We all have dreams about that first big contract. Here's some realistic warnings.

Ten Things That Will Not Happen When You Sell Your First Novel


1. Oprah will not invite you to appear on her show to promote your book.

2. George Lucas will not call on you to write the screen play version of your novel.

3. Mattel will not make action figures of your protagonists and their evil counterparts.

4. The major book stores will not have a midnight release party where people dress in costume.

5. Your publisher will not offer you a seven figure advance on the sequel, sight unseen.

6. Your publisher will not fly you to New York so you can speak on all the morning shows.

7. The world wide web will not crash as millions flock to your website to read more about you.

8. The FBI will not investigate how pirated copies of your book appeared at ebay before release.

9. Special interest groups will not pop up on myspace and facebook just to discuss your work.


10.You won’t be able to tell your boss at your day job what you really think because you don’t need that paycheck anymore.


Perhaps I should say ten things that probably won’t happen to you. If one of them already has occurred for you, congratulations. I wish the best for everyone, but I’m sure we’ll all keep writing even if we never make the bestsellers’ lists.

Susan Gourley writes fantasy and romance as Susan Kelley. Visit her website at www.susankelleyauthor.com