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!
____________________________________________________________

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

Comments

  1. i lv ur writing skill......w8in fr ur next buk... :-)

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  2. eagerly waiting for december to come :P

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  3. Wowie....
    Waiting for the book :) and the red cover page...
    Wish you all the luck!!

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  4. ब्लॉग पढकर लगा ; मै आपकी अंग्रेजी कुछ कुछ समझ सकूंगा।

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    1. Aap poora samajh sakoge. Kuch kuch nahin. Padh ke tho dehhiye! :)

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  5. All eyes for the pre-order to open...for now it is my 'red cover book' ;-)

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    1. Pssst--will tell you a secret--It is red and dark blue! :) Superb contrast :) Thanks so much!

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    2. Oh wowwww! So, my red and dark blue cover....

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  6. Anonymous12:58 PM

    I absolutely love Red Cover which makes me pick a book. Design works big time for me. Quite an interesting insight on post manuscript, Preeti:)

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  7. I read The One You Cannot Have... Terrific read. It could not have been better read at this point in my life. Thank you so much...

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    1. Really glad it helped you Abhishek!

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  8. All your book covers are brilliant...so is your writing....we need more books of yours....keep writing ma'am...eagerly waiting for 10December :-)

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    1. Thanks for the kind words lavanya!

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  9. Hiii mam... i'm eagerly waiting fr ur next buk... plsee make tht reach us soon... love ur writingg sooo muchh... u r really awsomee mam ... luv uu alots.... :) :) ♥♡♥

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    1. Thanks a lot Goury! :) Yes--will do. It would be a pleasure.

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  10. Heyaaa
    Preeti ma'm, I celebrate my second wedding anniversary on 9th Dec.. Your book coming on 10th couldn't have been a better gift :) Loads of Love.. Keep inspiring

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    1. That's wonderful Milauni! :) 2 years already! :) Thanks so much for the kind words.

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  11. You never fail to impress Preeti! Can't wait to see the cover!

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  12. This is great, a sneak peak into what you go through after a book is ready. Looking forward to your new book, my best wishes for its success and for many books to come :)

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    1. All the very best to you Preeti. Have read all your books. Will read thia one too.

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  13. Your writing is too good n expressive.
    It feels like i am not reading but watching.
    Now, waiting for dec.

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