I finished my novel. Now what? ✒️

[@drawrobot]

My collaborator (I’m a comic artist ) sent our comic anthology to Neil Gaiman for a blurb, book got published and after the fact, Neil actually responded in a sweet note that my collaborator framed.

[@CreateCc]

Can you tell us the name of your comic?

[@BooksWithCarah]

As someone who works in book publishing, it's always so fascinating to hear from the author's perspective! SO excited to eventually get my hands on Project Teacup :)

[@snamorsixteen]

Thats a cute haircut!

[@thebookbelle]

I’m currently querying with my own project (which is also historical fantasy!) and found this video so fascinating! Thanks for being so open with your process and journey Christy, I can’t WAIT to read Project Teacup one day soon ♥️

[@christy-anne-jones]

That's so exciting, Lucy!! Congrats on finishing the book. I also can't wait to read it!! 💛💛

[@KrisMF]

I feel your frustration about being an international writer and basically having a pool of only US/UK agents to submit to! publishing is such a small world. best of luck finding a wonderful home for your book - your comps sound amazing !! can't wait to hear more about it :) as someone who's just stepped into trad publishing myself, I'm glad to hear your perspective on self-publishing as well. the choice is so personal to every writer!

[@17caria]

The idea of completely rewriting the story with each draft fascinates me. Thank you for sharing.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Congratulations on finishing your novel Christy. Keep on writing, don’t stop. You should feel proud about your accomplishments!

[@tamara0909]

You know, you're the person who inspired me to get down to writing finally. Thank you!

[@megreads9]

I read between your words, writers life is very difficult as I am an author I do struggle on a daily business to continue my writing especially the concept of the whole idea from the first step. I write on a daily basis from 7:30 P.M. to 3:30 A.M then on the next morning I finished a story but my fingers were tired but I was so happy to do, in one year of writing I finished 8 stories , this the most memorized year for my journey as an author.

[@mahdialhajj2275]

you are an ICON christy , we love you and we'll always support you ... much much love from lebanon !!!!

[@BreeKaitlyn]

Congratulations on finishing your novel! I'm so excited to see it be published and read it! It was amazing to come along with you on your writing journey. So again, congratulations!

[@nadaslittlepearl5232]

Hello christy I’ve had so much joy watching this video. If there’s one thing I noticed is that your passion is impressive. I love how you managed to keep courage throughout all the process of writing without ever thinking about quitting The thing about embracing this path of trying to get published is that at some point you always question your ability to stand among “real authors” I find it frustrating and discouraging. So I’m sending you courage and the promise to buy and read your book once it gets published One more thing: I’m from Morocco, very far away from Australia, so if I come to find your book in my bookstore it means you succeeded so fingers crossed and I’m sure you will !!

[@OrbitalDeath.Beats8]

Haircut looks really good! I’m so happy you finished your novel! I’m hoping to finish mine this year. Thank you so much for your videos. Please don’t ever stop. You are so inspiring to me.

[@OliverFergusonAuthor]

Massive congrats! Such an accomplishment. It must feel amazing! I'm currently working on my novel, and vlogging my progress too, so I can't wait until the day when I can make my own video with a title like this one! Congrats again :)

[@philurbaniak1811]

👍👍 congratulations 🥳☕😄! I love seeing projects get finished and hearing about the process, thanks for sharing 👍😃

[@şeyma-g8c]

Congrats on finishing Project Teacup! 🍵 It's so incredibly exciting, and from one aspiring writer to another, I sincerely wish you all the best with your novel. Your journey has been so inspiring and it would be an absolute honor to have the opportunity to read Project Teacup someday. Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing your writing process with the world. 🌸

[@janmorrison4141]

Hey Christy, such a nice packed Q&A! Like you, I love hearing about other writers' processes. I'm totally with you on publishing traditionally. Here in Canada so many doors are closed to self-published authors. And, like tattoos, it is hard to undo the choice. As to agents versus publishers I tried for both, but my emphasis was more on publishers, because the novel I was flogging is genre (a mystery), and my research showed, except for the big five publishers, unless your novel was "literary " (!??), then an agent was unnecessary and hard to get. I was lucky to find a small traditional publisher in the province where my novel is set. They provided excellent editors as well, which I needed and appreciated. They aren't great with selling the book however - an unfortunate consequence of the more lucrative grants given by the Canadian government for publishing books, but I understand that is a common problem with all publishers even including the big five, unless you are Neil Gaiman, Peter Carey, Margaret Atwood or Prince Harry. (for example) I'm now working on my second mystery with the same protagonist and hopeful my publisher will want it. As well I've revised a novel I started 14 years ago, but want it published closer to home (Nova Scotia). I also have a YA making rounds. The biz of publishing can be aggravating but I remind myself that writing is entirely my choice. I'm glad you are on to the next project because as some famous writer said "I'm a writer not a waiter." Stephen King?

[@christiek245]

Wow, I'm so early. Best of luck with publishing your novel ❤ and congratulations on finishing it🎉

[@thequietmystic]

Watching a few of your videos this morning. It's funny how things pop up without looking. Novel? Congratulations! I wrote an incomplete novel when l was 17, l remember the story but have no idea where the script is. 40 years later, I've been guided to begin another novel. I have no ritual of writing, but l do what l can typing with one careful finger on my mobile phone in google docs or samsung notes. Yet 7000 words later.... l know where it's going cause it's been on my mind for 4 years doing re-runs haha. But, here's the thing. Writing is mixed up with running self employed decorating, doing fine art drawing and painting and renovating my cottage amidst an artizans building site. How long will the novel take...ah if only patrons were truly like they were for artisans in the Renaissance! My very best wishes to you. 🎉🎉🎉

[@brancellbooks]

Watching this knowing where you ended up makes me so happy for you, and so hopeful for my own future in this industry. Cheers!

[@Olivia-kr2cf]

I used to work in a bookstore and we would have self published authors come in every week wanting their books to be sold, as you say unfortunately it’s not that easy! The books would often be non standard sizes, non standard pricing, no ISBN for ordering. And generally if a book looks self published (cover design especially), it puts a lot of customers off buying because they assume it will be low quality writing (although this is definitely not always the case). Indie bookstores it might be easier but for the big book selling companies it has to be traditionally published if you want it on the shelf. I wish you the best of luck Christy, I really hope to see your book on shelves one day soon!!

[@JS-ms5uv]

From An Ode to the City of Ginko Leaves to now… thank you for sharing your work. I loved this video. My copy of A Year is circulating somewhere among my friends. Your artwork Inaka Girl hangs in my home opposite two original Edo period woodblock prints. Please, never stop creating, whatever the format.

[@TheEccentricRaven]

You're a lovely and smart lady. Your videos are an inspiration ✨️ Thank you for making them and congrats on any success you make.

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

Wishing you all the best for all your future projects! Game recommendation: Octopath Traveler 1 and 2

[@jordanseifert4640]

Congrats, Christy! Hope all goes well.

[@ladansemakabre]

GIRL YOU LOOK GORGEOUS

[@SpicaBee]

I love your hair! It suits you so well :) Thank you for another wonderful video

[@envybreakinganberlin]

Congratulations on finishing! I've been watching your vlogs to stay motivated, and I just hit the 100 page mark on my newest project today. You keep me going💖

[@Blackenedwhiplash]

I only recently discovered your KZbin channel but I really hope you get published. I would love to read your novel. I relate so much to what you said about rewriting each draft more from memory and from scratch rather than editing the previous manuscript. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself an aspiring author, but every once in a while I come up with story ideas and write them out. I wrote a lot more frequently when I was in college as well as all the years prior, I guess when I was more creative than I am now, and honestly have never finished a very big percentage of all the projects I started, but the ones I did finish and then went on to later drafts I also had a habit of rewriting from scratch. Almost every time it was for the better because the second and third and so on time around I had a much better grasp on what I wanted to say and how to better structure it. It is funny though how I used to write so much more and would sit down for hours typing away whenever I had fresh story ideas. Whereas the older I got the harder it was for me to focus whenever I wanted to write. But within the last year I've had ideas for a novel series that I am really excited about, but requires research and planning which I have been slowly doing and in the meantime have been trying to work on short stories or exercises to sharpen my writing again. Recently I came up with an idea for a short story or possibly novella that draws heavy inspiration from some events that happened in my life in the last two years and were some of the hardest times I've been through, though the written story will be exaggerated and added to to make it more interesting and will drift away from real life inspirations into more horror territory. I've found that I've been able to write around 4 to 6 pages a day when I am able to find time to sit down and work on it, and the words have been coming easier than any other story I ever remembered writing. Not to mention it's been therapeutic working through these difficult experiences I went through, and in a fictional sense to boot. I guess it's true when authors tell you to write what you know, because I've only tried drawing inspirations from my real life in stories a couple times before but in minute ways whereas this time I'm using it as the platform to build the fictional aspects on top of.

[@janmccann9471]

This is such a fascinating and honest video. Thanks for sharing all your insights into writing and publishing. I can’t wait to read your novel!

[@caitlinjohnson984]

I also start over and rewrite every draft. I totally get it! Good luck querying agents!!!

[@silverprism7156]

I'm so glad you have other projects in mind. Witnessing your process for Project Teacup was such a joy, I hope we get to see the process for your future works as well. I can't wait to be able to read Project Teacup, so exciting just with the thought of it :3

[@anahicarreon7982]

omg you answered my question! it was a very nice surprise 🤭 Congrats on your novel Christy, I'm sure it's an amazing story. Can't wait to read it!!

[@mirandamarquette1438]

I cannot heckin wait to get my little fingers on an physical copy of your book! But also omg I want to read your book that didn't get published I bet it's incredible!

[@sineeiser]

I could listen to you for HOURS. Your attitude is so calming to me - also I love books and your yourney as an author, but honestly i always come back to you if i need to slow down and feel all cozy. I wish you all the best for this book!

[@jessicafan6221]

Thank you for sharing the journey with us. I enjoyed watching every single Project Teacup vlog, and it really inspired me to work on my own novel❤

[@Lunaleodrune]

Hi Christy, I’ve followed your journey for so long and I got emotional watching you finish your novel! From watching your videos it seems like it seems like your mind works in a very similar way to mine, so I would love to see a super in depth video about your full outlining, planning, writing and editing process 😊

[@zarmz]

congratulations on finishing your novel, can’t wait to read it

[@ooh29]

That video cover got me just smile and laugh- so lovely. You’re just my favourite Christy Anne Jones of all I know. It is so hauntingly interesting to see all the steps you’re making. I’m all eyes 👀Support you Christy! 😁

[@asan1050]

Christy,ThanksMuch! needed that......

[@lucianannunez]

Congrats, Christy! 🥰 I just wanted to celebrate your resilience. I think is so easy to give up or let the intrusive thoughs get to us and so I admire how you taken every opportunity to be better

[@Rkive.wonderland]

I really wish you the best! I hope project teacup one day finds a reader in a public library and fulfills your dreams! Enjoy your break in between projects

[@sianacrawford3258]

Love this video and helped me as an aspiring author, too. Good luck! X

[@simplyfira568]

you inspire me in every way possible.... you're such an angel

[@Klopp619]

Congratulations on completing your novel. No matter what, a great achievement.

[@KMort]

I am now yr 3 in uni, which boy did that slow me down, but am currently finishing draft II. I am looking forward to seeing your progress with getting published and would honestly love tips and tricks as you do it👀

[@milicadiy]

I loved the Q&A as a new watcher. Good luck with everything you plan to do in the future.

[@Sisypheanlabor]

This is a life-sized journey. So take your time and enjoy it. I am on the same path with you, so I understand.

[@abookbug]

I’ve been watching ur channel from when you started talking about project teacup and I’m so proud of you and excited for you!!!!! Finishing a novel is a massive accomplishment I wish alll the best and I hope and pray you get the success you deserve♥️♥️♥️♥️ I don’t usually comment but I had to for this and when ur book gets published I will be THE FIRST to preorder it 👏👏

[@helenhuntingdon1987]

Congratulations on finishing your novel! Can't wait to read it!

[@NovaDoesGaming]

Congrats on finishing your novel christy!! I have been watching your vlogs since about midway through your journey and I gotta say Im hooked and can't wait for your book!

[@juliettacamed]

I admire you very much, Christy, and I wish you the best of lucks with Project Teacup 🍀I'm a translator and seeing your process as a writer is always so interesting and fulfilling ❤

[@snowwhite9435]

So happy to see you❤

[@soobinations]

Can't wait foe the book !!

[@ejungilife]

I love your new hair style and congratulations on finishing your novel.

[@ireneschoonwinkel]

Thank you for taking the time Christyanne to answer all our questions and telling us more about your project, process and future ideas. Looking forward to hearing what happens to your book. May it be received well by the agents you sent it to😊

[@markwilliamson9140]

Congratulations on finishing your book. It takes time to achieve these things. Hope you gets published and it sells well for you. May you find success in it. 😊

[@AtlanticRaven]

You’re such an inspiration! I really hope you get a publishing deal on this book. Would SO love to read it ❤️

[@estherd.b.16]

Oooh! Exciting! Can't wait to actually find out more about Project Teacup and maybe being able to read it some day! All the luck to you!

[@binkyerina]

I am SO happy for you!!! Can’t wait to hear about the querying process and wish you the best of luck on getting published! Your videos have been so inspiring as I *casually* work on my own novel. I am giddy for you and hope I can be in your shoes one day. Thanks for great editing, cozy vibes, and beautifully paced videos. I hope you find the right agent quickly and painlessly 🥰🤞🏼

[@freya_creates]

Looking forward to hearing more about your book, and hope your able to get it published. This was such an interesting video to watch as I am interested in becoming an author one day. 😊

[@parisassss9428]

I'm looking forward to reading your book Christy 😍

[@Jane-mj3lj]

loved hearing your thoughts on the craft and process of writing :) congrats on finishing project teacup!

[@alicelefae]

thank you so much for sharing your process with us, it's been super inspiring!! I can't wait until we all get to read your book

[@mariaromanova4547]

It's so interesting, how different the measurement of text length is. In russian-speaking book publishing sphere we calculate number of characters, not number of words. Also we have a term "author's sheet", that means 40k characters including spaces. E. g. the fantasy novel should have length 10-16 author's sheets.

[@eb_main]

Congratulations!

[@doaadikrallah]

i really hope your books gets published fast cause i wanna read everything you writeee

[@milana2540]

I can’t wait to buy and read the project tea cup!! I’m so excited

[@30sumfin]

It's been so fun to watch your writing journey, I cant wait to read your new book! Best of luck with publishers 🎉❤

[@Purzius]

Can't wait to read it ^^ Wish you all the best!

[@Miss13Beefy]

Thanks so much for answering so many questions. Can not wait to see what happens with Project Teacup and I hope everything works out for you. It's so exciting!!

[@fuindes_batwings]

I'm so so happy for you about your novel! Congratulations!

[@paulanogueira497]

Congratulations! Cant wait to read your book.

[@lesliewells-ig5dl]

What an amazing accomplishment!! I'm so happy for you!!

[@marinadeller]

So exciting to see you at this stage! And so many amazing things to come 🥰

[@GavinReadsItAll]

24:40 that little slip-up took me out 😂

[@spoilingnerd]

I will definitely buy your book and obviously read it.

[@annemariebuaya799]

You look so cute with your haircut and congratulations on finishing your novel I hope I can read it one day 😊

[@claudiacabelloglass4257]

I’m excited to read your novel!

[@eminorthworld]

Actually in UK agents told me before that there is not many publishers who would pick up YA fantasy. So I think this narrows further down. They recommended US

[@Alizeh12345]

You look so pretty today❤

[@jlin592]

I don't usually comment, but I just wanted to say that I wish you all the best in your career as an author!

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thank you for sharing, this was so interesting! :)

[@AdrianasWonderland]

i cannot wait to read your book ❤ i know publishing can be a hard process, i have published two books already and working with publishers can hard 😢 it was such a fun video to watch ❤

[@soyevquirsefron990]

Congratulations! Im subscribed but I don’t actually watch your vids as much as I would if the day was two hours longer. But it’s still good to see you making progress!

[@_Mei_H]

I wish you so much luck with agents and traditional publishing, Christy! I hope you'll get picked up by a great agent and publisher who will be interested in your work and you as a person. I'm self-publishing my first novel (steampunk, alternate history) and the process is hard but I do like the total control it gives but I have to admit it would also be nice to have a publisher to not have to do it all myself lol

[@chleag.h7185]

I cant get over how much this haircut suits you😍

[@natkame]

Thank you for sharing all the journey with us, so looking forward to reading this novel one day. After such a long time in this corner of the internet I can't imagine it being called anything other than "project teacup" though 😂

[@Winter-ir9tx]

Hey Christy, I love your cozy vlogs, makes me motivated to work on my own novel! Congratulations on finishing your project! I was wondering how do you feel about chatGPT and AI? I feel a bit disheartened by it myself, as I feel it's growing powerful enough to kill creativity.

[@DashikShmidt]

I love your new hair cut and style!!

[@buskersdog]

Congratulations, CAJ! Tolkien would have gone on rewriting LotR if he could have. Title, blurb, and ending is definitely sound - JK Rowling wrote the very end of HP along with the first book. Thanks for talking about your inspirations, sources of ideas, processes, etc. Doing a job when The Work calls is so hard. My impression was that Stephen King's routine worked best for you of the ones you tried, but who knows, someone will be trying your constant approach next! The best character writers tend to be iNtuitives, and I look forward to reading yours very much. Everything about "Project Teacup" sounds excitingly original. I hope you'll find the best agent, the right editor, and the perfect cover. The problem with self-publishing is distribution (I say this as a librarian). You're there! This is that wonderful watershed moment before the world shifts and the new light shines. Neil Gaiman, please blurb this!

[@lakeshagadson357]

i would love to see the novel 📖 whenever I can

[@purpletiger9313]

Christy Anne, congratulations. Let me share my own experience. I went right to self-publishing. There was no question in my mind. I was so happy with the book, and my take was that when and if the amazon publish becomes popular, the book can always be republished by an established publisher -- who will come to me. In the meantime, why not enjoy the exposure and not have to worry about agents and rejections and so on? And also have time to move to the next project. (My pen name is Evi Kammer.) So, it's up to you. Good luck!

[@charlotte_levin]

Congratulations on finishing. That's brilliant. I am interested as to why you feel you need a title before you can start each project? Because it's highly unlikely you'd get to keep that title if traditionally published.

[@riri12345678910]

You're so inspiring!

[@t-helen-price]

I can’t wait to read your book ^_^ you inspired me so much for my own personal writing journey. Do you absolutely need to know the title of your book and blurb in order to really get it started…?

[@megreads9]

Could you please in a video talking about agents how they work with you I would like to learn this because in my country there's no such way .

[@tiffyj]

I'm so happy for you, that you finished your novel. And I hope I get to read it one day. But I have another question: How long does it on average take until you get a reply from the agents or publishers? Are we speaking about months or years?

[@ScarlettMusiic]

Christy, your videos are so inspiring :) I would love to know how you improved your craft. Did you read anything in particular? Take any particular course?

[@clarejean3309]

I got a question; when did you start edit your book? or revising it? After you wrote the entire book or sometimes in between you finished a chapter? But congrats on finishing project teacup, I can't wait to see it publish since fantasy books are one of my favorites.