I Don’t Want My Parents to Read It

Phyllis replied:

When new writers begin to be published, editors usually don’t let them have much, if any, say about the cover.  But if you establish a good sales record with a company and they publish more and more of your books, you will have more influence over the cover.  The editor writes what goes on the fly-leaf at the front of the book; the author generally writes what appears on the inside leaf at the back.  The publisher determines what will go on the very back of the book.  Regarding publishing your book, are you talking about self-publishing–paying to have it printed up yourself?  Because that costs thousands of dollars.  If you are considering sending your manuscript in to a publisher and having them pay you for it, I think I would first concentrate on writing the very best book that you can and getting it accepted.  Then it will be time to think about what you do or don’t want your parents to read.