WRITING THE WORK-FOR-HIRE NOVEL

After a long hiatus following the publication of my medieval trilogy, In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to write the fourth book in the Annie’s Attic Mystery series, Letters in the Attic, released by DRG Network in September.

How did I find out about the opportunity?

DRG contacted my agent for the names of some authors who might be interested in writing work-for-hire novels for them. I was one of the writers they eventually selected. Though this particular series was new to me at the time, I was very familiar with DRG because I love needlework, and they are a major publisher of pattern books and magazines. They sell related notions and supplies as well. Since their main character, Annie, is a crafter, it was a perfect fit for me.

How is writing a work-for-hire different from regular royalty-paying submissions?

A work-for-hire book is written within certain specific guidelines at the request of the publishers. In general, once the author has satisfactorily completed the requested work and turned it over to the publishers, he receives the agreed-upon payment and his rights to the work end. The work becomes the sole property of the publishers to do with as they please. The author does not receive any additional royalties or payments.

What is it like to write a work for hire novel?

After I agreed to accept this assignment, the first thing I did was read the first three books in the series. It is extremely important to know the story world and know the characters inside and out. Obviously, all work-for-hire writing doesn’t involve series, but it’s vital to know what the publisher wants and adhere to their requirements.

Keeping Annie’s earlier adventures firmly in mind, my next task was to figure out where to go from there. DRG gave me just one intriguing premise: Finding some letters from a childhood friend, Annie decides to see what this friend is up to now, but nobody knows anything about her. With that start, I could go in any direction. Is her friend alive or dead? Do people really not know what happened to her, or are they just not saying? What kind of trouble will Annie get into trying to find out?

I had to keep in close contact with my editor on the project to make sure what I had in mind was what DRG had in mind for their book and for their series. And, unlike any other book I’ve written, I had to turn it in one third at a time. This was an extra hurdle for me since I don’t usually write chronologically, but I met my deadlines (often ahead of time) and feel that I strengthened my writing muscles by meeting that challenge.

Why did I decide to write a work for hire novel?

Even though I didn’t have as much creative freedom as I do with books I create completely on my own, I very much enjoyed working with DRG. It was a challenge to write a book in four months when it usually takes me a year and a half or more. And it was nice, after such a long time between books, to finally have something new out. I was very happy to have the opportunity to get my name back into circulation.”–DeAnna

Here’s DeAnna’s book and a few links in case you want to read more about her and her book!–Lyn

DeAnna’s website is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com

Her blog is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com/blog/