Esha Patel was sitting in the middle of a chemistry lecture at the University of Iowa two years ago, shuffling papers and getting notes in order when an email notification flashed across her computer screen. At first, she thought the message was a lie or scam.
Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, had noticed her latest self-published romance novel, “Offtrack,” and wanted to publish it traditionally — with a professional editor.
This situation seemed surreal, as HarperCollins is one of the “Big 5” — the five largest and most prestigious publishing houses in the U.S.
“I got an email from Amy, my editor, and I was like oh my god, this cannot be real,” Patel said. “So, I emailed her and did a little research, but then the lecture started. I needed to get through the lecture so I could get on Google and start googling everything about this email.”
Patel soon discovered that Amy Baxter was, in fact, a real editor from Avon.
“My jaw dropped, and I called my parents. It was insane because I didn’t have an agent or anything like that,” Patel said.
To this day, Patel admits that she wasn’t sure how her book had been noticed among the thousands of other self-published novels scattered about the internet.
As it turns out, Baxter had been looking to publish a Formula One-inspired romance for a while and discovered “Offtrack” due to a friend’s recommendation.
“I thought her writing style was brilliant. She knew F1 inside out and has a great way of engaging with slow-burn romance. I knew I wanted to work with her straight away,” Baxter wrote in an email to The Daily Iowan.
Baxter described her job as being able to find “diamonds in the rough.” For her, there is no one-size-fits-all book formula. Instead, she simply looks for great potential.
Getting a book traditionally published was an entirely new experience for Patel. Before writing “Offtrack,” Patel had self-published four other books when the COVID-19 pandemic gave her time to reflect on the long-held hobby.
For Patel, the route of self-publishing was a good first step to take on the path to becoming an author — and one she could pursue while stuck at home during the pandemic.
“I started writing in elementary school, maybe around fifth or sixth grade, and would make up the most random stories,” Patel said. “I was also into reading and would blow through books in a week. During the pandemic, I thought I’d publish something to share my work with my family.”
Before being picked up by HarperCollins, Patel ran a small publishing operation with her mom — her primary editor and supporter.
“My mom would read everything for clarity and ensure it all sounded good. If her attention lagged, she would let me know,” Patel said.
Avon Books acquiring the rights to “Offtrack” changed the entirety of Patel’s process, as well as the content and layout of the novel itself.
Her novel stars two Formula One drivers in an enemies-to-lovers romance that fits perfectly on the shelves with other popular books. It also, originally, had a different ending.
“I don’t think it’s uncommon to have editorial feedback like that,” published author Nina Lohman said. “I know lots of people who have gotten major requests for rewrites. Whether to take them is something authors have to decide — do they trust the way their story is going?”
Lohman is the founder and publisher of “Brink,” an Iowa-based literary journal that champions hybrid forms of writing. Because of this experience, she understands the ins and outs of the publishing process.
The amount of rewriting an author must do depends on which press they are working with. It also depends on what each editor and publishing house looks for when they pick up a work.
For Baxter and HarperCollins, leaning into the more romance-heavy aspects of Patel’s novel was necessary.
“Editing happens all the time in publishing, it’s a lot of what makes up my job as an editor,” Baxter said. “Esha’s original book was more of a general book on F1 with romance as one of many plots, so we reworked the book to make it a romance first and foremost.”
Patel admits the editing process was difficult but rewarding. Entire chapters were deleted, and scenes were rewritten. Additionally, the original version of “Offtrack” was pulled from online shelves.
“I remember taking the original ‘Offtrack’ down. It was such an emotional moment because I remembered putting that book together,” Patel said. “And when it returns, it will be in a different form, cover and all.”
Patel made sure she knew all the details of her Avon Books contract before signing, even sending it to her parents, a lawyer friend overseas, and various legal services before committing.
“That was probably the most overwhelming part for me, just because the contract had all this legal jargon that I never thought I’d see and suddenly it’s all right there,” Patel said. “And if I click with my little mouse and sign — I sign with an imprint for HarperCollins.”
Despite her hard work and passion for reading and writing, Patel did not come to the UI to explore the creative writing program. Instead, she is pursuing a psychology major and taking multiple STEM courses on the pre-med track.
Patel said it has been difficult for her to balance her time between being a full-time student and a part-time author. However, she gets through by blocking out her time and treating writing like a “reward” at the end of a long day of classes.
Patel’s favorite part of writing the book was portraying a strong woman of color as a main character who was also competing in a sport traditionally catered toward men. With how much the character meant to her, she was elated by how many people picked up the book when it was released on Sept. 24.
The publishing industry can be incredibly discouraging since writers are competing against one another.
“I both submit work and publish work. I know what it’s like to have my work selected and rejected,” Lohman said. “So, keep submitting. Just keep going.”
This rings true with Patel’s journey, as she is a self-published author who is now looking toward releasing her second traditionally published novel.
“I think people get stuck in the idea that you have to have an agent and follow certain steps, or you have to self-publish,” Lohman said. “But there is more than one way of doing this right.”
Patel’s next book, “Overdrive,” will be released in the UK next month. She is excited to use the upcoming story to promote romance between people from marginalized communities and once again explore the character of a powerful woman.
“As a young person in college, it’s weird,” Patel said. “I feel like I’m living a double life and moonlighting as an author.”