The sequel to the award-winning dystopian novel which School Library Journal called “a must-have for all libraries and fans of sci-fi."
We did it. 750 copies sold. This. Is. Amazing.
Thank you, a million times over. The past few months have been challenging, invigorating, frustrating, and inspiring. I have made several new friends and reconnected with old ones. Nothing quite like the raw experience of putting yourself and your work out there.
I am excited to embark on the production journey and to give you sneak peeks behind the scenes along the way. So, what goes into the production of a book with a full-scale publishing house, before it makes its way to a bookstore near you? Glad you asked! I made the following to break it down, and will also add it to my revamped book page for future reference:
As I make my way through these phases, I will aim to send you updates every month or so, or when something particularly exciting happens, so as to not drive all of you up the wall. Also, since I know it will be a long wait, I have decided that once the edits are complete, I will send all of you (my original backers) an electronic uncorrected proof. This means that you will have the ability to read the book months before it is released while waiting for your official copy.
Several, if not most, of you, found the book through my Twitter account @WritesAsheville - I have created a separate handle specifically for book-related news - @TWACI2090 Feel free to follow!
And last, but not least, the winner of the $250 Airbnb gift card (chosen by random number generator) is ......
Just in time for summer! Enjoy!
Cheers! -Jacqui
Another week is wrapping itself up rather quickly, and I will do the same with this update. Just a few points.
The first chapter of The Walls are Closing In was published in Inigo Online Magazine earlier this week! "Inigo Online is an international online magazine centered around people who create, invent or take risks for a project or a dream. We feature writers, artisans, poets, musicians, artists of all types, entrepreneurs, bloggers, filmmakers, foodies, fashionistas, photographers, innovators and more."
The Walls are Closing In passed the 300 order mark, and as promised, there is a new teaser trailer, made by yours truly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYK0LbUn2-o
Future milestone perks!
Let’s keep the word spreading! Just two referral orders from each follower will lock this full publishing deal down. I appreciate each and every one of you!
400 Orders - Audio version of Chapter 1 - Narrated by me. We will see how my voice-over chops measure up.
500 Orders - A limited edition The Walls are Closing In postcard (design to be revealed next week) will be sent to each of the first 500 to order (tipped in upon publication for paperback orders, or mailed for e-book orders.)
Until next time,
Jacqui
It has been just one week since the 90-day campaign began, and The Walls are Closing In has reached 123 preorders. This is phenomenal. We are halfway towards the Quill light-publishing deal already, and are on a brilliant trajectory towards the full publishing contract.
Thank you to everyone who has taken this leap of faith with me. I realize that putting down hard earned money on a book that is a ways off is not everyone’s cup of tea. I want you all to know that each time I see a new order come through, I am dancing on the inside ... and sometimes on the outside.
A special thank you to my super readers (who have ordered 3 or more copies), Inkshares authors and followers who have already sent referrals my way, and to those who have left a review or recommendation.
The manuscript is complete as is, though it will continue to be fine tuned until the last minute. I am spending long hours locked in staring contests with my manuscript, striving to ensure that the story walks the line between fact and fiction just enough. Sometimes it wins and sometimes I do.
As I mentioned in a previous updated, The Walls are Closing In has been selected as this month’s Thriller Night Syndicate pick. This was a huge honor. My book’s page now sports the Thriller Nights badge! 
Blog posts and youtube mentions will start to go live this week or next, and I will share those links when they do!
Today is a rough day for a lot of people, and I hope that all of you are able to stand strong, find solace in numbers, and surround yourselves with friends and loved ones. Buckle up. It will be a rocky ride.
Until next time,
-Jacqui