The Campaign
My name is Megan Bostic, I'm a young adult author. My first novel Never Eighteen was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in January of 2012. Contrary to what you may think, just because you're published doesn't mean you're making a ton of money, and doesn't automatically guarantee you'll be published again.
After parting ways with my agent and looking for another with no success, and then trying to land another book deal, also with no luck, I've decided to go Indie. I could continue my pursuits to be published traditionally, but at this point if I found an agent and a publisher, more than likely I'd be looking at a 2015 publication date.
I'm passionate about writing contemporary teen fiction. I like to remind today's teens that no matter their problems, they are never alone, there is help out there, and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
When my last book was published, I received emails quite often from teens who connected strongly with my characters and their problems. With your contributions I'll be able to reach teens with my words in a matter of months, rather than waiting a couple of years.
Dissected, the Novel
Here is a summary of the novel you will be helping get off the ground:
Sydney Warner, a teenage girl, whom after being abandoned by her mother at a young age, becomes a thrill seeker with a penchant for extreme sports and a fascination with death. She’s brash, she’s spunky, and she doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Withdrawn and broody David, from English class, is the boy of Syd's dreams, but love soon becomes just another extreme sport when Syd finds out that David has cheated on her with her best friend. Betrayal, loneliness, and a mishap with a picture frame set Syd on a course of self-destruction that includes alcohol, drugs, and self-mutilation in the form of cutting.
After nearly bleeding to death during an arm carving mishap, Syd is tossed unwillingly into a teen psyche ward where she comes to realize she’s not alone. Through new friendships, unwelcomed therapy, and her love of the stars, she finds alternate ways to cope with her emotions on her path to forgiveness and redemption.
Where Your Contributions Will Go
Whether getting published traditionally or indie, a mid-list author has to invest a ton of time, money, and resources to get their book off the ground. Here's where your contributions will go:
ISBN numbers. These are numbers that identify your book. If you're going to put your book online and audio, you need more than one and they are sold in blocks of ten.
~Distribution costs. In order to get into your local bookstores, my book will need to be carried with major distributors, which costs money.
~Editing. To get the best product possible on the shelves, I'd like to buy editing software and pay for a professional editor to assist me.
~Marketing. This is where most of the money goes. Getting your book noticed is no easy task. Book marketing takes ads, bookmarks, postcards, press kits, books for reviews and giveaways, and shipping costs. Also, since I write for teens, I also buy SWAG - Stuff We All Get, buttons, stickers, and bracelets. They love these little extras and it helps engage them during school and library visits.
Speaking of visits...
~Your money will also help with travel costs to bookstore, library and school events. These events are one of my favorite things about being an author. I love to talk to readers and aspiring writers.
If you can't donate
You could help by spreading the word to those you think might be interested and watch for my novel to hit shelves later this year. I'm shooting for summer.
Thank you so much for considering my campaign. It's much appreciated.