Is it Spring Yet?
Cover Reveals, Street Team and ARC Reads!
I seem to be measuring the coming of spring by whether or not we still have a snow bank—and sadly, we do. Although, the sun has been undeniably warm this week, and I think it must be just around the corner. (This optimism is a survival tactic 😄)
Anticipation is growing for several bookish-related things this season as well!
Covers Are Coming!
The covers for the Of Earth and Sky duology have been officially started, and I am waiting for the first sketches to drop in my inbox any day now! I recently had a great conversation with a fellow fantasy fan discussing how sub-genre is often communicated through covers. It’s really interesting to realize how much we as readers rely on these cues—and in no small way, a bit daunting. Thank heavens for designers.
I will be doing a cover reveal in early May, and of course, will be sharing here first.
Join the Team
Which is a nice segue into Street Teams! This is publishing lingo for ‘I need help!’ 😄 No book comes to the world without a team behind it, and this is especially true with indie books. Throughout this process, I’ve been blessed with amazing people working alongside me: critique partners, beta readers, developmental editors, copy/line editors, and proofreaders. Now it’s time for all of that hard work to be shared with the world!
What does joining the Street Team entail? Really, as little or as much as you’d like. Participate as you are able and feel comfortable. I’m going to keep it as fun and simple as possible and would absolutely covet your support. Street Team will be joining in with:
*Cover Reveal (sharing on your social media)
*ARC Readers (You don’t need to commit to reading the book! This is just to help get the word out when Advanced Reader Copies are available)
*Release Day
As a small token of my appreciation, I will be doing an exclusive giveaway for a Street Team Member to win a physical copy along with some other goodies (which I have yet to determine).
Want to join in? Sign up here: Street Team Sign Up
Musings
When I first began writing with purpose 6 years ago—let’s call it my publishing journey—I absolutely swore I would never indie publish. Ahh, those internal oaths that come back round and catch us.
In this case, though, I am so happy it did.
Am I abandoning traditional publishing (ie through a publishing house)? Not at all. There are so many fantastic advantages of working with agents and publishers. I think it will always be a door I push on.
Yet, one of the aspects of publishing that is so challenging is the waiting. After. Every. Single. Step.
As I wrapped up over a year of querying EARTHBOUND, I had a twinkle of thought: *What if I publish this story?* Not as a way to thumb my nose at the system but in acknowledgement that instead of spending the next year waiting on responses, I could be learning new facets of this industry and bringing a story I deeply believe in to the world.
The choice of publishing path is always a personal one, and I would never want to promote one over the other, but in this season, for these books, this path is so exciting.
My commitment to myself and to my readers is to produce the most professional book I can offer, not only by sharing a thrilling story but in producing a refined and polished book. To this end, I am so thankful for editors and designers I can lean on.
And of course, people like you, who have been so encouraging and supportive. I hope EARTHBOUND captures your imagination and your heart.
I am reveling in the challenge of learning all the new things. Next up will be formatting. Wish me luck.
Until next time,
Katee
I can’t wait for these books!!! 🥹🩵