Glancing Back. Looking Forward.
Taking stock of my year in publishing.
One thing you can always say about publishing-it’s never predictable.
When I started 2025, I was in a weird place. I was finishing up Welcome Home to Ivy Falls (Book Three in the Ivy Falls series) and was without an agent (again). The past experience had me rattled, and I wasn’t sure if traditional publishing was the right place for me anymore. But, as I said above, never count on publishing to be predictable.
A surprising turn of events after I submitted my last book opened up new opportunities for me. Suddenly, I had a chance to plot out ideas for a new series. One that allowed me to spread my wings a little. Try out a new sub-genre. It felt like such a gift after months of being told by a completely awful source that I might as well give up because no one in publishing would want to work with me anymore (yes, it was that bad!)
So, in the spring, I put my head down and plotted out two ideas I was extremely excited about. One of those ideas would be picked up and will now be my next series, starting with the first book out in September 2026 called Clearly Charmed. That opportunity would lead to me signing with a new agent, who believed in my work and was excited about this new opportunity as much as I was. Thank you, Jessica!
Later in June, I headed to the UK for a book event. It was completely surreal to be out in the English countryside meeting my publisher siblings and talking all things romance. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.
When I returned home that summer, I took stock of what I wanted to do with my writing career. This job is never easy, and often you have to make hard decisions. I pulled two books off sub and waited for the clock to run out so I could get those books back. For now, they will stay in a folder on my laptop until I can decide what to do with them next. They don’t feel like lost causes, but stories whose time has not come yet.
The end of the year included some incredible event opportunities, including the Bookish Night Market in Phoenix where I sold close to 60 books! It was such a positive recharge, and a good reminder that there is a place for me in publishing.
What will 2026 look like? I have a lot of events planned and a new book coming out! I’ll also have to write two new contracted books! And as if that wasn’t enough, I’ve decided to jump into indie publishing with a new Ivy Falls holiday novella!
There is a lot to look forward to in the new year, but I’m also oddly grateful for the chaos of 2025. It’s been a good reminder that I can steer my own ship in publishing. I just have to listen to my own mind and heart, and ignore those in the business who have their own negative agenda.
One final note: In the new year, I’m going to start a once a month series about the fundamentals of publishing. I’m doing this in part because I’ve met a lot of new writers who need a reliable and honest resource regarding the business and craft of publishing. The first post will be about the mechanics and basics of story, including how to format a manuscript, and the pitfalls to avoid in an opening chapter. I’m really looking forward to this series and if you have questions you’d like me to address, please let me know!
Thank you for being here and for your support this year. Hope to see you in 2026!