It’s my great pleasure to be joining the blog tour today for Promised Lies by Marguerite Ashton. I have a Q&A to share with you looking at Marguerite’s road to publication, but before we get to that, here is what the book is all about.
The Official Book Blurb
Detective Lily Blanchette has a lot on her plate. Her sister, Celine, was murdered, her parents are on the verge of divorce, and after a whirlwind romance, she married a man she barely knows.
When the bodies of two young women are found, it is clear that the killer is the same person who murdered her sister, Lily sets out to find out who that is.
As the investigation comes to life, Lily realises that all is not as it seems in her life, who can she actually trust and who is she?
The Road to Publication
When did you first decide to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper?
My writing started out as an escape from my life and the craziness that surrounded me.
I’ve been writing since 2000 as a hobby, but soon realized that I wanted more. I wanted my works to be read. In 2009, I set out to hone my craft with the hope of writing stories that would entertain my readers.
How long did that first manuscript take to perfect?
About four years. My writing coach, Ami Hendrickson has really brought me to a new level of writing. Her patience and encouragement has been awesome. Now, I look forward to learning something new about the writing process every day!
How did you get it in front of publishers?
I sent out queries and found my publisher, Endeavour Press.
Did you have an agent?
No, I’m still pursuing an agent. I met my dream agent at a writer’s development conference who encouraged me to expand beyond the novella and get into longer more developed novels. Her encouragement really pushed me into this new phase of my career as a writer.
What was the first reaction of people?
Family and friends were happy for me, but there was always a pep talk about being cautious and that nowadays, everyone’s a writer. I understood their concerns and even considered a career in law enforcement. But not long after that, I learned I was expecting my fourth child! My husband told me to stop listening to others and do what I love, which is writing.
Did the publishers want to change a lot? All? Nothing?
Not much. My publisher sent me editorial queries and left most of the manuscript intact. They were very helpful. I found some differences in writing for overseas because I reference things that are different here in the US that they were not aware of in the UK.
Did you agree? Or stick to your guns and find someone else?
Both. I’m grateful for the suggestions. It helped to rewrite for clarity of my original intent.
How long did it take from them to get it out to the public?
About two years. After I submitted to Endeavour, I attended a conference, learned more, and rewrote Promised Lies. Once Endeavour Press accepted it in its new form it took a few months to be released.
What input did you have on the cover? Font? Etc. …
To be honest, I just want to write. I’m an amateur at marketing. However, I do know that when I buy a book, it’s because it made me feel something.
So, yes, I was on pins and needles, hoping that my publisher would create a cover that would make me happy on the spot. They did just that. They showed me two cover suggestions and I loved the second one the best. They made some changes and it all worked out.
My publisher has been very helpful in making Promised Lies the work it is today, and I’m excited for the soon to be released, Her Final Watch.
If you could do it all again, what would you change?
My road to here has been full of personal plot twists to say the least. Some lessons are hard, others I should have seen coming.
I encourage all new authors to research everything. I mean everything. From parts of your book, to the places you market it, the publisher, the agents, and all aspects of what comes into your business.
Hard work and attention to the little details makes a big difference. I’m still learning each day. My connections to the law enforcement community has helped me in that research.
…
Thanks to Marguerite for taking time to answer the questions. Sounds like an interesting journey. Promised Lies is Book 1 in the Detective Blanchette Mysteries and is available to purchase here.
You can also win one of two e-copies of the book by entering the giveaway below.
Win 1 Of 2 E-Books of Promised Lies
About The Author
When Marguerite Ashton was in her twenties, she took up acting but realized she preferred to work behind the camera, writing crime fiction. A few years later, she married an IT Geek and settled down with her role as wife, mom, and writer. Five kids later, she founded the Crime Writer’s Panel and began working with former law enforcement investigators to create; Criminal Lines Blog, an online library for crime writers who need help with their book research.
She’s a workaholic who hides in her writer’s attic, plotting out her next book and stalking Pinterest for the next avocado recipe.
A member of Sisters in Crime, Marguerite grew up in Colorado, but is now happily living in Wisconsin and playing as much golf as possible. She can be found on Twitter and Facebook.
The blog tour runs from 5th – 18th June. Be sure to stop by some of the other brilliant blogs for more features and reviews.
Jen Med's Book Reviews 
Interesting interview!
LikeLiked by 1 person