06 May 2023

Guest Post: Authors Helping Authors



It's been a year and a half since my friend Judy Penz Sheluk posted here at SleuthSayers, to talk about the third book in her Superior Shores Anthology series. I remember that post well--here's a link--and I also recall the enthusiastic response she received from our readers. Judy's been a busy lady since then, with all kinds of writing projects, and today I'm pleased to welcome her once more as a guest columnist. I hope you'll again join me in making her feel at home.

--John Floyd


Authors Helping Authors

by Judy Penz Sheluk


My visit on SleuthSayers today is thanks to John Floyd, who graciously gave up his regular spot so I could talk about my latest book. I've only met John once, at Bouchercon Raleigh in October 2015. It was at a sandwich/diner kind of place, where the food was fast but decent, and members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, of which we are both members, had arranged to meet for lunch.

I was a debut author in 2015, with two published short mystery stories (2014) and a cozy mystery that had released that July, and to say I was intimidated to be in the presence of so many talented storytellers would be the understatement of the year, and yet all I experienced was kindness. I recall John telling me he worked at IBM and me telling him my good friend and running buddy also worked at IBM, albeit in Toronto. A minor connection, but a connection, nonetheless. And I remember the late B. K. Stevens inviting me to post on her blog. I couldn't believe it. The B. K. Stevens! I'd been reading her short stories forever.

There were many others who reached out to me, and memories of that lunch, and many others along my author journey, have made me acutely aware that the one thing that makes the writing life special is the way authors help one another. If there's jealousy among Derringer, or other, award nominees, I'm unaware of it. Rather, we applaud those whose work we admire, often from afar. It's enough to be able to say, "I'm an author," and be part of the club.

I've come a long way since 2015. Today, I'm the author of two mystery series (seven novels), the editor/publisher of three multi-author anthologies of mystery and suspense (John's stories are in two of them), and a handful of short stories. But while I'm grateful for every day of those seven-plus years as an author. It hasn't always been an easy journey, and I've taken my share of missteps along the way.

I've also been "orphaned" by two publishers, one defunct, the other closed to all work but her own. I've very nearly been orphaned by two other publishers I'd queried with "close, but no cigar" results. Both are now no longer in business.

In February 2018, I started my own publishing imprint: Superior Shores Press, and I've discovered that I love being an indie author (I tend to be a bit of a control freak, which helps). Since then, I've also been published by WWL Mystery (a division of Harlequin, which is a division of HarperCollins), and sold some foreign language rights, most recently Skeletons in the Attic, to a Taiwanese publisher for the Chinese market. 

Fast forward to January 2022, when my local library asked if I'd do a presentation for their patrons on publishing paths. I liked the idea of sharing what I'd learned, and the result was an hour-long webinar, Finding Your Path to Publication, which I followed up with Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie. Both were well received, and that sparked an idea. What if I took my hard-earned knowledge and wrote a book? One that demystified the publishing world, provided statistics, and tips on query letters and types of publishing paths, from traditional to self- to social? Unlike my usual mystery writing pantser ways, I'd actually have an outline. 

The result is Finding Your Path to Publication: A Step-by-Step Guide, which released on May 2 in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and large print. If all goes according to plan, Self-Publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie will release this fall.

Authors helping authors. At the end of the day, that's really what it's all about.



Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/FindingYourPathtoPublication


About the book: The road to publishing is paved with good intentions . . . and horror stories of authors who had to learn the hard way.

For the emerging author, the publishing world can be overwhelming. You've written the book, and you're ready to share it with the world, but don't know where to start. Traditional, independent press, hybrid, self-publishing, and online social platforms--all are valid publishing paths. The question is, which one is right for you?

Finding Your Path to Publication is an introduction to an industry that remains a mystery to those on the outside. Learn how each publishing option works, what to expect from the process start to finish, how to identify red flags, and avoid common pitfalls. With statistics, examples, and helpful resources compiled by an industry insider who's been down a few of these paths, this is your roadmap to decide which path you'd like to explore, and where to begin your author journey.


About the author: A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries, both of which have been published in multiple languages. Her short crime fiction appears in several collections, including the Superior Shores Anthologies, which she also edited. Judy is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she served on the Board of Directors for five years, the final two as Chair. She lives in Northern Ontario. Find her at www.judypenzsheluk.com.



19 comments:

  1. Very interesting post, Judy. I added your book to my wish list. I'll purchase a copy soon, as I'm eager to read it. I'm sure I will learn a lot about our business.

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  2. Thanks so much for giving up your spot, John! Anne, thanks for your kind words and I hope you do pick up a copy (or ask your library to purchase one). All the best.

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    1. My pleasure, Judy. This does sound like a super-helpful book. Wishing you the very best!

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  3. A very useful book, Judy. I'll check it out.

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  4. Judy, I'll be picking up the book as well. You've certainly paid forward the help and welcome you got from other authors. I feel that the stories I had in two of your anthologies were big steps forward in my own career!

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    1. You're too kind, Joe. I still think your White Album is one of my faves of all time! And FYI, I have plans for another anthology for 2024 -- call for submissions coming soon!

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  5. I admire your enthusiasm , energy and talent. Looking forward to reading Finding Your Path to Publication. Mary Jo

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    1. Thank you Mary Jo. I hope you find the book useful.

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  6. Great to see you on here again, Judy! I particularly enjoyed reading about your trials and tribulations with publishers. My own particular head-banger was when the second printing of Crime Club (Orca books) went down in a ship container off the coast of Vancouver 18 months ago. The things you can't anticipate...sigh. Best of luck with this useful new book!

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    1. Thanks Mel -- and that is WILD about the ship container!

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  7. Congratulations on the new release! The road to publication is a rocky one. Best wishes for smooth sailing.

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  8. Judy, Sorry I didn’t get to meet you at that SMFS lunch in Raleigh. Looking forward to your new release.

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    1. Well, anonymous, not sure who you are but...thanks!

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  9. Congratulations on your new book! A mutual friend of ours has read it and said it's terrific!

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  10. Great to learn about you and your work, Judy.

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