IWSG: It's a(n almost) Brave New World!

It’s the first Wednesday of the month.

Time for Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

I heard some terrible news today, that another small press has bit the dust.  Distressing since I’m friends with a few of their authors.  I’m sure they’re upset, angry, and confused.  I know this because I went through something sort of similar not too long ago.

No, my publisher hasn’t closed their doors, but they aren’t accepting any new submissions either, which means I can’t submit my follow-up novel, and since it’s a sequel, no other publisher will even consider it without having published the first book.  As you might imagine, I was a bit freaked out.  I was offered my rights back if I wanted them, but that freaked me out even more. 

So I sat back, pondered my situation, and determined my path.  I would see my contract out with my publisher, who, like me, was happy I chose to stay on, but I would go ahead and self-publish my second book, the sequel titled LEVERAGE.  And later, if necessary, I'll re-brand and self-pub my debut, as well.

Two years ago, I never would have considered self-publishing.  It still felt like the industry’s illegitimate child.  Sure, in some ways, it still is.  I mean, I’ve read a few self-pubbed titles lately that should never have seen the light of day in their current state of un-edited-ness, but still, even with all the errors, they're garnering tons of 5-star reviews.  Most readers don't seem to care as long as the story is good.  I’ve learned a lot about self-publishing this year, most of it from my many self-pubbed author friends, and most of them are doing phenomenally well.  It's incredibly encouraging and very exciting!

At this point, I’m not in it for the money.  I’m just looking to build an audience that will grow with me over time.  I’m gaining that audience with my first book, and they’re asking for a sequel, so self-pubbing is the way to go for now.

Does it scare me?  Hell, yes!  

I’m no Carrie Butler, writer/designer/marketing wiz extraordinaire, but I am a DIY gal, so, with a little help where I need it, I’m gonna get this bad boy out there. 

My point?  

Well, if I, the woman committed to traditional publishing, can muscle past the uncertainty and dive into self-publishing with excitement instead of dread and fear, then anyone can, including these authors who now find their books without a home. 

So many of the current bestsellers on Amazon are self-published titles.  That’s why the Big 6—er, I mean, the Big 5—are scrambling for survival.  Anyone with a good story can put it out there, and at a far cheaper price, which is appealing to the ferocious appetites of today’s readers. 

It’s a brave new world out there, or almost anyway.  And I’m going to grab it.  My fear is gone and my attitude adjusted.  I can do this.  So can you!  

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On a side note, after only two months, my Facebook author page has nearly 1000 likes, and so, to celebrate, I'm holding a 1000 Likes Giveaway, with dozens of prizes (ebooks, signed paperbacks, and swag) from 31 authors, including bestsellers.

Just go to my Facebook author page or click on the Rafflecopter below.
There are a ton of ways to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway