Time sure has flown
by. Between my family and work
responsibilities, barely staying ahead with my writing deadlines and book
marketing goals, I realize, I am way too busy.
Oh, and have I mentioned being 26 weeks pregnant? Well, for this week
anyway.
I have to admit that my blog entries have been few and far
in between but that will change as I am focusing on staying as current as
humanly possible. My co-workers will all be shipped to various military bases,
leaving me some time to relax a little this summer. Ok, who am I kidding ? I’ll be busy taking care of finishing the
sequel to Amethyst Eyes due in October and baby is due slightly before
that. It’s going to be quite the
challenge.
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| Rebirth! Emma has since been released and AE2 is on its way. |
Regardless, I have kept an eye out on all kinds of posts,
blogs and articles on publishing and marketing. It is a vital part of the
writing process. I was asked recently during my school chat with the Institute
of Children’s Literature, about the different venues found in the ever changing
world of publishing. My answer was that
the experience varies from writer to writer who have both their own feast or
famine stories to tell. With all the contacts I have made in the writing world,
I can find as many different ways that were attempted to get published as there
are ways to tell a story.
There is no more “traditional” way to get published, because
even that world has undergone a major overhaul.
You must write, read, revise and rewrite. You must rewrite again until you are
satisfied your book meets all the requirements to be published…and then hand it
over for a critique and an edit. After
all that, you go back and take into consideration the editors notes, do a
‘final’ rewrite before you submit your work.
You want to share the fruit of your creative pursuits and hopefully earn
some coin in the process.
So you sent your work out to potential publishers.
Again. And then again. Yet again, just in case you missed some
promising company that will agree with the exciting and unique book you have
written. You might get an offer from a renowned publishing house that will take
control of your work and then in the process, have you sign over your book
rights. Then your work might get the
treatment you least expected, a cover you don't like, editing that looks like
butchering and to top it off, little or no publicity or marketing. None of
which translates into proper distribution or sales. Let’s face it…the
traditional publishing houses can’t afford to go all out and promote some
unknown author. They (TP) do have a distribution power unlike any Indie author
can tap into without having to pay, but is it worth it in the end?
Assisted Publishing means you pay for any and all services,
but you retain your rights…after a year or two, depending on your contract.
They also offer portals into the bookseller world…for a cost, and we're talking
a shiny penny here. However, it is a good learning experience, because they
bring to light more possibilities than you can imagine, so if you are willing
to learn, you will know how to build up your platform and what steps to take by
being observant.
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The cover for AE was to be more like this one
than the almost black one they published
without even showing me. Look up on the left
side of the blog page, you'll see what I mean.
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You can retain all control by self-publishing making you the
independent author with limited everything but you stay in control of your work
that you spent all kinds of time, energy and effort writing. BUT! If your graphic skills and editing
abilities are lacking, then for the love of Pete…pay someone to handle it. You
get one and only one shot at a ‘first impression’…and there are no 'do-overs'. SOmeone who decides to totally self-publish has a lot more work than just writing a great story. you have to oversee the edit, formatting of the various ebook formats, get your cover art, layout and Lord help us all, marketing. You must keep having faith in
your abilities to get your work out there and if not, do everything in your
power to learn how to do so. You have
the magic.
Oh, on the editing side…I remember a ‘conversation’ where
some indie authors were complaining about the ISBN fees. I had to wonder if
they had paid someone to edit their work or not…because editing can cost
anywhere from $500-$900 per novel depending on work involved and length. If they were not willin gto pay for their ISBN, did they bother to get an editor?
I
liked my 1st editor’s comment… "If I don't think the book is worthy; I won't
waste my time or your money on it." I appreciated her honesty and had her edit my novel.
If there is one piece of advice I can give authors and aspiring authors it's this...don't skimp on the details. Editing is the most important part of publishing, taking for granted you have a great story, and the cover should be right up there on your priority list. After that, roll up your sleeves and get on the promotions/marketing bandwagon. It's one heck of a ride. Oh~ and remember this bit I was handed by an experienced, successful author, when blogging and promoting, don't overdo it. No one wants to come across as one of those pesky sales people, landing at your feet before the door has closed behind you. No more than 10-15% self promotion.
