How long does it take you to write a book?

Typically, I write first drafts between revisions and work on other books. Because anything contracted has to come first, and contracted books are prioritize by deadlines, a first draft — that might take three to four months if I wrote straight through — can actually take twice that, depending what else I have going on. (Or even longer, in some cases!) Then, I have multiple rounds of revision, some I do on my own, some with my agent, and then with my editor.

To give you a quick idea of how long it takes to get a book from idea to finished product, I started writing INCARNATE (my first published book, which meant I didn’t have any other deadlines) in October 2009, and the hardcover released in January 2012. I started working on NIGHTRENDER in November 2017, and it wasn’t published until January 2022!

How can I get signed copies of your books?

You can get signed copies a couple of ways. First, you can check with One More Page to see if they have any in stock. (They are a 2-hour drive for me, so it’s not a quick trip, but I try to make it there when possible.) Or, if you are looking for a book that is about to release, I always announce what stores have signed copies or signed bookplates. My newsletter and Instagram always have that information.

If you are happy with a signed bookplate, you can send me a letter to request one. Please make sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The address you should use for me is:

Jodi Meadows
P.O. Box 483
Elkton, VA 22827

Will your books publish in my country?

I hope so! It isn’t up to me where books get published. It’s up to the publishers in your country to decide whether they want to buy the book and translate it. (I also don’t control title changes, cover changes, or even what text changes the translator makes.)

How can I get a hardcover of your older books?

Some of my older books are still available in all formats, but others, like the hardcover of INCARNATE, are unavailable now, as my publisher has stopped printing those editions.

If you really want one, you’ll have to do some searching. I would start with smaller bookshops, used bookshops, and put out feelers on for-sale-or-trade groups. Be prepared for it to take a while.

Will you read a story I wrote?

I’m sorry, but I can’t. Between my own deadlines and other commitments, I just don’t have time. My critique time is reserved for people I already have a relationship with (and the occasional charity auction winner), and my reading time is spent trying to catch up on my ever-growing TBR.

Are your books appropriate for kids?

If I wrote them for a YA audience, obviously I think they’re appropriate. But for parents curious about what their children are reading, I recommend reading the book too, then engaging in an open and honest discussion with their readers.

How can I get your books for free?

Check with your library! If they don’t have the book you want in their catalog, go ahead and request it.

Aside from libraries, none of my books are available for free. Any “free” PDFs you might see online violate my copyright and are illegal. Those copies often have viruses and malware in them and could harm your device. Additionally, it hurts me when someone pirates my book.

My publishers decide whether to buy another book from me based on sales numbers of previous books. Pirated books do not count as sales, so any time someone downloads my books illegally, they make it less likely that I will be able to keep writing and publishing books.

If you want one of my books for free, make sure you use your library.