Book Publishing Secrets with Julie Ann James, Author of 'Irish Jewel'

Name: Julie Ann James

Book Title: Irish Jewel

Genre: Fiction/Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: The Peppertree Press

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Author: Julie Ann James

Is this your first book?

Author:  Irish Jewel is the 7^th book that I have written and published.   I have published 5 children’s books and one other novel, Haunted Echoes. I do have another novel that is in the works at this moment and the title is, The Ribbon Key.

With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Julie Ann: I published through my own company, the Peppertree Press which is an Independent Press that is located in beautiful downtown Sarasota, Florida.

Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?

Julie Ann: I have always wanted to be a writer since I was ten years old. I didn’t actually start writing seriously until after my children were in middle school. All I really wanted is to get a byline and not necessarily be paid for it. I submitted many short stories for parenting magazines and then switched gears and started writing children’s books.  I can recall my first published piece which means that was my first byline. I received a check for $25.00 and because I was so excited, never cashed it.  I later submitted many children’s stories to what I refer to as the “Big Houses” most of their offices are in  New York, and they filled my mailbox with those dreaded rejection letters.  I later found a self-publishing company online and published two books with them.

What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Julie Ann: I have learned so much in all these years, especially after self-publishing.  With that said, during this process I decided to start my own publishing company and offer the personal touch that writers so deserve. I have learned that you don’t have to be traditionally published to become a successful author as long as you love writing, work hard and get the word out, literally.  It is important to keep yourself grounded and keep your expectations in check at all times.

Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Julie Ann: Yes, I absolutely recommend to authors to independently publish their manuscripts.

What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Julie Ann:  The best advice I can give an aspiring author is to: 

1. Keep a pad of paper by your bedside at all times since you never know when you will be inspired to write, even if it is in the middle of the night.
2. Don’t just talk about becoming a published writer, actually make it happen, and never give up.
3. Be grateful when you sell even one copy because that one copy could make a real impact on the reader.