I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today’s guest for the SAT is Amanda Aksel, author Delia Suits Up. She loves anything that's smart, sexy, and funny. She's the author of Delia Suits Up, The Marin Test Series and The Londonaire Brothers Series. You'll often You'll often find her writing novels about fabulous, independent heroines. Get a FREE short story along with smart, sexy, funny updates from Amanda. Just sign up at www.amandaaksel.com

Are you a Planner or Pantster?

I’d like to consider myself a plotter with a pantser rising. Whenever I begin a new book, I always plot it out and attempt a beat sheet. But you can’t plan everything. By the time I get in there, I have new insights that lead me to unplanned places. That’s usually where the magic is.

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

Wow! This one is tricky. I’ve written a novel from start to publish in just three months and work on others that have taken a full year. I can usually get a solid book done in about seven months.

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi tasker?

Usually only one at a time, though whenever I’m working diligently on one, another one sneaks up. I keep digital folders of ideas for my projects so I’ll often add new thoughts, scenes, and dialogue to other projects while I’m focused on a book.

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

The first time I sat down to write, I had no fear. Now when I sit down to write, I have fear—go figure. It really comes from a desire to write something worthwhile and delight my readers. I have to always remind myself that it’s a process and to be okay with a terrible first draft.

How many trunked books did you have before you were agented?

So funny story, I’m also an indie author and I’ve published all the other books I’ve written before I got an agent. I can’t imagine writing a book and not having it published. Let’s see how long I can go.

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them?

My agent is Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media and I could not be more thrilled! We connected after I began a podcast with one of her authors. She became a fan of the show, which led to our introduction, and subsequently the opportunity to send her a book I was looking to sell. She loved it and offered representation. It was a pleasantly surprising turn of events that I’m incredibly grateful for.

How long did you query before landing your agent? 

I sent queries for about a year before I took a break. It was at that time that I got connected with my agent.

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

Yes, I always say that rejection is protection. It means there’s something bigger and better waiting for you. If I’d had representation, I wouldn’t have been free to work with my dream agent when the opportunity presented itself.

Have the courage to believe in your book enough to wait for the agent who believes in it and you just as much. Never give up!

How did it feel the first time you saw your book for sale?

Nerve-wracking! I realized, uh-oh people are actually going to read it. But seriously, seeing Delia Suits Up. on the shelf at Barnes and Noble on release day was really special. When I get to hold a physical copy of my book for the first time, I also feel immense pride. It’s so fun to thumb through pages and know that you authored all those words.

How much input do you have on cover art?

I was fortunate enough to have a lot of input on the cover. The whole process was really fun. I was presented with a handful of concepts (all beautiful) and then cover art was drafted from there. After a few tweaks, it was perfect. I’m so in love with it.

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

As an indie author, books will be in the final stages of editing and proofreading just weeks before release. Sometimes a little more and sometimes less. I was surprised to find the timeline in traditional publishing is much, much longer. I turned the book in for copyedit a year before release. Edit review and layout proofs known as pass pages trickle in as things move along. There’s plenty of time in between to work on other projects.

How much of your own marketing do you? 

My publisher has a great marketing and publicity team that really helps get the word out about the book. But it’s always good for authors to continue to engage with their readers and find new ones. Coming from an indie author background, I’m no stranger to marketing. I’m in charge of my website, social channels, and maintain a healthy newsletter list with different drip campaigns depending on where the readers find me. I love to engage with other authors for cross promotional activities, as well as bookstagrammers, and enjoy regularly running promotional and ongoing advertising.

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

If you have a way to build a platform while you’re seeking representation, it will only help you in the long run. It’s never too early to start. I had my website, author pages, newsletter, and blog up well before I published my first book. It’s grown steadily but organically over time. If I could do it again, I would put up a short story or novella as a reader magnet for a newsletter and find ways to get it in front of more readers to grow my list organically. Why a newsletter? You own your list, unlike your followers on social media.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

Yes, it definitely can! I know I’ve discovered new authors from social media. However, not all successful authors engage on social media. I don’t believe there are any hard and fast rules. It really depends on your readership. You have to find what works for you and your author business. Social media is great because it makes authors more accessible to readers. And who doesn’t love connecting with authors? I know I love chatting with readers.