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Editorial Committee

*Update: My agent read through my blog posts and pointed out that Steve Laube's descriptions of the process (see bottom of post) are the more accurate way to describe the publication committees than my bumbling attempts! So I've changed a few things from my original post to reflect this.

In my recent posts I shared about my experience writing a book proposal. To read more about it, click here: Book Proposals.

This week I thought I'd catch you up to date with where my book proposal is at in this stage of the writing journey. As you know, I sent the completed book proposal back to my agent. Then she emailed it to the specific publishing house she thought would be best for my books.

I've learned that there are approximately three stages a book goes through at a publishing house: Editor, Editorial Committee, Publication Board.

Editor: Once the editor had my proposal, he had the opportunity to look it over and make an initial, yes or no decision. This is a critical phase, kind of like querying an agent. The proposal has to catch the editor's attention and the sample chapters have to spark an interest so that he or she wants to read more. Fortunately for me, the editor liked it, called my agent, and requested to see the full manuscript on one of my books.

Editorial Committee: The next step was the editor reading my book and then taking it to the Editorial Committee. This is a group of editors and people who work for the publishing house that meet regularly to discuss the various books that are "on the table," the ones they might consider publishing.

My book went to Editorial Committee last Wednesday. My agent graciously kept me up to date on all of the pro's and con's the committee was likely to discuss about my book (via emails from the editor.) This committee would now determine whether my book was something they could consider publishing or whether they would decline to look at it further.

Let me just say, I jumped every time the phone rang last Wednesday! I tried not to think about what they were discussing about my book and about me as an author. But my ears burned all day! Finally, Thursday morning, Rachelle called. What did Editorial Committee decide? Would my book make it to Publication Board or not?

To read about the next phase of the journey click here: Publication Board.

For an article that explains the various publishing committees in greater detail, check out Steve Laube's new blog and this article: Who Decides To Publish Your Book? Also, Rachelle Gardner has an excellent post: From Proposal to Publication.

36 comments:

  1. What an exciting journey you are on! I love reading about the process here and have a feeling your next post will be more good news!

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  2. Well, one week into it, my goals hit a snag!! My internet died this past week, and it is still down for the count. That meant I couldn't do the writing I'd planned to do yesterday afternoon because I needed my online references to do word studies. But I kept myself in the path of discipline by revisiting some previous writings and tweaking them further.

    Can't wait to see how your story is continued!!

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  3. Wow! What a build up of suspense! I can't believe you just left us hanging like that. Ha! Seriously, I'm really pulling for you. That is so exciting!

    Thanks to a rather rainy Fourth of July weekend, I was able to write approximately 3500 words this weekend. Crazy! But exciting!

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  4. Aiiiieeeeee!
    How can you leave us hanging? You and Terri are little stinkers. :p

    I'm SO excited for you and I can't believe how fast things are moving. So, you know already, don't you? Did you sell? Oh, girl. Grrr.... I can't believe you're doing a to be continued.
    Interesting about all those committees though. I'm glad you made it past the pub one. :-)

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  5. Jody: Wowzer! You go, girl! Only I'm mad at you for making us wait to find out what happened...
    I suppose I will forgive you when you reveal your secret. I just KNOW it's a yes!!!!!

    I did well on my early Summer goal of getting the proposal to AMG by the end of June; 10 days early. Now I'm working on two for Hartline agency, which I told her would be there by the end of July. My bumminess is that while I'm doing proposals, I'm not getting any actual WRITING done. Arrggghhh!

    Thanks for your educational, if not frustrating ;) post,
    Jen
    Audience of ONE

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  6. Reading about this next step was new to me. Thanks for walking us through your experience...it's fun on many levels. We had a party, went to the beach & celebrated all weekend...I need to play major catch up and have a decent amount of research to do.
    ~ Wendy

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  7. NO!!!!!! Talk about a cliffhanger! Regardless of what they said - you are in it, girl. I mean, IN IT! You are so close to the surface, ready to burst right through! Even if this pub committee didn't bite...I can't believe you're making us wait....there are SO many publishing houses out there. HOW EXCITING! And thanks for sharing about all this. I guess I have to get it in my head right now...the waiting never stops, does it?

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  8. Oh! I want to know now!

    So glad I came across your blog because you're doing something similar to me, documenting the writing/publication process via blog. I'm going to go back and read some of your past posts! Thanks.

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  9. What a nail biter. Waiting for a reply on a short story is hard enough--yikes--what obstacles. Good luck on the home stretch. :-)

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  10. A cliffhanger!! No!!! I'm dying to find out...

    Summer is much harder for me to meet my goals. But I wouldn't wish it away for anything!

    Can't wait to see what happens!

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  11. Arrrrggghhhh! NOooooo! Waaahhh! LOL...goodness girl, you should write suspense!

    You are such a great blogger. Seriously, the content on your blog is just fabulous. When you are a seasoned author you could easily write a "how to" book. :)

    Can't wait for the "rest of the story" tomorrow!

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  12. So. Not. Fair!

    When will this be continued??????

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  13. I KNOW the answer is yes! yes! yes! Enjoy the ride, my friend. We are all so excited for you!

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  14. Thanks for sharing this journey with us. I'm cheering you on.

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  15. You're killing me! It has to be yes!

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  16. Jody, look at that fabulous new photo of you! (Of course, it may not be new, it's just I've been away awhile. :)

    Great insider stuff, too. It's awesome of you to share. Can't wait to here the next part!

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  17. I love that you're sharing your journey with us! Can't wait to find out what happens.

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  18. You are worse than I am leaving us hanging for something as important as this! I saw where Rachel got a few contracts on her desk last week so I hope one was yours!!

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  19. Your blog today was like a "page turner." Can't wait to see the next chapter.

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  20. Can't wait to find out what happened!

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  21. Jody, I'm so clueless about this stuff, so thank you so much for explaining all of this. I really appreciate it! Good luck as you go through the process!

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  22. You little stinker! You'd better let us know the stats tomorrow. Grrrr... LOL Congrats on making it this far. Crossing my fingers you go all the way!

    Lynnette Labelle
    http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com

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  23. Jody, if I were close enough I'd whip you with a wet noodle, girl!!

    This is one post that should NEVER be broken up!!!

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  24. I can't believe you're leaving us in suspense like this! Ugh...well, despite that, I am so excited for you as you go on this journey to publication. Thanks so much for keeping us all informed on the process. Your blog is wonderful!

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  25. to be continued?!?! But I want to know what happened now! :)

    No, really, thank you so much for sharing this whole process you are going through, it is such a fascinating peak into the world of "what happens after the agent".

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  26. Gotta be "yes", right? You wouldn't do a cliffhanger to bad news...

    Thank you for your publishing-insider insight, and thank you for adding me to the blogs you follow! As a new blogger, I really appreciate it.

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  27. Seriously... it HAS to be yes. I'm with CKHB...

    Ugh, I have NO patience.

    Really? We have to wait until WEDNESDAY?????

    *grin* Thanks for the link to Steve's new blog! I didn't know he had one and I'll sure check it out:-)

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  28. Krista, Jody wouldn't wait until WEDNESDAY with such news! Surely NOT! Am I right, Jody? I may have to go find Eileen's wet noodle and give you a few lashes if we have to wait until Wednesday!!!!

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  29. Hi Jody -

    With all the hurdles books must clear, it's a wonder anything gets published!

    We're praying for you, Jody. I can't wait to read your book and review it. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  30. Hi everyone! Thank you for such kind words today! That's why I love blogging. You guys totally get what an adventure this is AND how hard it is.

    I wish I could give you a definite yes about my books! But as you know, things always end up being more complicated than that! That's one reason I had to wait until the next post to explain what else is going. . .it's lengthy and complicated! And besides I like cliff hangers!

    Thanks for sharing this journey with me! You all are the best!!

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  31. For some reason, I have found summer to be a good time to write. With the kids out of school, I feel freer in my mind, more dreamy, I guess, more equipped emotionally to follow the muse. I also have taken a writing retreat for the past two summers, which doesn't hurt. That is definitely my most productive writing week of the year, because there are very few interruptions. It is a piece of heaven on earth. I'd highly recommend it. The one I do is at a monastery, so it's a praying/writing reprieve. All the best to you, Jody, as you continue to hold your breath for the big one!

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  32. Hope the Pub Committee has eyes for you!

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  33. Oooh, I'd be jumping at the phone, too! LOL!

    Summer has been terrible for writing for me, but great for family time. Everyone has come down to visit over the past few weeks. It's been fun. :)

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  34. I am so excited for you!

    My pace is slow this summer, but through much prayer I've come to realize that this journey I am on is an ongoing process. I'm moving more like the tortoise than the hare. My family comes first and when I get the time to write I do. I guess I say all this because I feel guilty at times for not writing more, but my heart tells me it is alright:)

    Can't wait to hear what happens next!

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  35. I am so excited for you!

    My pace is slow this summer, but through much prayer I've come to realize that this journey I am on is an ongoing process. I'm moving more like the tortoise than the hare. My family comes first and when I get the time to write I do. I guess I say all this because I feel guilty at times for not writing more, but my heart tells me it is alright:)

    Can't wait to hear what happens next!

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  36. Wow, I love reading all about your new journey!

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