As I mentioned in the beginning, the goal of my blog would be to do interviews, to give things away, and to discuss the writing process. Well, I’ve done interviews, I’ve given things away, now its time for the writing process. I know you’re thrilled!

When I got the call from Kensington that they wanted to buy my book, after I was done hyperventilating I realized I had no idea what the publishing process was like. Fortunately, I had friends who did: Harris Channing, Delilah Marvelle and Kimberly Killion. Their best advice? Be patient and calm the hell down because it’s a long process! Okay, I’m paraphrasing. 😉

I knew the first step to getting my book in print format was editing; fixing those minor problems the editor felt needed changed. My editor, Hilary Sares, didn’t have much to say – get rid of a few minor characters and the prologue. I accomplished that in about a week. Then I waited. And waited some more. Meanwhile, I got my advance, which was quickly eaten away by taxes and promotional opportunities.

Just as I was about to email to see if they were sure there was nothing else I could do, I got an email saying that Hilary Sares would no longer be at Kensington. There was a brief moment of panic, until I was told that I was still being published and my new editor was Megan Records.

Megan emailed asking if I knew anyone who could give me a cover quote, preferably a New York Times Bestseller. Complete Deer in the headlights moment. Umm, yeah, let me get out my address book of NY Times Bestsellers. Of course I didn’t know anyone, but didn’t want my editor to know immidiately that I was a big loser. I frantically emailed a few of my favorite authors, who politely, but quickly rejected the offer to write a glowing review for someone they didn’t know. Sigh.

Megan, the sweet editor that she is, told me not to worry, she’d find someone for me. A few weeks went by and I was starting to worry. Dear God, was my book so horrendous that no one would read it?

Quotes like “This is horrible, don’t waste your money,” floated through my mind.

Finally Megan emailed. A short, to the point email which basically said Hannah Howell has given you a quote.

Historical, New York Times best seller Hannah Howell?

Hallelujah!

So without further ado, the quote from Hannah Howell that will be on the cover of my book….

“A first-class debut. Lori Brighton is a bright new voice to watch closely.”

Lovely, great, wonderful! I can’t thank Ms. Howell enough.

I admit since I got the quote, I’ve been paying much more attention to other quotes on books. But I’m wondering, how much do they matter to you? Tell me, do you ever read cover quotes? And if so, do they influence the books you buy?