Direct to eBook Author Pam Hillman
I asked Pam Hillman, one of Tyndale’s Direct to eBook authors, to share with us about her journey and experience with the program.
Pam, you are one of Tyndale’s first Direct to eBook authors.Tell us about your publishing journey and how you were chosen to be apart of this program.
I’ve been writing most of my life, but seriously started pursuing publication a little over 15 years ago. Over the years I’ve developed relationships with industry professionals and other writers, learning and improving my craft a bit at a time.
Being chosen as one of the launch authors for Tyndale’s Digital First Initiative was a combination of having a completed manuscript ready to go at the exact time Tyndale started looking for debut authors to launch the program. When my agent, Steve Laube, asked if I was interested in submitting, I didn’t hesitate. And the rest is history.
Did your agent pitch directly to this program or was it a surprise to you?
Yes, my agent submitted my proposal for Tyndale’s Digital First Initiative. My manuscript was ready to go, and Jan Stob requested the complete about 3 weeks after we submitted it. Then they offered a contract about 3 weeks after that.
How long did you have to wait for your book to be published from when you turned it in?
About six weeks from contract. Tyndale was on a fast-track for this program, and that’s why contracted manuscripts had to be complete and as clean as possible. Revisions were very minimal, and the editors at Tyndale were awesome to work with.
Do you miss not having a book to hold in your hands? Does it lessen the experience as a debut book?
It hasn’t bothered me not to have a print book. There are a few people, mostly close friends and family, I would like to present a print book to, but a print book is always a possibility with the Digital First Initiative.
In your opinion, is the marketing you have to do for an ebook any harder than a hardcover book?
Since this is my debut novel, I can’t make an experience-based comparison, but it seems like marketing an ebook might be slightly easier. It can be done 24/7 on the internet, from the comfort of my home, sandwiched between cooking dinner and running errands.
What has your experience working with Tyndale in launching the program?
Fascinating. Less than six weeks from the time we contracted, Tyndale designed my cover, edited Stealing Jake, formatted the novel for several different ebook platforms, and launched the entire program from the ground up. I’m in awe of their organizational skills and thrilled to be working with the Tyndale team.
To celebrate the release of Stealing Jake, Pam’s giving away a Kindle on October 8th. To be eligible, go here to sign up.
When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.
Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy–literally–while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town–as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off–Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.
