In 2012 for NaNoWriMo, I wrote a story that I had a title to for many years but hadn’t found the right story to use it with since it was such an awesome title (if I do say so myself). Anyway, after 2012 Nano, I let the story sit for a long time before I went back to clean it up. I got a request from an agent at RWA in Atlanta for it but it was ultimately turned down by her. I was kind of glad since she seemed to not “get” me even at the pitch session and I don’t think I’d want to work with her anyway.
Fast forward to Feb 3, 2014- I submitted it to my publisher, Sweet Cravings Publishing. On Feb 18, 2014, I got the acceptance stating that the e-book would be out in April (gasp) and print in October. I sent the contract back and rushed to do the cover questionnaire that night as it was already so close to April. I turned that in the evening of the 18th.
The next day, the 19th, at around 3:30, I got the edits! I love my editor there and she said there wasn’t much to fix. She also said, “OMG, best pet I’ve seen in a book yet.” LOL –
As I worked on the edits the evening of the 19th, here came an email with my draft cover! I was dizzy by then at the speed of the process. I mean, how crazy fast was this? The cover was perfect and pretty accurately reflected what I wanted on it as well as the story- down to the mockingbird on the title. AND it has the amazing Jimmy Thomas on it. So handsome. Check it out!
Jillian Chantal 
That is a GREAT cover. Kudos for getting Jimmy Thomas! And for being told very little editing was necessary. I love the title and am looking forward to the story coming out.
By: Laurie Ryan on February 22, 2014
at 5:01 pm
Thanks Laurie. I’m hoping the cover model will help sales, lol.
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By: Author on February 22, 2014
at 6:03 pm
Oh yeah, he can’t help ramp up sales. This is my kind of hero look. Congrats on the book and the speed they are moving.
By: Lavada Dee on February 23, 2014
at 12:25 am
thanks Lavada. Now I’m worried about the book being good enough for the cover. LOL
By: Author on February 23, 2014
at 9:29 am
From what I read of your work you can quit worrying. Jimmy Thomas fits right in with a romantic suspense.
By: Lavada Dee on February 23, 2014
at 11:03 am
Thanks Lavada. I need the vote of confidence. *smiles*
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By: Author on February 23, 2014
at 11:19 am
Again, congratulations! Since I used to play with that title but did nothing with it,I am looking forward to your take on it.
By: Tonette Joyce on February 23, 2014
at 12:28 am
Wow! Your head must still be spinning. Congrats on the total success of this book so far. I can’t wait to read it!
By: Larynn Ford on February 23, 2014
at 2:29 pm
Thanks Larynn. I now have the proofreader’s comments and she wasn’t as happy with it as I would have liked so I’m going to try to strengthen a couple of parts.
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By: Author on February 23, 2014
at 6:19 pm