Graphic By: Lara Lillibridge
My cohorts have already stolen all my answers for why being a Deb is such a great experience. Ah, the drawbacks for posting on Thursdays or Fridays. But I will push forward nonetheless.
Reasons Why You Want to Apply for the 2019 Deb Class:
-You will push yourself to write every week. Now, in the “discipline” category, I’ve never really struggled. I write every day, and except for the alarm going off at an ungodly hour, I don’t have a hard time putting words onto paper. Or at the very least, thinking about putting words onto the paper. But writing something not of my own choosing, not on a deadline set by me, has helped a lot. This is a different kind of writing, and a type that we, as fiction authors, are actually expected to do. We have to produce similar work to the Deb Ball posts for our editors, publicists, and agents. This is part of promoting a book. So having the muscles to write something on a specific topic has been really helpful in generating other writing in a similar genre.
-Being on the Deb Ball has forced me to be more present on social media. I admit, I don’t love social media. Let me clarify: I enjoy looking around on social media. But I don’t like having to have a presence. I’m more of a lurker. But being on the Deb Ball has pushed me to engage more with readers and other writers, and it’s been a pleasant surprise to watch my followers grow. Which, again, your editor and agent and publicist are going to want you to do.
-It’s allowed me to use the platform to help other writers. I love being able to focus on other people’s writing. I love when my book gets attention, but I prefer to stay in the background. So whenever I can, I like to turn things around and shout about other writers and other books. The Deb Ball allows me to do that, which is something that feels good and costs nothing.
-I’ve made some amazing friends. And not just in our own current 2018 class! Oh no! We have a huge group of former Debs who are always willing to lend an ear, offer advice, or help us navigate the world of publishing. I love having Lara, Cass, Kaitlyn, and Kimmery in my corner. But they don’t always know the answers to my questions, and often have the exact same questions since we are all in the same place. The former Debs are so generous with their time and wisdom. That has been the unforeseen benefit to the group.
Are you a female or non-binary author with a release coming out between September 2018 and August 2019? Go ahead! Apply to join the Class of 2019 here!
