This week’s topic is incredibly timely as I’m writing my book’s acknowledgments, which currently feel longer than my actual book, so narrowing that list to five essential people is a challenge. People who don’t write often think a book is created by one person toiling away on a computer, followed by an editor who gives it a once over for typos, but we know better. Bringing a book into this world takes a mass of family, friends, editors, agents, artists, and so many more.
Ann Garvin – I met the ever smart and funny Ann Garvin at a writer’s workshop in NYC. She was the fearless leader of my group, and we became instant friends. She was the first non-family member to read my book and she had some harsh but essential words to say about it. Without her brutal honesty of my rookie mistakes, I would have never written a readable draft. To this day, she’s my go-to person for writing advice. In her spare time, she writes some fabulous books and runs an incredible blog called TallPoppies.org, full of exciting and talented women writers. She is a constant inspiration to me.
Yes, I’m saying my husband and I are like Brad and Angelina.
John Reichert – My husband, best-friend, partner-in-crime, and so much more. He works his ass off so I can stay home with the littles and have all that “free” time to write. From the moment I told him I was writing a book, he has been supportive and volunteered to be my beta reader. Even as a self-proclaimed non-fiction-only reader, his comments have been spot on, constantly questioning the believability of my story, and making sure the male perspective gets a fair showing. His knowledge of banking and the law has come in handy too.
Ainsley and Sam – My littles. They gave me an excuse to quit my day job, then had the good sense to be old enough to go to school, freeing up my days to work. But more than that, they are the people I strive to impress. I want to show them you can do anything with hard work and persistence. And I did. My proudest moments are when I hear them tell teachers and friends that their mom is an author, their faces beaming. 
Rachel Ekstrom – Let’s be honest, there’s something special about that first person in the publishing community who pulls your story out of the slush and proclaims it something special, something other people need to read. My savvy and brilliant agent, Rachel Ekstrom at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency is that person. Without her belief and guidance, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake would still be some 1s and 0s on my computer.
I had a tough time with the acknowledgements too — was more emotional than I expected. And I’m so with you on the number of people it takes to make a book a book…this is definitely NOT a solitary endeavor!
Amen! Hmm, might need to add a few lines for the Debs, too! 🙂
Oh, I love seeing Ann’s name on here! She’s amazing. And a helluva good writer.
Ann is my Writer Godmother! And I wish I had a fraction of her energy and generosity. Not sure I’ll ever be able to thank you enough.
I loved writing my acknowledgments, but I felt like I ended up listing everyone in the world — that’s when I truly realized what a communal effort getting a book out is.
Exactly – I’m going with the theory that I’m more likely to regret leaving someone off than putting someone in. Of course, thanking the chipmunks in the backyard who entertain me while I write may be taking it a step too far. 🙂
I have a husband like yours, Amy. I used to joke that I was going to write “Dan Timmer” one thousand times and call that my Acknowledgments section. I’m still trying to think of ways I can properly thank him.
I like your idea! A few pages of just his name could work. Having a supportive spouse is invaluable.
Love this list, Amy! Esp. the littles! Kavya is only just beginning to understand what Mama (and Papa!) do — but now that she knows, she’s all about it. She totally wants to be in a book.
Must admit — not looking forward to writing acknowledgments. It does seem like it will be really hard!
Isn’t it the best when the littles understand? So much easier than when I was a technical writer. For me, writing acknowledgments has been a trip down memory lane, thinking about how much my novel has changed over the 4+ years and all the generous people who helped.
Amy, I’m with you on the acknowledgments…they were tough to write! And it sounds like we have similar husbands–though they don’t wear tights and capes, they should. My husband worked three jobs so I could raise my kidlets and write books. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Whoa – 3 jobs! He should have a cape and tights! High five for Super Spouses!