Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with the lovely and talented Debbie Levison, author of the newly released true-crime memoir, The Crate. The Crate has already won several awards, including a Gold Medal from Readers’ Favorite, a 5-Star Award, and was named a Finalist in the 2018 International Books Awards. From Part 1 of our interview, we learned a little about Debbie’s inspiration and writing process, read on as she shares more about her road to publication.
The title of your book is great. How did it come about?
DL: Thanks! The crate is both literal and metaphorical in terms of its contents and is central to tying together the true crime and Holocaust narratives. The “war” and “murder” parts are self-explanatory, and I think the addition of “justice” in the title is interesting as it poses a question: is there justice for the victims of a crime, or their families? What about for the survivors of the Holocaust? And are we talking about earthly justice or something other-worldly?
Your website (www.debbielevison.com) includes recipes and photos that help make the story tangible for the reader. When did you launch your website and what are your thoughts about an online presence?
DL: Even though the launch of the website coincided with the launch of the book, the site morphs daily with new reviews, press, and events. I’m still developing pages. For instance, I’m working on a map that highlights the various settings of the story in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
It’s vital to connect with readers online. I’ll admit, the social media part is pretty daunting. It’s second nature to my kids, but for me, it’s a learning curve.
It looks you have a background in communications – that sounds quite helpful in selling your book. What are your thoughts on marketing your book?
DL: A completed manuscript is only the first hurdle. Marketing the book is a whole other ball game! My strategy has been “run the gamut,” from traditional earned media coverage and reviews to podcasts to participating in a variety of events. I spent most of August in Ontario doing signings and talks at bookstores, libraries, authors’ associations, and even cafés and retailers. Since a full-page ad in the New York Times is unlikely, I have to find other ways to get the word out. Encouraging readers to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads is key.
Of course, getting the attention of Reese Witherspoon or Oprah would be helpful. So would #TheCrate going viral.
What are you working on next?
DL: Back in the 90s I wrote a romance but somehow, between having three kids, moving from Canada to Connecticut, and a career in journalism and public relations, it got “shelved.” I hope to dust it off, make it a little less cheesy, maybe weave in some thriller elements, and see where it can go.
I also began the first chapter of a new thriller, based on very disturbing true events that occurred in Connecticut in the 80s.
Through ThrillerFest I’ve come to connect with a bunch of other thriller writers. They’re a warm and welcoming community and I’m really enjoying being a part of it.
If a newbie writer were to ask you the best and worst aspects about the publishing process, what would you want to share?
DL: The best part? Finding a publisher who believes in your work. I’m incredibly lucky to have found Steve Jackson and Michael Cordova at WildBlue Press, which publishes the paperback and e-book, and Ron Formica at Tantor Media, which publishes the audio.
The hardest part is being patient! I’ve learned that the process of getting published can be agonizingly slow, especially with a debut book. And dealing with rejection is no picnic, either.
How can readers connect with you and buy your book?
DL: I love feedback, on Facebook:@DeborahLevisonAuthor or email: deborahvlevison@gmail.com. It’s amazing to hear from readers from all over the U.S. and Canada (even one from France!) with whom different parts of the story resonate.
The book is on Amazon and my website, www.debbielevison.com, links to other retailers like Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, Indiebound, and of course Audible for the audio. I’m incredibly lucky, because THE CRATE’s narrator, Cassandra Campbell, is phenomenal… she did Orange is the New Black, The Help, Henrietta Lacks, Lilac Girls, etc., and was inducted into the Audio Hall of Fame. She’s won every audio award conceivable.
Thanks, Debbie! We love that you shared so much of your process with us.
Now readers, go out and buy The Crate, a true-crime memoir that won’t disappoint!
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