“Beautiful and Terrible Things” Book Update

My contemporary novel Beautiful and Terrible Things is moving through the pre-publication process and is on track for a summer release. The publisher is finishing up the cover, which I will be able to reveal to you in all its glory very soon. For now, here’s a teaser:

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Publishing Process

As you may know, it takes over a year for most publishers to release a book, from the time the author signs the contract until the book is finally for sale in bookstores and at online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org (which supports independent bookstores). Have you ever wondered what goes on in all that time? Here’s a partial list:

• The manuscript is reviewed by an editor and any necessary changes made
• An ISBN (International Standard Book Number), the book’s unique identifier, is assigned to the work
• The print book’s interior file is created and formatted
• The ebook is created and formatted
• Negotiations for an audiobook take place
• A cover is designed and produced
• The author receives a “galley” or “bookblock” — a file that looks like the final book. We are given one final chance to make edits and, well, if you give an author a chance to edit, we’re going to edit!
• That means another round of back-and-forth on the galley until everyone is happy with the content
• The publisher begins working with its distribution partners to sell your book
• Advance Review Copies (ARCs – also called Advance Reader Copies) are sent to big-deal book review publications that require many months notice.

Advance Praise for Beautiful and Terrible Things

Speaking of advance reviews, here’s a taste of what early readers of Beautiful and Terrible Things are saying:

“A poignant, whirlwind read that grabs you. A story so relevant it vibrates.” – Author Tina O’Hailey

“A moving, character driven story that includes frank explorations of contemporary debates on migration… Thoughtfully conceived–an engaging read!” – Robert Irwin, Director of Humanizing Deportation Project, University of California, Davis

“Disparate millennials grapple with social justice issues while navigating their personal and professional lives. Beautiful and Terrible Things challenges readers to move away from ingrained patterns of thinking, breathing life into modern social structures in an authentic and refreshing manner.” – Author Annabel Harz

But perhaps my favorite so far is this summary of the plot by Harz: “Six friends. Five ethnic backgrounds. Four romantic attractions. Three genders. Two mental illnesses. One turtle.” What on earth does that mean? You’ll have to read the book to find out!