Recently, I shared my own rather intense experience working with an editor on my upcoming fantasy novel, Crown of Shadows. And I know, not everyone gets or wants to work with a publisher, but the question remains... Do you really need an editor?

Is the book editor really needed? Or is it more of a waste of time? Let me tell you about my experience with the editor that has been assigned to me by my publisher (the good, the bad, the PANIC).

I think we an all agree that a book cover is one of the most important decisions… We say “don’t jusge the book by its cover” but let’s be fair - WE DO JUDGE THE BOOKS BY THEIR COVERS. Sometimes we pay attention to a book only because the cover made us stop and stare.

So let me tell you a story: (And I’ll show you the cover of my book at the end, so keep reading. It’s beautiful.)

How does one market their book and build a momentum when there’s nothing I can really show for the book except for the signed contract!?

Well, it turns out that the answer is: A LOT.

So, let me show you what I have done so far to market my book, while I don’t have much to actually… SHOW.

Are you hallucinating vividly while reading? Do you hear character’s voices in your head? I recently got to know that this is not something that everyone experiences. Heck, I have gotten to know that not many of us are capable of such things.

I won’t lie: I was raised as a person of knowledge. I always had my nose stuck in books and was taught critical thinking early on. I am also a neurodivergent (with ADHD) who sees patterns.

I love history, but instead of being cute, “Did you know that in 1865…” all I do right now is “THE SIGNS!”.

Recently, I had a call with “the publisher” (aka, a person taking care of me as an author). He has visited my website and asked if I will be using it as my author’s page.

I knew that my website, lexiejanson.com would need a refresh as I wanted it to become my Author’s page. At the previous state this website was made as my general portfolio as a content creator. I actually have 2 websites, so I can just move that stuff to my other website, no hard feelings.

I remember reading The Demonic Cycle by Peter V Brett back in High School (yes, I am that old). It’s a story that I truly believe is post-apocalyptic (like… if you read it - I believe that flamework weapons is guns, and whatever they have found was a tank) story where at one point of human history - the demons emerged from the ground. The kicker? Humanity forgot all about magic, runes, etc. That could actually stop the demons.

Two days ago I had a pleasure of having a second call with my publisher. During the first call we have discussed the timeline for my debut novel as well as the general processes behind publishing. But the second call was more focused on the tip of the iceberg - The Marketing.

Contrary to a popular belief (which I actually did not have, but I saw many authors on facebook groups, who do) - writing the book is not “the end game”. While yes, writing the book is probably the biggest part of its success, marketing is the actual force behind the sales.

Today I had a pleasure (and a panic attack) to experience my first call with the publisher. We already have a contract signed and agreed on the Pub Date (Halloween 2025).

I won’t lie - I didn’t know what to expect out of the call. I was nervous, because this is my first novel, and I don’t really know the process. But this call was made exactly for that reason. So, if you want to know everything about the book publishing process… Here’s my experience with the first call:

3 days ago I have signed a contract for my debut fantasy novel (which is a part of a series). As you may imagine - getting a contract feels UNREAL. But you know what you need to do once you get it?

How to go from a hobby into a publishing deal? This took longer than it should, but I am happy to have finally taken the step!