Thursday, May 25, 2017

Keeping it Simple: Memoir Finds a Publisher.

Of all the ways I considered announcing this, simple wins out. Here goes.


My memoir, tentatively titled Every Loss Story is a Love Story: The Father Daughter Reunion, will be published by University of Nevada Press in Spring 2018.

If you don't know, the road here was anything but simple, and under the calm simplicity of that sentence, I'm actually screaming with joy, dancing in gratitude, and exploding with a mixture of relief, incredulity, affirmation, and humble pride. 

(Because everyone was out and busy when I got the final news at six on Monday, I had a simple solo dinner. But there was wine (and a nice card) a few hours later when some of the menfolk got back. Yes, hubby owes me a celebratory night out!)

I have a zillion people to acknowledge and thank. For now a blanket thank-you will have to do, to everyone who has and continues to help, by cheering me on, listening to my ideas, reading my pages, offering feedback, sharing publishing advice, telling me plainly when I'm wrong, and of course, by commiserating and celebrating.

Though I've published hundreds of articles, essays, and short memoir pieces over the last couple of decades, and though I've contributed essays to several anthologies, and even though I've ghostwritten chapters and manuscripts--this already feels quite different: my name alone, on the spine.

It feels like my book found its perfect (and, in retrospect, logical) home at University of Nevada Press (more on why in a future post). I'm looking forward to working with the enthusiastic professionals there, who have made me feel like a warmly welcomed and respected artist, from the day I first chatted with the press director at a writers conference this past winter.

I hope you will follow along in my journey from here to next year's published book. I'll try to share useful information that in turn may help other writers. 

In a few days, I begin revisions the publisher wants in a few weeks time. Today and tomorrow, I'm working on completing my author questionnaire and organizing notes with my ideas for PR and marketing. (I did after all, spend 12 years in public relations!)

Here goes.


15 comments:

Walker said...

Congrats. Such good news after such hard work!

Unknown said...

Awesome! Congratulations!

Diane Stringam Tolley said...

There is NOTHING like your name on the spine of your book. Your name.
Congratulations!

Lisa Romeo said...

Thank you so much, Walker, Amy, and Diane!

Melody said...

This is wonderful news. I can hardly wait to read about your publication adventures.

Barbara said...

Congratulations! I'm still torn between self-publishing or searching for a publisher. I'll follow your journey with a keen eye! Best of luck!
b

Melody said...

Interestingly, I used to attend the Reno Writer's Conference every year because my writer friends participated in the conference. Then I went on my own because I liked it. It was much cheaper than the San Francisco Bay Area conferences with great people, and only four hours away from San Francisco. I also attend the Reno Ukulele Festival every year. I've been to Reno, Nevada countless times. The Sierra Nevada mountain range surrounding Reno is amazing, and it's very close to Lake Tahoe. There is loads of history all around Reno, including Virginia City, which houses more historical buildings than any town in the United States. I know this doesn't directly relate to your book publication, but just thought I'd throw in a little info about the area where your book will be published. It's definitely an area worth visiting some day.

Lisa Romeo said...

Actually, I'm glad to have the info, Melody, thanks. I'll probably do some book PR in the area at some point, and it's nice to know. Thanks for your support!

ThinkWriteInspire said...

How exciting! A dream come true, for sure. Congratulations!

cynthia said...

Congratulations, Lisa! So happy for you.

Nina B said...

Yay!!!!!!

Erika D. said...

Oh, my goodness, Lisa! I'm sorry that it has taken me a few days to discover your wonderful news. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Lisa Romeo said...

Thank you everyone for your nice notes!

Darlene Craviotto said...

I just saw this! Congrats, Lisa! I really look forward to reading it. Continued success!

Lisa Romeo said...

Thank you, Darlene. I'm hoping to get out your way next summer for some book events. Would be great to meet in person!