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Books

Fri Mar 13 2026

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Friday, booklovers!

I've got an extra special story for you today, and it's been a year in the making. Like many of you, I'm curious about what goes on behind the scenes to publish a book. How does a story go from idea to 300+ pages of paper? What is it like for an author to see it come to life?

In March 2025, I embarked on one of my biggest reporting projects to date. I followed bestselling romance author Lucy Score and her book "Mistakes Were Made" for an entire year. I visited her in Boston on her book tour for a different book while she was writing "Mistakes," traveled to her Pennsylvania farmhouse while she was editing, picked up a warm book from the conveyor belt at the printers in Virginia and visited the publishers in New York City. We wrapped in New York City as she celebrated publication week with fans.

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Books reporter Clare Mulroy (R) followed bestselling author Lucy Score (L) for an entire year as she wrote, edited and published her book "Mistakes Were Made."

Nathanial Gary

While every book has a different process and timeline, Score was a particularly interesting author to follow because she represents how publishing is changing in the digital age. She's one of the authors whose success in self- and indie publishing led her to a traditional book deal. But uniquely, she's in the driver's seat for most of her publishing decisions and retains her digital and audiobook rights. Her readers and family members have become employees and volunteers. "Team Lucy Score" is a well-oiled machine.

You can see my chronological retelling of my year with Score here , and make sure to give our mini video documentary a watch too. Next week, I'll bring you an even closer look at the publishing path of a book featuring interviews with editors, marketers and manufacturers.

What about authors and their books makes you most curious? Let me know in an email at cmulroy@usatoday.com or by reaching out on Instagram. Thanks for checking out USA TODAY Books this week!