Seeking Sophie. Has anyone looked in the lighthouse?

The historical romance Seeking Sophie takes place on Eagle Head Island, Maine, with Sophie Stalz and her new husband, lighthouse keeper Jackson Scott. So what better place for a booksigning than at a lighthouse. And that’s exactly where author Melody Balthaser launched her debut novel Seeking Sophie.

Launched in September, the book has received nothing but 5-star reviews so far. As the editor of Seeking Sophie, I’m as excited to see those 5-star reviews as Melody is (well, almost). Let’s hope they continue.

In a review on Amazon, reader Cynthia E. Dutton says, “Seeking Sophie is like homemade soup…it is hearty, tastefully seasoned, warms your soul, and makes you want more.”

The majority of the story takes place in the fall, and on these cool, rainy fall days here in Missouri reading a review like that makes me want to curl up on the couch with Seeking Sophie while a pot of vegetable soup simmers on the stove.

Melody, at what point in writing your book did you begin to look for publishers?

I didn’t look for a publisher until years after it was finished.

So once you took the plunge and decided to seek publishing, how did you choose the publishers you queried?

My niece told me about CrossRiver Media after getting to know Shanna Groves, one of their authors, through blogging. I went to their website and when I saw their mission statement of bringing God’s love I knew it was the one for me.

Marketing our books is a major part of what we authors do these days. How are you tackling that?

I am slowly learning social media and finding out which venues will work best for me. Because I love lighthouses and chose this for the setting of Seeking Sophie, I’m planning to bring attention to lighthouse history and restoration and market my novel at the same time. In addition, I have a passion for encouraging women in finding and fulfilling their destiny in Christ and will be available to share my journey at every opportunity God gives me.

Since your launch took place at a lighthouse can you share a bit about how you earned their backing?

I began with a general email to people listed as members of the organizations I wanted to partner with. I followed up with a visit at the lighthouse and a face-to-face meeting. Emails back and forth and a request to read my manuscript and help with lighthouse details opened a door to a relationship. A book launch and weekend party trip to the area was a way to offer promotion for them and myself. They jumped on board and offered a book signing too! Now I have made wonderful connections that will benefit both of us in the future.

I believe that God has to open the door initially but then you must followup with a face-to-face meeting and an authentic desire to help promote their cause as well as yours.

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

The worst thing to deal with is my lack of patience. Waiting is always a tough thing for me to do and a huge amount of the process is just that. Waiting for the response from a publisher, waiting for the editor’s changes and comments, and waiting for a release date are just a few of the things that require patience.

I have learned a lot about myself and that has been the best thing about the publishing process.

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

God will show you when it’s time to put yourself out there and He will guide you. Be quiet and listen for His voice in the midst of the chaos within and without.

As a Christian writer, I want and need that guidance from God. I really struggle to recognize His voice. It’s encouraging to me to hear that advice from others.

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

Realize that you are not like every other writer out there and don’t compare yourself to others. Explore areas that make you unique. Find what works for you and let your marketing reflect your personality and writing.

Do you have a second book in the works? A publisher already lined up?

I am working on the second novel in my Drawn to Light series, Chasing Clare (working title). It takes off from the ending of Seeking Sophie but focuses on Sophie’s best friend, Clare O’Malley. I will submit it for possible publication when it’s complete.

I enjoyed the character of Clare a lot. She’s such a spitfire. You mentioned the waiting process that tried your patience, but I think it is as difficult for readers to wait for that next book when they find an author—and characters—they enjoy. I find myself in that boat quite often. 

What did you know going into this whole publishing process that helped you the most?

Basically, I knew nothing of the publishing business and was not able to anticipate the complexity of each phase. In some ways, this may have saved me from disappointment since I didn’t have expectations.

What did you learn—good and bad—through all this that you’ll apply to the next time?

I learned that I need more organization and focus in my life to be able to accomplish my goals. I’m reading books on the subject and implementing tools that will help with future writing projects and my life in general. I’ve also learned to embrace my idiosyncrasies. They give me my unique voice.

If Seeking Sophie were made into a movie, whom do you imagine playing the lead characters?

Sophie- Amanda Seyfried
Jackson- Richard Armitage

Thanks for being here today, Melody, and for sharing your publishing journey with us.

Readers, who would you imagine playing the role of sea captain Jared Martin? 

If you have comments and questions for Melody, put them in the comment box below. She will be available to answer throughout today.

ABOUT MELODY BALTHASER

MELODY BALTHASER lives in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and their three children. She has traveled to Africa to help orphans in Zambia and worked in children’s and women’s ministry. She enjoys traveling, hiking, camping and canoeing, but when winter settles in she heads indoors to sit in front of the wood stove, while a classic chick-flick plays on the T.V. and homemade soup simmers on the stove. Melody’s passion is to encourage people to let God’s love free them of fear and rejection to live the adventurous life their Creator intended.

ABOUT SEEKING SOPHIE

In 1858 New England, orphaned, indentured servant Sophie Stalz stabs her master to protect herself from rape. Now she must rely on her brother and his friends to protect her. Escaping through the Underground Railroad, Sophie finds herself stranded on an island in the hands of a stranger.

Surrounded by the sea and occupied with the duties of a lighthouse keeper, Jackson Scott just wants to be left alone with his memories. His fortress is about to crumble when his friend deposits Sophie on his doorstep. An old debt needs to be paid and the cost is dear.

As her master is Seeking Sophie, will Sophie and Jackson find a life together free from their past?

Seeking Sophie is available at CrossRiver Media and Amazon (availability on Kindle coming soon).