Official blurb and release date announced!
Things are really ramping up behind the scenes, and today I’m announcing both the official blurb and the release date for my upcoming contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky. Come take a look, share your thoughts, and learn where I’m going from here!! →
Release date announced!
You’re no doubt aware that I have been hard at work preparing my contemporary YA novel, Holding Up the Sky, for publication by my indie imprint Southscript Press later this year. Things are really ramping up behind the scenes, and today I am super excited to announce the release date for this, my debut novel! Friends and family, Holding Up the Sky will FINALLY be coming to your shelves on:
02 November 2022
The next six months are going to super busy, but I really look forward to the challenge. Read on to see the official blurb / book description, and learn a little about my next steps from here. You can also now subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with everything that’s going on!!
Official blurb / book description
A closeted Australian teen learns that there are some things love alone can’t conquer in this novel for fans of Heartstopper, Adam Silvera, and Sophie Gonzales.
Everyone knows Carter Cantwel knows about him: all of it is a sham. The real Carter is an anxious mess still drowning in grief after tragedy ripped his family apart. He’s just gotten good at pretending.
Then he meets Remy. Brazen, charming, and everything he’s not, Remy blazes into Carter’s orderly world and turns his defences to ash. But as Carter juggles new responsibilities at school, old troubles at home, and this boy he can’t seem to stay away from, he starts cracking under the pressure.
With his secrets leaking out and all that he’s worked for falling apart in his hands, Carter faces the hardest choice of his life: succumb to his demons, or fight for the future he never knew he wanted.
But when you’re lost in the dark, how do you find your way back?
Where to from here?
Holding Up the Sky is inching closer to publication by the day, but there’s still a lot to do! I’ve got a six-month launch plan roughly mapped out, which I’ll gradually share through my newsletter and quarterly update blog posts. But here’s a rough idea of the things I’ll be prioritising over the next little while:
Cover design. The design process for the book cover is due to start this month. It’s likely to take a few weeks, so I’ve planned for the cover reveal to take place sometime in July. If you’d like to be part of the cover reveal team, keep your eyes peeled, or sign up to my newsletter for early access!
Proofreading and formatting. I’m currently doing a final pass over the formatted document for the paperback version, and conducting a proofread as I go. Once that’s done, I plan to start putting together the ebook file. I must admit, I am quite enjoying this part of the process!!
Advanced Reader Copies. Also on the calendar for the near future is sending out electronic Advanced Reader Copies to readers who are interested. If you want to get a taste to see if this book is for you, subscribers to my newsletter will soon receive an exclusive sample!!
What do you think of the official blurb and release date for my upcoming novel? Are you publishing a book in the next ~12 months? Do you have any publishing tips and tricks?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
15 Comments
Alex
Rebeccaaaaa!! Congratulations! This is so cool! I’m excited for you!
The blurb sounds awesome! I am intrigued. I can’t wait to read it :). I added it to my Goodreads list! 🙂
Can’t wait for Nov. 2!
Best wishes with proofreading! You will do wonderful!
Also, I’m interested in being part of the cover reveal team! I look forward to your newsletter!
Go Rebecca!
My friend Hayley Reese Chow has some posts about the lessons she learned from self-publishing:https://hayleyreesechow.com/self-publishing-lessons-learned/https://hayleyreesechow.com/self-publishing-book-2-learning-all-the-lessons/https://hayleyreesechow.com/self-publishing-the-first-year/
I hope they help you!
And, of course, go Rebecca!
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks for your support Alex! I’ll add you to the list for the cover reveal and will have to check out your friend’s content! 😀
Alex
You’re always welcome 🙂 That sounds great! Thanks so much, Rebecca! 😀
Energyflux2012
Wonderful news! I hope your launch goes smooth. I may be interested in an ARC if you need another reader.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thank you!! I’ll keep you posted re: ARCs 😊
Tomas
Good luck with all the steps awaiting you – I have no doubts you’re up to the challenge.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Tomas! Lots to do, but you have to enjoy the experience as well, right?
Tomas
Exactly. If you need something, feel free to ask and if I can, I will help.
Rebecca Alasdair
❤️❤️❤️
Andrew McDowell
Congratulations!
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Andrew! 😊
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome.
Naomi Shippen
Looks amazing! I signed up for your newsletter and put it on my Goodreads list.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks so much Naomi!! I really appreciate the support 😊❤️
Ari
Great news and blurb – though, that first line doesn’t read well to me. “Everyone knows Carter Cantwel knows about him: all of it is a sham” – it feels like there is a word missing? (Might just be me.
Also, I would love to have you on my blog in an Author Interview, in October ready for your launch date if you are interested. I can mark you in my calendar.