I'm delighted to welcome back author Hannah Carmona Dias to my blog today. She's written me the best, most honest article outlining exactly what she's learned so far during her journey to publication. Take it away, Hannah!

 
My Experience and What I’ve Learned 

When I finally hung up the phone with my publisher it felt like the most surreal moment of my life. Was that really an offer of publication? Was I really about to be an author? I was hiding in my car while the hubby kept the kids entertained upstairs. So no one was there to witness my initial squeal (okay scream) of joy when I realized the answer was YES! What a journey it had been leading up to this moment…

 LESSON 1- Shelving the Book Before I Completely Lost My Love For It:
I had been querying this specific picture book for a year. Initially I entered it into a competition which I did not win, and after that I queried to a long list of agents (and I mean looooooong!)—all responding with a resounding NO! Frustration was taking over, so I set the book aside and finally decided to move on.

 LESSON 2- Twitter Is Awesome!
Then one day while I was on the toilet scrolling through Twitter (classy I know) I saw a pitch contest where writers had the opportunity to pitch their book directly to agents and publishers. I had entered these before with no luck, but knew many success stories that came from Twitter pitch contests so on a whim I entered.
Four hours later it happened… A request! And not just one, but three. I was over the moon!

 LESSON 3- When Lesson 1 Works:
It seemed that the combination of setting the book aside and the hype from the Twitter pitch contest was the exact motivation that I needed, to query again. That week, full of passion for what I had written, I sent dozens of queries out for a manuscript that had been shelved almost two months.

 LESSON 4- Calling Out Shady People:
I finally received my first contact with what seemed to be a reputable publishing company, however there were some shady things in their contract. I knew that if I brought it up I may jeopardize my chances with this publisher. However, I went with my gut and asked… They called the next day saying they were no longer interested. In the moment I was devastated, however now I look back and know that it was the right call. If you are an un-agented writer always lean towards caution. Don’t let the excitement of seeing your book in print overcome your gut.

 LESSON 5- Finding the Right Fit:
I then got an offer from a fabulous micro press. We had actually just begun the publication process when I received another offer. Wait—I know what you’re thinking— “But Hannah! How rude! Why were you still querying in the first place?” This wonderful micro press took on my book with the disclaimer that if I were to receive an offer from a larger press I should jump on it. They in fact encouraged me to submit to other publishers before locking myself into a contract with them. When I told the press my news of an offer they were ecstatic and nothing but supportive. I had found the perfect fit for my book!

 LESSON 6- What Happens After the Book Deal
I’m lucky to have found my book baby a home with the small yet might company, Eifrig Publishing. They share my vision for the book, are in constant communication, and provide an  encouraging support system of authors. I’m now in a new phase I didn’t know existed. One where I am suddenly not just a writer, but a “business” person. When I thought of being a traditionally published author I underestimated the ongoing hustle that you must still have for yourself and your book.

 LESSON 7: Sometimes Cliche Advice Is Right
Not everyone’s journey is the same and there are many paths to publication. There I said it, but it’s true!!!!!!!!! (Did all my exclamation marks convince you?) So I leave you with this: be kind to yourself and stock up on coffee and chocolate. You got this!

Hannah Carmona Dias is a Writer who currently resides in Tennessee. Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me is her debut book which tackles a topic she herself has struggled with. In addition to writing Hannah is also a wife, mother, founder of Collective Art School of Tennessee, YouTuber, and actress. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and two cats, dog, and iguana. She also enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix, posting way too many GIFs on Twitter,  and avoiding housework.

​Website
​Twitter

​Dark skin, curly hair, freckles, and full lips. Smart, strong, funny, and friendly. Lilly knows that she does not look like her friends, and others have noticed. Through playful, lyrical lines, Lilly speaks up for every child who has been asked "What are you?" in this celebration of self-love and acceptance.

​Pre-Order Link

I'm so thrilled to be a part of the book release book blitz of my friend and Lakewater Press author, Barbara Quinn. Her uplifting, warm, and inspiring women's fiction is laced with stunning scenery, witty banter, special friendships, heartbreaking truths, and the songs of Bruce Springsteen. It really has something for everyone. If you love to laugh and cry and celebrate life, then this book is certainly for you. Check out the details... 

BLURB

Coming home to catch her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects—and on today of all days. So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.

Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.
​
In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.

​BUY LINKS

Amazon UK
Amazon US
​Barnes & Noble

AUTHOR BIO
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Barbara Quinn is an award-winning short story writer and author of a variety of novels.Her travels have taken her to forty-seven states and five continents where she’s encountered fascinating settings and inspiring people that populate her work.

Her many past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and postal worker. She’s a native New Yorker with roots in the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester. She currently resides with her husband in Bradley Beach, NJ and Holmes Beach, FL. She enjoys spending time with her son and his family and planning her next adventure. She wants to remind everyone that when you meet her, SHE’S NOT SHOUTING, SHE’S ITALIAN.

Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
​Goodreads
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I'm delighted to be supporting a fellow author and friend today with her COVER REVEAL! And, OMG, isn't this just gorgeous?! It's quirky and fun and colourful and vibrant and it just sucks you in! Be sure to scroll right through for pre-order links, to find out more about Hannah, and for the giveaway! Check it out... 

Title: Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me
Author: Hannah Carmona Dias
Illustrator: Dolly Georgieva-Gode 

Synopsis: 
​Dark skin, curly hair, freckles, and full lips. Smart, strong, funny, and friendly. Lilly knows that she does not look like her friends, and others have noticed. Through playful, lyrical lines, Lilly speaks up for every child who has been asked "What are you?" in this celebration of self-love and acceptance.

Pre-order at: 
Eifrig Publishing
Add to Goodreads at: 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36160336-beautiful-wonderful-strong-little-me
Rafflecopter Link: 
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f43a1d141/?

Hannah Carmona Dias is a Writer who currently resides in Tennessee. Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me is her debut book which tackles a topic she herself has struggled with. In addition to writing Hannah is also a wife, mother, founder of Collective Art School of Tennessee, YouTuber, and actress. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and two cats, dog, and iguana. She also enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix, posting way too many GIFs on Twitter,  and avoiding housework.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_a_dias/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannahcdias
Youtube: www.youtube.com/hannahcarmonadias
Website: www.hannahcarmonadias.com

I'm delighted to be handing my blog over to an awesome writer friend and fellow Pitch Wars mentor today! Here we go. Please welcome the lovely Margarita Montimore to the floor! 

​A Note from the Author
 
Hi there! I’m super-excited to share the cover reveal of my debut novel, Asleep from Day. Before we get to the main event, I wanted to share a little about what inspired this book:
 
Back in the ‘90s, I came across this human interest news story that stuck with me ever since. A guy met a woman on a bus in Boston, they chatted for a few minutes, and the woman left before he could get her number. The guy was so taken with her and eager to find her, he plastered fliers all over the city with details of their brief chat (which, at one point, mentioned Kevin Bacon—insert Six Degrees joke here). Remember, this was in the 1990’s, back before Missed Connections and social media. He didn’t have online tools to help him find the woman. The fliers got so much attention, news outlets picked up the story and the guy ended up on TV talking about his search for this woman. I don’t remember if he ever tracked her down, but I was fascinated by the lengths this man went to for a woman he met for only a few minutes. It was romantic, sure, but also a little crazy and strange.  
 
Many years later, the seeds of that story took root and grew into something different as I found my premise: What if a girl met a guy and spent a seemingly perfect day with him, then got hit by a car the next day and completely forgot him? What if, as she started to remember, she wondered if those memories were real? What if she had strange dreams and surreal experiences that made her worry she might be making him up and question her sense of reality? Add a 1990’s Boston setting and Asleep from Day was born.
 
It had to be the ‘90s, because technology makes it easier to find people and back then, it was easier to lose track of someone. It had to be Boston because I lived there during my college years and wanted this book to be my love poem to that city.
 
In terms of genre, here’s the thing: I like stories that aren’t one thing. I get more excited when a book or movie or show has layers of different genres. And I got more excited about this story when adding layers to it; I wanted it to be realistic yet surreal, romantic but twisted, with darkness and uncertainty to balance out the sweetness. It’s not psychological suspense or romance or mystery, but it has elements of all of those.
 
For the cover of Asleep from Day, I was hoping for something dreamy and a little strange, but still beautiful. I love the final design Terry Montimore came up with.

BLURB

Astrid can’t remember the best day of her life: yesterday.

A traumatic car accident erases Astrid’s memories of September 9th, the day she spent with an oddly charming stranger named Theo. Ever since, she’s haunted by surreal dreams and an urgent sense that she’s forgotten something important. One night, she gets a mysterious call from Oliver, who knows more about her than he should and claims he can help her remember. She accepts his help, even as she questions his motives and fights a strange attraction to him.

In order to find Theo and piece together that lost day in September, Astrid must navigate a maze of eccentric Boston nightlife, from the seedy corners of Chinatown to a drug-fueled Alice-in-Wonderland-themed party to a club where everyone dresses like the dead. In between headaches and nightmares, she struggles to differentiate between memory, fantasy, and reality, and starts to wonder if Theo really exists. Eventually, she’ll need to choose between continuing her search for him or following her growing feelings for Oliver. Astrid might go to extreme lengths to find what she’s lost . . . or might lose even more in her pursuit to remember (like her sanity). 

Amazon US  
​Goodreads

​Margarita Montimore received a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. She worked for over a decade in publishing and social media before deciding to focus on the writing dream full-time. She has blogged for Marvel, Google, Quirk Books, and XOJane.com. When not writing, she freelances as a book coach and editor. She grew up in Brooklyn but currently lives in a different part of the Northeast with her husband and dog.
 
Author links: Newsletter Signup, Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram.

Who doesn't love a special offer? I love them and if I can help spread the word about them to assist my author friends then I will. So, please do check out this awesome week-long special offer on a fantastic middle grade series!

The box set will be on sale for $0.99 Oct. 1-8. The other two box sets in the series will be on sale for $2.99 during that time too!

​Cassandra doesn't have magic. 

She's not super smart. She's not popular. She's not even special. 

Yet fifth grade has never been more extraordinary.

She's the new girl at school, and Cassie wants more than anything to make a best friend. But she's surrounded by kids who have known each other since kindergarten. Not only is she the new girl, but she's the odd girl.

If you enjoyed Junie B. Jones, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or the Babysitters Club, you will love Cassandra and joining her on her real-life adventures. Download the box set now and get ready to meet Cassandra!

This book compiles episodes 1-6 of season 1, Walker Wildcats Year 1.

Buy it now!


​Author Bio

​Tamara likes to dive into the fictitious side of reality, finding the interesting in the mundane. Sometimes she sprinkles in magic or ghosts or serial killers to lighten it up. She's the author of several young adult suspense novels, the Cassandra Jones saga, and a nonfiction about the Joplin Tornado. Her day job is taxiing her children to soccer, ballet, swim team, and archery and her writing is done when she should be sleeping.

​Website