Publishing My Debut Novel Vlog - Part 2: Cover Design, Pre-Production & Marketing | Adam Hattan

Part two of my self-publishing vlog series where I document the entire process of publishing by debut novel Hiding Him (out July 2nd 2024). Pre-order here: https://amzn.eu/d/igc4QHD

The first draft is written, now what? I document the process of doing the final review of the manuscript, before sending it off to the proof reader. I then show you what happened in the development of the front cover, launching the pre-order, hiring a marketing agency and working with a type-setter to get the files ready for the printing house. Lots of highs and lows in this episode, with lows including a homophobic man on a train and the highs including my first review being five stars!

HIDING HIM:

Are you looking for a funny, romantic and slightly spicy read this Summer? Then Adam Hattan has you covered with his debut novel Hiding Him!

Kick back with this heart-warming story that's got buckets of charm, characters you'll quickly fall in love with and a fair amount of drama that'll leave your heart racing. This Hardcover edition is finished with a beautiful red foiling. The perfect addition to any young-adult, LGBTQ+ romance or rom-com reader's collection.

Let's get one thing straight: Cameron Hawkins isn't. What he is, is hopelessly single and longing to escape his village in the arse-end-of-nowhere. That is until a newcomer arrives: Finn. He's tall, dark, obscenely handsome and somewhat of an enigma...

Is Finn the answer to Cam's happily ever after? Or will shadows of the past stand in the way of their palpable chemistry?

Hiding Him explores coming of age, coming out and hearts coming together. In this warm and cosy read, get ready to laugh with friends, relish in a little spice and gird your loins for several adrenaline-charged moments.

Pre-order now: https://amzn.eu/d/bWCrguJ

ADAM HATTAN:

Shop: http://adamhattan.com
Patreon:   / adamhattan  
TikTok:   / adamhattan  
Instagram:   / adamhattan  
Facebook:   / adamhattan  
PO Box: The Hattan Company Ltd., 2 Brookhill Way, Banbury, OX16 3ED, United Kingdom

XANTHE SIMMANS:

YouTube:    / @xanthe  
Instagram:   / xanthesimmans  

GARY C:

YouTube:    / garyc  
Instagram:   / oohgaryc  
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@oohgaryc

In this episode:

00:00:00 - Chapter Illustrations
I work with the amazing Xanthe Simmans to develop 16 illustrations for the chapter headings within the novel.
00:05:21 - Cover Concepts
Having made the decision to hire a marketing agency, I make a start on developing the cover with Xanthe.
00:16:13 - Case & End Paper Samples
Now work begins on deciding the colours for the hardcover case and endpapers.
00:23:59 - Finalising the Cover
After a lot of back and forth, we decide on the final illustration for the cover and dicover the colours with the help of friends.
00:31:25 - A Low Point
It's not always fun self-publishing. I chat honestly about being burnt out and frustrated.
00:35:54 - Pre-Order Launch
This is the part where I tell the world about by book for the first time!
00:44:22 - Finalising the Manuscript
The proof reader came back early, so it's time to review their changes and read the whole thing back one more time.
00:50:46 - Type-Setting
Once the word document is done, I work with a type-setter to format the manuscript into a printable file.
01:00:19 - Ordering the Books
Now to spend a crazy amount on thousands of books! This is when it gets pretty scary!
01:03:34 - Bestseller Chart
My debut novel randomly finds its way to the bestseller chart within the LGBTQ+ category on Amazon UK. Eventually landing at No. 1
01:20:38 - NetGalley Reviews & Request
Having launched Hiding Him on NetGalley to start getting intial reviews, my first one comes in and I get an exciting request.
01:25:07 - Next Episode

PUBLISHING SERIES:

In this vlog series, I'll be sharing my honest and real-time experience self-publishing my debut novel Hiding Him. I show you each step of the publishing process, from writing, right through to printing. This series will include a look at the writing, editing, proofing, cover design, formatting, printing, marketing and promotion processes. Not only that, I'll share my advice, tips and learnings throughout my self-publishing journey.

NOTES:

This series was filmed on my iPhone and edited in Final Cut Pro. I am not currently represented by an agent or publisher. For business enquiries, please email: [email protected]