spilling the TEA on my BOOK DEAL ft. screenshots & my *original query* with tips!

[@Rethabile-xb6lt]

This is really great, i live in Botswana a small country in southern Africa and ive always wanted to be an author and tell stories since i was 12 and sometimes i worry because in my country the publishing industry is very poor practically non existent. Right now im 19 trying to write my first serious book and im nervous because i dont know if im good enough to even make it. I know i shouldnt give up and seeing this was inspiring. All the best to you and im so happy you were able to finally reach where youve always wanted to reach, please continue what you are doing Thank you and love to the black community abroad and generally all readers and aspiring writers ❤❤thank you all

[@esmietheauthor]

hi!! I was the exact same - I always knew I wanted to tell stories. please, please don't give up. You can get published from ANY country and the world needs stories from every part of it. I can't wait to read your book one day. Thank you for sharing your story and your love with us fellow writers, it is much appreciated. ❤❤

[@Laurapoet33]

This video was EXACTLY what I needed, especially the part about your book being harder to market 😭 I've been feeling discouraged about not knowing exactly where my book fits (and I haven't even queried it!) but I've realized it's still worth finishing because it's the book of my heart, and if it doesn't work out I have other ideas that are more commercial. But I think I would regret giving up on it before even giving it a chance. Thank you for making this video - I've been enjoying your channel immensely and your publishing journey gives me so much hope!! (Despite all the ups and downs!) Also it was SO fascinating seeing the difference from first query to second query to book blurb! Congrats on all of your success (TWO stunning covers!!) and I can't wait to follow along for whatever comes next!!

[@trilingual3631]

I came here to say this too. I also have realized that I have a crappy query letter and that’s why I’m getting shot after shot of rejections 😅. I was on the urge of giving up some somehow crawling onward. But I’m so glad I’m not alone. It’s only been 6 months of unsuccess

[@esmietheauthor]

honestly, if it is the book of your heart, you've got to finish it. Even if it never gets published you will learn so much about yourself in the process. I know I did. You're welcome, I'm so glad you've been enjoying the channel! Can't wait to post more videos!!

[@CozyGamer92]

finally getting to watch this and girl, two years??? The force is strong with this one. You said I believe in me and that's that 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@esmietheauthor]

lol THANK YOU!!

[@paytonjletko]

Treasure Planet meets Atlantis is stunning.

[@katgreer6113]

There is SO much secrecy around traditionally published authors and their book deals and work life in general its crazy. Thank you so much. ❤

[@blackkatalog5761]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I didn’t know you before today but I’m so proud of you for pushing through and making your writing dreams come true. It is giving me the motivation to keep writing and not quit!

[@esmietheauthor]

Ah! Thank you so much!!! I am so glad I could help in a small way. Remember: Just don't quit!!!

[@AudeKonan]

That's so relatable, I'm in a period where I'm thinking of giving up but your query process is a reminder that all hope is not lost

[@TheFairytaleLifestyle]

That's so useful to know that your publisher never had it published in the US and that's why I had such a hard time finding it! I Snagged an Illumicrate edition I've yet to unbox as a special reward for finishing work so I can't wait to read it! As for your question about having your journey with your new book be one long documentary or a series, I vote for series! It would be really exciting to see things as they happen and root for you!

[@esmietheauthor]

okay thank you I will do a series then!! Yes - the lack of a US publisher to distribute it is so annoying! But I am so glad you have an Illumicrate - that version is SO stunning. Enjoy and good luck with finishing your work!

[@StephMorgan_]

Thank you for making this video! I love hearing about published author journeys, especially around querying. I'd love to see you talk more about that process. ☺

[@hiya_georgieee]

I’m so happy you’re published in Australia!! Gives me something to keep my eyes out for next time I’m book shopping!🥰

[@esmietheauthor]

I didn't say this in the video, but I'm Australian myself actually! grew up in Sydney, so I'm very pleased it's available to buy there :))

[@hiya_georgieee]

@@esmietheauthor OMG YAY!! I’m from Melbourne, don’t hold it against me 😭🤭 So excited to spot your name at Dymocks!! 🥰

[@wilmaharrysson8445]

Loooove ur channel already! It’s so refreshing!!! I found your book in Sweden a few months ago, the cover really drew me in 💫 Now I have found you here and couldn’t be more excited for all the content to come 🧚🏼🧚🏼🌸💕☺️

[@esmietheauthor]

oh my gosh I can't believe you found my book in Sweden... that's amazing!! Thank you so much for being here, I'm so excited to post more videos ☺

[@NickellesNook]

Loved loved loved this Esmie! It’s amazing to see authors lifting the lid on the publishing world. I find it so fascinating. All of your success is well deserved. Keep doing the damn thing 👏🏾🥰 Can’t wait to read The Principle of Moments 📖✨

[@esmietheauthor]

Ah thank you so much my lovely!!! Glad it's interesting!

[@oli52]

such a helpful video! so cool to hear the experiences of authors in the industry, thank you so much for making this!

[@esmietheauthor]

I'm so glad it was helpful! More on the way :))

[@IndianaHannah]

Awesome video. Nice to meet you Esmi 😊, ill be checking out the rest of your content. Stoked to hear about whats coming up for you, ill be looking out for it.

[@solfleurlivre]

Thank you so much for talking about your journey! I feel like im hitting these stagnant walls and nothing is working out. You talking about your own experiences really made me see and understand that it's normal, and the world doesn't actually hate me. I am so excited to keep following along with you and keep learning more about you and your books! I have been looking for a copy of your illumicrate book so when I find one i'll let you know🤭

[@esmietheauthor]

Thank you so much for watching :) It's SO normal to come up against walls and roadblocks. What matters is how you choose to persevere and move past them. you CAN do this, it might just take a little longer and that's okay honestly. All my love to you!

[@shaunosborne786]

Great video, Esme. Fascinating insight into your journey. Sounds like you had some major setbacks during the process, congratulations on making it through to the other side. 🎉

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you!!

[@justmadz6771]

Thank you so much for sharing this, it was so helpful and it's so nice to see an author whose book I love being honest about the highs and lows especially as someone who wants to be traditionally published myself one day! I was just wondering if you could talk more about writing The Church on Ruby Road novelisation though because that's fascinating 🥰

[@stephanystrangely]

What up doe from Detroit, USA! Your story is amazing, Esmie, and speaking as a fellow writer from a future graduating class, I am so glad you stuck with it! And I am looking forward to getting my hands on your book!

[@esmietheauthor]

Heyyy Detroit!! Thanks so much for this comment, and good luck with school!!

[@kenbryan339]

I stopped to read the first query letter oh my gosh you have Jamaican heritage that’s so cool!! Representttt 🎉🎉

[@esmietheauthor]

yes!!! My grandmother is from there☺️ I recently visited my uncles there and had an amazing time, what a beautiful country. so proud to have Jamaican heritage!!

[@kenbryan339]

@@esmietheauthor ooooooh I’m so glad you got to visit and enjoyed your time!

[@DanJoeWhitaker]

Absolutely loved this video Esmie! You’re like a brilliant big sister (although I feel like I’m likely older than you 😂) who imparts her knowledge in the industry. I can’t wait to see your next video, whatever it may be!

[@esmietheauthor]

Thank you so much for all your support on this channel it means so much!! Haha, as an older (eldest!) sister myself I like to think big sister energy is timeless LOL

[@meredithbush4407]

The second you said Treasure Planet meets Atlantis, I looked up where I could get your book. It’s so sad that’s a niche pitch because it hooked me WAY more than the more general one. Thanks for the vid. So helpful to hear info about the industry like this

[@esmietheauthor]

Ah this makes me so happy!! I wanted this to be the official pitch but my publishers didn't go for it. I think it's one too many Disney movies mentioned and also quite niche as you said! But it's the pitch of my heart... Thank you for watching, glad it's helpful!!

[@TheRyanLamont]

Really insightful video! Thanks for being so open about your author journey. I reckon take us along the journey of your new book with videos, then you can do a mega doco style video at the end with bonus content

[@esmietheauthor]

okay thank you! I think this is the route I am going to go down - updates in separate videos but part of a series/playlist!

[@bluebookstufff]

yesss love ur channel so much!! you're amazing esmie!!

[@jessicadoody4458]

I saw your book in a book shop near me in Australia. I was like I have that book 😂❤

[@esmietheauthor]

wait that's so cool....

[@jessicadoody4458]

@@esmietheauthor I’ve also chosen it to be out next read for a book club I’m in next month 🥰 so excited

[@annawrites4603]

I love your videos! 😍As a self-published author I really enjoy seeing how it is on the other side. I bought Principles of Moments and am currently reading it and loving it so far. I would like to know what inspired you to write it? and who are your favourite authors? Can't wait to see more of your content. ❤

[@esmietheauthor]

Ah!!! Thank you so much for buying my book!! I have so many inspirations, I could make a whole video... my main author inspirations are: N.K. Jemisin, Octavia Butler, Becky Chambers & Doctor Who....I love Arkady Martine's work, and Susanna Clarke's book PIRANESI is a firm favourite... just to name a few :))

[@Curious-Cat]

Super interesting to hear about your journey. Would love to know more about your experience with the Doctor Who book too - how it came about, what it was like working on it, etc :) You mentioned putting your second book to submission, if I heard correctly, but if you have a 3-book deal, wouldn't it automatically be submitted to your current publisher first?

[@esmietheauthor]

Hi - sorry should have been more clear about the second book on submission. So this would be my second *series* rather than my second book. I have just handed in my second book to my current publisher, so I am working on a new series in the meantime, which I'm hoping to go on submission with soon, to get another book deal!

[@Curious-Cat]

@@esmietheauthor Oh wow, that's amazing!!! Well done! And thanks for clarifying 😊 By the way, I don't know if you're open to doing tag videos, but I've tagged you in my most recent one - it's a tag about writing and I would love to hear your answers if you're keen to do it. No pressure though, of course ^^

[@esmietheauthor]

@@Curious-Cat thank you so much for the tag!! I will check out the video and add it to my list of videos I have planned, it sounds great!!

[@girlypopgay]

Would love a querying video ☺️

[@TheEccentricRaven]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

[@girlypopgay]

I love her attitude 😂

[@user-of5bd9xf4s]

Make it a series abt the new book for sure so we can keep up with u

[@esmietheauthor]

okay I will do this!

[@CozyGamer92]

Thank youuuu for this!

[@Liam-Laurence]

Me watching this: what is a query, what huh. *currently writing my first draft at 19* scared of the concept of contacting publishers when I come to that point. 😅

[@josieann4390]

💜💜

[@glitchscribble44]

❤

[@rubyhaig3096]

This video was fantastic! So informative and easy to follow, and you can tell it means the world to you to be a published author 🩵

[@esmietheauthor]

ah thank you so much for watching!! honestly - it really does mean the world to me. :)))

[@LoyisoVabaza-wu3fq]

❤