For those of you who have been following my weekly blog posts, a while back I mentioned that I started querying my psychological thriller, They’re Watching, and my domestic suspense novel, Amorous Obsession.

I’ve sent out approximately fifty queries for each of them, had some requests for partials and fulls, and even got some coveted feedback from some very kind agents who took the time to respond without using a form letter. Thank you – you know who you are!

I also queried some smaller publishers who don’t require an agent, and I participated in a handful of pitchfest events online. In my first round of pitches, I had 2 requests, but once I vetted the publishers, I decided that they weren’t a good fit for me and did not send them my book.

Then I got a request from CJM (Creative James Media) for the full manuscript for They’re Watching. After they read it, I was invited to attend a Zoom call with CEO Jean Lowd to discuss what things would look like if CJM decided to offer me a contract. Jean was easy to talk to, friendly, and knowledgeable. 

The next two weeks were filled with anticipation as I knew I would love to work with CJM to bring my story to my readers. And the rest, as they say, is history. Jean offered me a contract. She gave me plenty of time to go over it and encouraged me to ask questions. 

CJM sent me their author handbook to look over, detailing their eighteen month process, which is thorough and covers everything from the different stages of editing and creating the book, author branding, website, newsletter, social media and much more. 

And CJM is not hybrid, or vanity. Their authors are not required to pay anything, as is the case with a traditional publisher.

Publisher’s Marketplace announced the deal in September of this year. I was welcomed into the CJM family and have been enjoying the whole experience working toward making this the best book we can.

As someone who wanted to go the traditional publishing route, finding the right publisher, editors, and team means the world to me.

I will update the blog from time to time as I share my publishing journey for They’re Watching with all of you.

How are you going to fulfill your publishing dreams?