a deadline looming, work on your next book. Write, write, write! Not only will you get further faster in your next publication, but you will come to your edits with fresh eyes and renewed mind. At one point, I hadn’t looked at my manuscript in months. When I received my edits back, I was able to say, “Yep. I see what they mean there. That needs to go. That needs to be changed. Wow! That’s incredible! Did I really write that?” It’s amazing the perspective you have when you take that break.

And it is just as helpful (and recommended) to take at least a month’s break before you send it off to an agent or publisher. More than likely you’ll find things that need changed that you can revise and then send it on its way. Do you have a second book in the works? A publisher already lined up?

I do have a second book in the works, and CrossRiver gets first peek at it. Since Finding Beth is my debut, they need to see that I’m worth my salt before they sign me for another book. Loving Tiffany is book two, and it’s the story of Beth’s best friend. You can read more about it at www.LinnetteMullin.com.

If you have a question for Linnette, enter it in the comments below. She’ll be available today only to respond. Thank you, Linnette for joining me and my readers today to share your knowledge and experiences. God’s best for Finding Beth and your future books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LINNETTE R. MULLIN is an author of life-changing romance. She has been married to Johnathan for over twenty years, and they’ve been blessed with four sons. Some of her writing credits include Charles Stanley’s In Touch magazine, 101 Facets of Faith, and Public Health Alert. She is the founder and coordinator of Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network in South Carolina; and she runs the “We Are Writers” group on Facebook. Her favorite things in life are her family, her church, reading and writing, and her Savior most of all.

Connect with Linnette here: Www.facebook.com/LinnetteRMullin, www.LinnetteRMullin.com, @LinnetteRMullin, #FindingBeth, #LinnetteRMullin

About Finding Beth:

Three years ago, Beth Gallagher lost her brother, Josh, in a tragic accident. Grief-stricken and estranged from her father, she turned to the one man her brother warned her about — Kyle Heinrich.

Now she’s discovered his dark side.

She flees to the Smoky Mountains to clear her mind and seek God’s will about her impending marriage. With the help of a new friend, she finds the answers she needs, but will she have the resolve to follow through? And, if so, what will it cost her?

Adam Blythe had given up on finding a woman to love him for himself rather than his money. Committed to caring for his ailing mother and running the family business, he suddenly finds his heart entangled with a woman already spoken for. Can he find a way to protect her?

Kyle Heinrich is used to getting his way, so when his fiancée leaves town without a word, he is furious. When she returns with a new man by her side, he determines to make her his — one way or another.

Win a free copy.

To win a copy, leave a comment below about some aspect of Linnette’s interview. Comments may be entered between Dec.20 and Monday, Dec. 23. The winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Tuesday. Be sure to return on Tuesday to see if you are the winner.

Finding Beth is available at CrossRiver Media and Amazon.