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Author Spotlight
July 2009--- Joel Pierson
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Joel Pierson grew up writing. He wrote his first story at the age of four. In college, Pierson wrote plays for his campus radio station and wrote many stage and audio plays after college. In 1999, Pierson wrote the audio series French Quarter for NPR Playhouse, which later turned into a novel. Now, he is an editor at one of the largest self-publishing companies in the world, Author Solutions Inc., and is the author of the successful thriller Don’t Kill the Messenger.
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Why did you decide to write Don’t Kill the Messenger?
Joel Pierson: I was driving to Key West, Fla., with my wife last fall, and we went through the Key Deer Sanctuary, where we saw these cute little deer all over the place. One of them stood near the car and looked me right in the eyes, and I wondered, what would he say to me if he could speak? That question was the jumping-off point for the book. From that moment, I created characters, situations, and plot twists along the way.
As an Editorial Services Manager for Author Solutions Inc., one of the largest self publishing companies in the world, what “on-the-job” insights helped you in writing and publishing your book?
JP: Being here at iU HQ, I had some added familiarity with the advantages and processes involved in self publishing. The biggest thing I learned is that indie publishing is the way to go. With traditional publishers struggling (and rejecting) like mad, it made sense to retain control of the process. Hold up my book next to any traditionally published book, and I challenge you to see any difference.
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How has your experience been publishing with iUniverse?
JP: The word “hands-on” comes to mind. I knew where my manuscript was at every step of the way. I remember very clearly the excitement at seeing my completed cover design, and the thrill of coming home from work to find my very first printed copy of the book in the mail. Over the years, I’ve told hundreds of authors, “There’s nothing like the feeling of holding your book for the first time.” This time, it was my turn to feel that way.
At Author Solutions Inc., you help authors with editorial services. Did you use any of these services for your book?
JP: I purchased an Editorial Evaluation for my book, and I’m very glad I did. The evaluator gave me good ideas for making changes that strengthened the story as a whole. Because of it, I was also awarded the Editor’s Choice designation, which paved the way for Don’t Kill the Messenger to be a Rising Star title.
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As an insider, do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish?
Finish your book! I know that sounds obvious, but right now at iUniverse, we have literally hundreds of authors who have purchased a publishing contract and haven’t finished their book. I’m not saying you should rush and do a sloppy job. But find ways of fighting writer’s block and the demons of procrastination and self-doubt. I’m eternally grateful to my writers’ group for helping inspire me to finish my book in a timely manner.
Are you planning any more novels for the future?
Now that you mention it … Don’t Kill the Messenger is the first in a trilogy featuring these characters in continuing adventures. The second book is 90 percent finished, and I expect to release it by December 2009. The third book will have a 2010 release. Will I publish all three with iUniverse? Sure! It’s the natural choice.
