Success Story with Amy Andrews

Early stumbles

One of my biggest misconceptions when I first started writing seriously was the notion of publication being the end game. That if I could just get my book published, I’d have made it. Nothing but easy street from then on.

I wrote steadily for twelve years, accruing rejections, before I was accepted by my dream publisher. Between my shifts as a nurse and the demands of a busy family life with two young children, it often felt like I was climbing a mountain whose summit was impossible to reach. But I knew at the top was a door that would open and admit me to a world of glitter and sunshine if I just kept climbing.

And then finally, I got that call from London to say they were going to publish my book! And it was the best feeling in the world—I’d done it! I’d made it to the top. I was a success. Sadly, that feeling of euphoria didn’t last long because I quickly realised that once you make to the top and go through that door, there’s another mountain to climb. Each book is its own mountain, and one open door isn’t a guarantee of the next.

But, as Miley Cyrus says—it’s the climb, right?

The Breakthrough

As I was getting closer to being published, my rejections were getting more detailed. Clearly, I was getting better because editors were taking the time to write long emails about what was good and what needed work.

But I usually disagreed with their suggestions. I would silently rail at these faceless editors who just didn’t “get” what I was trying to do. But after yet another rejection, I decided next time, if I got the opportunity to revise and re-submit, that I would do whatever that editor suggested.

I did get another chance and even though, yet again, the suggestions grated, I did do what was asked of me and, guess what? I got the call! The book was picked up and contracted.

It was then that I realised that while writing a book is a solo endeavour, getting published is a collaborative process. Does that mean you have to take on board every edit and suggestion? No, but it helped me feel less combative because an editor, with vastly more knowledge of the publishing landscape than myself, is just there to help you produce the best possible version of your book which is a win/win for everyone.

Looking back

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned along the way is to protect my creativity at all costs. It can be a fragile beast and, without it, there are zero words on page. If its feeling stretched—listen to it. Rest, take a break. Do something to refill your creative well. Read a book, see a movie, go for a walk, listen to music, visit a friend, check out a museum, book a trip. Whatever it is that brings you joy. Take time out to do that thing because what fills you up and makes you happy is the font from which your creativity springs and you can’t just keep tapping it and not expect it to run dry.

It needs to be nurtured and, in turn, it will nurture you.  

The Synthesis

In this, my twentieth year as a published author, my ninetieth book, a romcom titled, The Payback Plan, is being released. Ninety books is utterly gobsmacking—where did that time go? But it was super fun to write, not least because it’s the first book in a four-book author collaboration series. Working with authors you love and admire is an amazing perk of this life and the book is the richer for such an experience.

When fate strands Paige Parker at O’Hare airport during a snow storm, little does she know her misfortune is the beginning of a wild and life-changing adventure. Because when she meets three complete strangers, they quickly bond over shared tales of betrayal and heartbreak. And just for fun, they concoct a scheme to exact sweet revenge on their exes!
Except when the plan becomes a reality, Paige finds herself in Cornwall with Olly

Prendergast. Son of a movie star, grumpy recluse and responsible for jilting his fiancé on their wedding day with a text message. The payback plan has begun! Step one: move into his spare room and disrupt his peace and quiet. Step two: bring a pet hamster, adopt a dog and let chaos run loose. Step three: unapologetically make a mess in his pristine house at every opportunity. Step four: Show Mr Grumpy what fun looks like!

But Paige is unprepared when the plan begins to backfire and she starts to see the man behind the reputation. And when she can’t ignore their undeniable chemistry anymore Paige has to battle with the secret she’s been keeping from Olly and loyalty to her friend and The Karma Club…

Check out the Karma Club series here.

Amy Andrews is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling contemporary romance author from Australia who has finaled three time in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. She has written ninety-one romances in both the traditional and digital markets across multiple sub-genres. Translated into over two dozen markets, including Manga, Amy had sold over three million books.

She is also the co-founder of the How To Write Academy that runs online romance writing courses as well as offering mentorship and manuscripts assessments.