Third, surprises, I recently had a discussion with a great lady about marketing and social media for my book. She has offered some help, which is desperately needed and appreciated. I look forward to her feedback and hints as to what I need in order to reach out and meet new people and hopefully new followers. I have finally came up with a title to my book and a title to my series and can relax on that front at least. The series title is The Lorn Prophecy and the first book is Fable-book 1 of the Djen Legacy.
Now, I know some of you have expressed your thoughts about me self-publishing, but I want you to know I have thought this through. Yes, there are a few advantages to having a publisher, but I think there are more to doing it on your own.
As you have seen, I've had to set up a platform to build followers, to introduce my new book to, and hope that they like it once they've read it and spread the word. Since I am a new author, even if I went through a publisher, I would have to do this. Some authors have said that self-publishing is the easy way, I say, how do you figure?
There is nothing easy about self-publishing. You have to do it all yourself. But, I like the advantages of being in control of what my book looks like and when it launches.
1-I don't have to wait for months, of sometimes years to get my book published
2-I have to download it myself, or go through one of the websites available that help you do this
3-I get to pick my own cover and artist to design it
4-I get to keep 70% of the profits, instead of the other way around
5-I keep the copyrights to my labor of love
If I sent my manuscript to publishers and agents, I would have to produce query letters and synopsis's, wait to hear from them, deal with rejection letters (especially since I am a new author) and then once one of them wants to publish it, I have the contracts to deal with, their pick of a cover, and of course the money issue. And I would have to do the marketing anyway, how is that a better deal? Just to say you have a publishing company accept you? The only way that would be worth it is if it were one of the big named Publishers and that could take years to accomplish. I have already been working on this book for 3 and a half years, why would I want to wait even longer to launch my baby?
So as you can see, I've thought this through. Yes, I have learned a lot in the past year, and I am continuing to learn more as each day unfolds. Now, I have to get organized, but that's a whole new discussion!I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. What would you do in my place? And if you are working on your own masterpiece, what have you decided and why? I look forward to your comments, and I can't wait to finally say to all of you, my book is being launched!
Love, Lisa
I think publishing yourself is a great idea. I say empower yourself and take control of your own destiny. If you can find the outlets and help on the process I say go for it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks my daughter! I love your encouragement! Now, to have you help me with some of this!
ReplyDeleteLove the adage by Eleanor Rosevelt - I have a plaque with that written on it over my desk to remind me of what my dreams are. I think you've got the right idea, Lisa, keep moving forward, keep writing, don't let anyone break your stride! Here's to your writing success!
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm behind you! We each have our own thoughts about publishing and I don't deny you yours. I will be promoting you the minute you self publish.
ReplyDeleteKudos! and here's to seeing your work in print!
Robin
Thank you Rita for your encouragement and thank you Robin for having my back! Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYes to all you have written. The BIG question is, of course, how to solve the promotional puzzle. How do we get the word out there for our first book? (The second one is of course much easier, if you have had any sort of success with the first one!) There must be some magic formula which shows how to do this, but I haven't found it yet! If you do, let me know!
All the best, and good luck!
Richard Steinitz
(I don't know if it is considered good practice to publicize one's own work when replying to a blog, so I won't ...)
Richard,
ReplyDeleteWhat I have learned lately is learn all you can about social media and platforming. Find out what works best for you and your numbers. I know, there's those pesky numbers again, but I guess that's the know all beat all of the game. Google SEO's and learn about it. Learn how to use hash tags for twitter and tags every time you blog. And keep track of what you are posting and what seems to work through Google search engine. You can keep track with their analysis of your twitter and blog. One more thing, see what works with your blog posts and what doesn't. Try to blog about different things because if it is just about your book people will get bored. We can talk more once I learn more, I will drop you a line as I do!