by Alycia W. Morales     @AlyciaMorales

If you’ve ever been to a prom, you know that getting to the dance is a process. It’s not as simple as getting dressed and showing up. No, it’s much more complex than that.

So is writing.

Months before the prom, the class sponsoring it will choose a theme, just as a writer will choose a working title for the manuscript they’re about to create. Temporarily, they may label it Suspense Novel 3 or something generic, but as the words find their way to the pages, the title will soon appear. Choosing the prom theme isn’t to be taken lightly, either, because it will set the atmosphere for one of the most memorable nights of the teens’ lives. Our novel titles should be just as memorable.

Much like writers are encouraged to do, prom night focuses on all five senses. Once the theme is selected, the prom committee sets out to create an unforgettable night. They choose decorations to create a setting just as an author would build a world (sight). They choose a DJ to play music much like a writer would create a soundtrack for their novel, evoking emotions from deep within their characters (hearing). They consider the couples who will be dancing with one another, focusing on the theme song for the evening, hoping it will draw them closer together (touch) – maybe close enough to (smell) their dance partner’s perfume or cologne. They select beverages and food for the night (taste). Every detail is carefully planned out, just as a writer should pay close attention to the details of the world they create for their characters to interact in.

Then, as the date draws near, it’s time for promotion and ticket sales. Signs go up around campus. Announcements are made across the PA system. An excitement builds as everyone talks about the upcoming big night. As an author, we should be planning ahead for the potential release of our books, whether we have a contract or not. Some publishing houses still have marketing teams who will help promote your book, as they’d love to see it succeed. But we need to be planning to promote it as well. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising around, and who is more passionate about our stories than we are? Social media and blog tours. These are the billboards and PA systems of today. Get the word out. Something memorable is just around the corner.

Do you remember renting your tux or picking out your prom dress? Oh the agony of finding the perfect gown. One that fits comfortably but turns you into a princess for the night. Finding the shoes to match and hoping you don’t break your ankle trying to dance in them. Accessorizing. Getting your hair and makeup done. Young ladies want to look appealing to their handsome dates. Just as authors want their book covers to grab their readers’ attention. And let’s not forget the back cover copy and tag line. These need to draw the book lover in, wooing them to open that cover and discover the adventure within.

So, the big night is around the corner. Everyone is abuzz with excitement. But let’s back up just a moment. What if you don’t have a contract yet? Well, it’s been my experience lately that waiting to find out if your story makes the cut is like waiting to find out if someone’s going to ask you to go to the prom. Sure, you could go it alone. Maybe you could self-publish. There’s nothing wrong with making that choice. But wouldn’t you love to be invited by someone to attend? It’s every girl’s dream to be asked to the prom. And from what I hear at writers conferences, most authors dream of being asked to sign a book contract with a major publishing house. Which is kind of like waiting for that prom date. The anxiety and wringing of hands while everyone around you gets that invitation. You had a date to the prom last year. Will you get another one this year? Oh, the knot in the stomach and the lump in the throat! Weren’t you supposed to hear from him two weeks ago? I mean, that’s what the rumor was. He was certainly going to ask you. Will you get rejected? You’d rather curl up and die than get rejected. That would be mortifying. But you would find a way to pick yourself up and carry on. It could be fun to go alone. Or with a friend. There’s some freedom to be had in that situation. But … oh how wonderful it would be to have that date!

Yes, writing is so much like prom. Now that the big night has arrived? Simple. Enjoy it. Enjoy the process. Sure, there may be some drama along the way, but it’s all worth it. Because it’s a night you’ll never forget.

Have any fond memories of the publishing process? We’d love to hear about them! [reminder]

Alycia W. Morales is an award-winning freelance editor and author. Her clients have won the Selah Award, BRMCWC Director’s Choice Award, and many others. Her writing has been published in Thriving Family magazine, Splickety Love, and several compilation books. She is a member of ACFW, the president of Cross n’ Pens critique group, and a BRMCWC Conference Assistant.

When she isn’t busy writing, editing, and reading, Alycia enjoys spending time with her husband and four children taking hikes in Upstate SC and NC, creating various crafts, coloring in adult coloring books, and watching TV.

Alycia blogs at The Write Editing and Life. Inspired. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.