So I’ve decided – while wading through the overwhelming research and my many rejection letters and emails – to self-publish my first book. Partly, it’s to get the first book out there: it’s the first in an as-of-now trilogy, and the second one is outlined and 1/4 written. Partly, it’s to really see what I can do, even in a “saturated market” like women’s fiction. And of course, part of it is because I’m a writer at heart.
Ironically, the first piece of advice I read after making this decision was about patience:
“I strongly recommend resisting the urge to publish your first work as quickly as possible. Rather, proof it, reread it, get comments, proof it again, and devise a pre- and post-publishing marketing plan.” (-self-published author Ben Batchelder from Drucilla Shultz’s “Don’t Be Discouraged: Tips from an Indie Author” PW column.)
So I’m going to look at this journey as if I were planning a wedding. I may not get to plan my own wedding (sorry, Mom), so this is the next best thing. Or rather this is the first best thing. I mean anyone can get married; but not just anyone can write a good book and publish it. 🙂
Daily Prompt: Construct
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“Writing Insight” feature posts occur monthly and will focus on some part of writing inspiration, writing technique, or writing process. I welcome any questions you have about the writing process (as I am also a writing professor). Please post your questions in the “Comments” below, and I will answer them in future “Writing Insight” Posts!
In a future “Writing Insight” post, I will talk about some self-published novels that defy the stigma: well done, high caliber, engaging story. If you have a suggestion (or a review) that you would like mentioned, Fill out the form below to let me know about it!