What happens after writing a novel? A behind the scenes post.

 The first phone call. To a good friend--a guy who is 29.

'So which one do you think will look better as the cover?'
'Both are good'
'Come on--pick one'
'Both are really good'
'Look, I told my publishers that I have this good friend who is 29 and he would give me the right inputs'
'But you forgot to tell them that this 29 year old thinks like a 42 year old'.
'Come on--if I hold a gun to your head and asked you to choose one, which one?'
'I would still say both are brilliant'
'Thanks, that was very helpful. You have been conferred the 'most helpful friend' award'
'Ha ha ha.'

The second phone call. To another close person--a guy who is 28.

'So which cover?'
'Definitely the first. I loved it!'
'Really? Me too!'
'Yes, it's awesome. So eye-catching.'
'I was just thinking that in a book-store it would really stand out. And I was just telling my publishers that I wanted inputs from a young person. You perfectly fit the bill'
'Hey don't go by my suggestion. I may be completely wrong here as the only books I have read in this genre are yours.'
'I know, that's why your opinion is so important'.
'The first one then. Definitely.'
'Yay--first one it is!'

The third phone call. To someone I am very fond of--a girl who is 18.
'Which cover?'
'Definitely the first. I have a thing for reds.'
'Me too--I totally loved it.'
'Yeah! It is fabulous!'
'And the other option is too run-of-the-mill right?
'Yes. This one stands out. It's great!'
'Thanks!'

Then a email to my Editor, expressing my choice.
Many more e-mails back and forth.
Many people involved.
 More options explored.
Fonts changed.
Press quotes chosen.
Conference call with publishers.
 More changes.
 And finally finally---a BRILLIANT cover! (I can't show you yet but stay tuned!)

Yay! I could do a merry jig.
Instead I heave a sigh of relief.

And sleep.
I haven't slept in days.

This is what goes into making of a book, after writing it, after  the zillion-gazillion edits flying back and forth. After the countless changes. The lines blur after a while and you lose track. Slowly all you see are words and words and words and more words.

And now the work has just started.
Till it is out (On December 10th) I would be completely buried, lost and swamped.
All for a new book :)
But make no mistakes---I wouldn't have it any other way!
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A new book by me will be out this December!
For buying my last book 'The One You Cannot Have' which debuted at No.2 on Nielsen list, click HERE