Sunday 1 November 2015

How did I get here?

After the usual email discussion between my publisher, publicist, designer, agent, and key booksellers, we have finally agreed on the cover for Murder Ring, the eighth Geraldine Steel title. Here it is.
can hardly believe this is my eleventh published book since Cut Short came out in 2009. By the end of 2016, the number of my published books will go up to thirteen... and these numbers don't include the different editions, large print books, all the titles published in translation... Adding them all together, there are over fifty different covers so far... I have a copy of each of them, together with proof copies of the U.K. editions. I used to look at my collection sometimes, when I was having an insecure writing day, trying to reassure myself that I really can write.
To be honest, these days I am usually so busy writing, editing, and running around on research trips and book tours, that I don't have time to step back and look at how far I have travelled as a writer. I'm not talking about my physical travels, although that has been quite unbelievable too, when I stop to think about it. My research has taken me all over the world, from Margate in the South of England, to Scarborough in the North, and further afield to Paris, Greece, Rome and the Seychelles. 
What I find difficult to believe is that from scribbling down a story that randomly occurred to me, I have become what used to be called a 'mid list author' - half way between the top bestselling authors and those who only scrape a living from writing. I am now a full-time author, living (quite comfortably) off the proceeds. Not that I am complacent. So far so good is all I can say. Sales seem to be going well, but every day is a different story. Which, I suppose, is appropriate for a fiction writer... but I'm not sure how I ended up in this thrilling precarious career. 

Murder Ring is available for preorder on Amazon. The Ebook is published in November. The paperback is published in 2016.





15 comments:

Unknown said...

I think mid-way, is a little low in my opinion. Your readers need to work harder on your behalf!

Guillaume said...

Congratulations! This is quite an accomplishment.

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, Pat. We all rely on readers for reviews and to help.spread the word online!

Leigh Russell said...

Kind of you to say so, Guillaume. Thank you.

Hemmie said...

Interesting read, congratulations!

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, Hemmie!

Gordon Brice said...

This blog is as easy to read as your books, Leigh, but without the suspense. You have certainly come a long way in a short space of time.....a wonderful talent, a warm lady who is very responsive to her fans. You are at the top in your genre and the sooner the world recognises that fact, the better.

Leigh Russell said...

Well that has given me some Monday motivation, Gordon. Thank you so much!

Suzy Taylor said...

I certainly wouldn't call you a mid-way author Leigh. You are always one of my top authors and I make a point of looking for your books. Your books are a great, easy read and I always recommend your books to friends whenever I can. Carry on writing Leigh, you are certainly one of my favourites.

Leigh Russell said...
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Leigh Russell said...
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Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, Suzy. That's such a compliment! You've made my day. And thank you for recommending my books to your friends. Please keep on!

DT said...

Congratulations, Leigh. At the point of being published in 2009 how many novels had you already written?

DT said...

Congratulations, Leigh. At the point of being published in 2009 how many novels had you already written?

Leigh Russell said...

One. Cut Short. I was already writing my second book by the time Cut Short was published as my publisher had offered me a three book deal. I'm about to sign my 6th three book deal so there have been a few books since then... Life is a bit hectic these days...