Exciting Times Ahead!

Thanks to Facebook's "On This Day," Deek realized he'd been working on The Extractor for a year now.

Our process is creatively dumping the story in about three to four months and then spending a good six to nine self-editing. When Deek finished self-editing, he sent it over to me, and I performed a content edit. Now he's almost done with his revisions based on my notes, and then he'll send it Anya Kagan at Touchstone Editing for her review. Once he's implemented her changes, he'll send it back to me for line edits. Whew! Sounds exhausting? It can be, but we love the process!!

And after all that...he'll be ready to submit to agents!

via GIPHY

I personally think this story is unique and intriguing enough to warrant agent attention. And that's not just a proud wife talking (though I am that); it's an editor who has seen a lot of submissions and worked on a lot projects.

It's geeky and sci-fi--yes, plenty of that goodness--but it raises interesting questions about who we are and what makes us, well, us.

via GIPHY

And I am SO thrilled to announce that Deek's publisher, Tenacious Books Publishing, will be releasing an audio book of Birth of An American Gigolo on May 15! Y'all, they picked an AMAZING voice actor who totally captured the essence of Lindsey and the rest of the crew. A big thank you and shout out to Crystal at Femme Vocale! 

For those who love Sam Bradford and the 122 Rules saga, don't worry, Book 2 is in the works and should be out in 2019! There may even be a new cover for Book 1, from none other than the supremely talent Anita Carroll! Although, I do like what she did with the first cover, she and Deek have some smashing ideas for a revamp!

122 Rules Original cover

As for me, I've got my sci-fi, The Transhuman Project, out with some agents and am waiting to hear back. Y'all, the writing world is a serious test of patience. I'm not a good waiter, but I'm trying to be. I also got some awesome feedback from a stellar agent about Restore To Me. I'm working on implementing those changes, and hopefully something will come of that in the near future. 

The Transhuman Project's inspiration photo

Right now, I'm also working on an editing project through the Rhewbix Cube deal. If you haven't heard of it, take a gander here. You'll have the chance to work with Anya, Anita, and me, and we'll make sure you have a book ready to be published, formatting and all, by the end of the process.

Take advantage of the Rhewbix Cube deal!

Exciting times are ahead for the Rhews! We're cranking out books just as fast as we can while keeping quality in mind. But sure to stay tuned...and hang on for the ride! ;) 

Random notation: I've noticed that the longer I've been with Deek, the bigger my smile gets. I think in the beginning, I was still trying to figure out if a man could *actually* be as awesome, thoughtful, and wonderful as he seemed. But now, I know he really and truly is that amazing and more. Just a fun observation I had of late. Man, do I love me some Deek Rhew. I'm the luckiest girl in the world! 

If I smile any bigger, I'm going to break my face.

This man makes me happier than I ever dreamed I could be!

The Importance of Quality Covers

Hello, everyone! So, since I've teamed up with the AMAZING Anya and Anita for the Rhewbix Cube project, I'd like to talk to you about quality edits and covers. Today, I'll start with covers.

As you know, I'm the author of The Fulfillment Series. When I imagined holding the books in my hands for the very first time, I had a very specific design for the covers, but I didn't know if anyone could actually bring it to life.

So, the cover artists (my old publisher used two different people) who originally worked on my series gave these two covers for the first two books.

*Please note: I'm not posting these to disparage the press or the cover artists but to provide a vivid visual difference.

Okay, I'll admit, when I saw the first cover for the first time, I cried. Not "OMG, my first cover" but "OMG, it's nothing like what I'd hoped." I texted my Dream Team and my critique partners (even my mom) a picture, and they all tried to make me feel better. But it wasn't even close to the vision I had. 

There is nothing quite as heart-wrenching and disappointing as trying to promote a book whose cover makes you cry ugly tears of disappointment. However, I soldiered on and did my due diligence, promoting the heck of that book anyway. But I will tell you, it hurt my heart to see it out there in world, representing the story I'd worked so hard on.

And then came the second book cover. It didn't match the first book at all. In fact, no one would know they were from the same series, even if they sat side-by-side on a bookshelf. And with the crown of thorns, it had distinctly a religious undertone that didn't fit the story. 

I'd been asked for input on these covers. I filled out super long questionnaires from the publisher, asking me about different aspects of my novel, but the covers didn't represent my book nor the information I had provided.

When the time came for me to decide what to do with the series, I considered both self-publishing and shopping for another small press. And soon, the opportunity for me to sign with another small press presented itself. At first, I was really reluctant, but then, I discovered that Anita Carroll designed their covers.

I went on her website and sat in awe of her indescribable talent:

I mean WOW!! Look at the mastery here. The emotion Anita's covers evoke is just beyond explanation. And she spends a lot of time blending to make sure the words look like they're a part of the image instead of just being placed on top of it. She once told me she spent seven (7!!) hours blending a cover to make it just right. That's quality and devotion to art right there!!

Since I knew my book cover would be in good hands with Anita, I signed with the small press. And I had the distinct pleasure of working with Anita one-on-one. She *read* my books so she'd be familiar with them, and only then did she start the cover design. We went back and forth on ideas until we came up with the perfect one.

The books are BREATHTAKING!! When I'm at ComicCons or author signing events, people come from across the room to see them. And once they get to my table, they seem compelled to pick my books up and read the back. That's what every author wants, right? That's what covers should do, right?

And they definitely look like they're part of the same series. Each book has the same underlying theme and tone, with subtle differences.

In addition, they adequately represent my book. Anyone who sees them will know they're fantasy novels, no question. That's another super important element of a cover...to accurately convey the theme of the book.

For example, one of my friends had a book cover that did not represent her book. She wrote a story about witches. In fact, her book has been compared to Practical Magic. 

Here is the cover of Practical Magic:

Obviously about witches, right? 

Well, here's the old cover my friend's publisher selected for her book:

Nothing about that cover says witches. In fact, she struggled to get the message of her book across to readers. People assumed it was a middle grade or young adult "coming of age" story due to the cartoonish nature of it and the young appearance of the people in the image.

So, if you're thinking of self-publishing your book, make sure you choose a cover artist who will a) work to understand your story and your vision b) keep your theme consistent throughout a series c) make sure your cover conveys the message, theme, and genre of your story  d) create covers people are drawn to. 

If you're going to sign with a small press, make sure they have quality cover artists. Peruse their current books and ask yourself if the covers intrigue or repel you. 

For those considering self-publication, I highly recommend Anita. In fact, she's so amazing, I asked her team up with me to offer a special package called the Rhewbix Cube, which includes a reduced rate for edits, a cover, and formatting. Check that out here: Rhewbix Cube Offer

Until next time...may beautiful covers decorate your life and bookshelves! ;) 

Erin Rhew Editing and Design

I've been pondering this option for a while, and I finally decided to take the leap! Woot! I'm pleased to announce you can now get line and copy editing and/or your eBook and print book design from ME! Yeppers! Me!

My nerdy look makes it all official!

Why me? Well, you can check out my credentials on my website, but I've got the creds you're looking for. ;) Yep, and I'm an uber nerd too. Bonus!

via GIPHY

And while that is a whole bunch of exciting, I've got even more thrilling news!! I've teamed up with two of the most awesome professionals in this business to bring you something new and different in the self-publishing world...the Rhewbix Cube.

What is the Rhewbix Cube? Dear reader, I'm glad you asked. It's a comprehensive program created to meet all of your self-publishing needs. You write the book, and we'll take care of all the editing, cover design, and book design. 

You'll get one of the top content editors, one of the best cover designers in the business, and me for your line/copy editing and book design needs. It's a three-in-one deal...hence, the cube part of Rhewbix Cube. I'll be revealing the identities of my partners very soon. But until then, check out my website for more details and GET EXCITED, PEOPLE! We're rhew-volutionizing the self-publishing process!!

via GIPHY

If you're in the market for editing or book design, feel free to send me an email to discuss your project. I look forward to working with you!

via GIPHY

As always, I've got to give props to the love of my life. I'm beyond thankful to always have his support, encouragement, and love any time I spread my wings. Yep, I'm going to go there because a) I'm rindok excited and b) I'm a cornball. Deek, you are the wind beneath my wings. In all seriousness, thank you for being you...THE most wonderful man to ever walk the planet. I adore you more than words could ever, ever express!!

Until next time, friends, WRITE ON! 

PS. I leave you with cute animal pictures...