“It really broke my heart, actually. . . . For the rest of my life, it will break my heart.” A.S. King gets honest about what happened when the publishing industry failed her book.

What happens after you edit your book?

What happens after you’ve bared the story of your heart, crafted it into an excellent novel, and presented it to the world?

What happens when you get traditionally published, when you receive awards and accolades, and when it looks like you’ve won the author career lottery?

Last month, I brought author A.S. King on the podcast to share how she revises award-winning novels—complex, intense, surrealist, mind-bending stories meant to challenge her readers to think.

But that wasn’t the end of the conversation. In fact, it wasn’t even the start.

The conversation began months earlier, when I heard the story of her book launch for her latest novel.

I won’t spoil the ending here, but I will say: it did not go how she expected.

So today, I’m bringing Amy back on the podcast to tell us her publishing story and give us a glimpse of what comes after all the writing and all the revising.

You’ll hear:

• What really happened during A.S. King’s latest book launch
• How a publisher’s big promises fell through—and what that meant for the book
• Why even revising an excellent novel doesn’t guarantee industry support
• What it feels like when the book of your heart gets treated like just another product
• How gender, genre, and power shape what gets promoted (and what doesn’t)
• What it takes to keep going when publishing knocks you off course
• And more

It’s a peek into traditional publishing—and a reality check on what the industry feels like from the inside, even for an award-winning author in her prime.

And above all, it’s a reminder of what really matters when it comes to measuring your book’s success.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Share your thoughts about this conversation in the comments here
• Order a signed copy of Pick the Lock from Aaron’s Books
• Hear more about A.S. King’s book launch in this conversation on the #AmWriting podcast
• Hear how A.S. King revised Pick the Lock in this conversation on Your Next Draft

Send me a Text Message!

Want my support in your revision?

In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Get started by telling me about your story here.

Support the show

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »