Wednesday, September 4, 2013

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


It’s the first Wednesday of the month.

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!  


__________

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




27 comments:

Annalisa Crawford said...

It can be quite scary to navigate all the options. Your plan sounds like a good one. It's a shame that so many small publishers are collapsing though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You can do it, Nancy. And there are so many people here to help you. So many resources.
Still bummed about your publisher. And the new one closing. But look it as a new possibility and direction for you.

Natalie Aguirre said...

It's exciting how the world is changing for authors. So excited for your next leap in your career though sorry about your publisher.

JeffO said...

I think it makes much more sense to self-publish for someone in your position--you've got a building audience, you've got experience, you have an understanding of what it takes to have a book be successful, AND you're not rushing into this without a great deal of thought. I think you'll do great as an independent!

Unknown said...

Good luck! Your path sounds like a solid. It is scarry out there but the good thing is that you are not alone!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It's scary when your publisher is struggling and your future uncertain. Self-publishing is also scary, but the options are wide open.

If you need any resources, let me know. From years of teaching my seminars, I have hundreds and hundreds of links.

Andrew Leon said...

A lot (not all) of the small publishers are worse than the big publishers, right now, because they're just jumping on the indie bandwagon, so to speak, hoping to strike it rich off of people scared to self-publish.
Good for you for going the self route.

Stephen Tremp said...

I found out the same think with my books. No one except a small publisher will touch a sequel. But there are self pubbed writers making the NY Times Best Sellers List. Google "self published writers ny times best seller."

E. Arroyo said...

Good for you! I'm looking at that path too. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. =)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Way good for you! Seems there are a lot of us lately faced with this choice. Carrie is so my role model in this transition. And, as you mentioned, there are so many self-pubbers who are doing well.

Unknown said...

What rotten luck, Nancy. But as you say, we soldier on and find a way through our problems. I'm on my fifth indie published book, wanted to find a publisher, but the same problem as yourself, a sequel. However, once that is on the market, the next, unrelated to anything else I've written, will go to a publisher. Good luck!

Steven said...

The world is changing and we must dig deep to not just survive but thrive. Good luck with your follow-up book!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Sounds like you've got the right attitude Nancy. You go get 'em!!!

ELAdams said...

Your attitude is great - well done on not giving up on your dreams! I'd do the same in your position, and I'm sure you'll do great at self-publishing! Best of luck to you and your series! :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'd be depressed too. My publisher is small, but (crossing fingers) the oldest Aboriginal publisher in N/A. Doesn't mean they couldn't meet the same fate. You've got tons of talent, Nancy. And self-publishing would give you more freedom. I've done both, so I know where you're coming from. There's so much to consider. Best in whatever happens.

Melissa said...

I've read bestsellers that should've never been published. Many of the indie books are better than the big names. I have faith you'll be one of those. ;)

Go, go, go!!! :D

Carrie Butler said...

I was nodding along until I got to the part where you said you're no Carrie Butler. At that point, I did a spit-take and had to clean off my desk. LOL

Thanks for the kind words, Nancy! Let's struggle through the self-pub waters together. <3

Anonymous said...

You'll do great, Nancy! Congrats again on nearly 1,000 likes . . . I'd argue you are another Carrie Butler!!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

At least your publisher is still open maybe they'll start accepting submissions again some day. It's good that you're still going on with your sequel, best of luck Nancy.

Aimée Jodoin said...

You've made it this far, I'm sure you can succeed in self-publishing. You are an amazing writer, and I've seen you marketing up the wahzoo, and it seems to me, as an outside observer, than you are great at that too! I'd definitely buy your book if you self-published it. :)

J.L. Campbell said...

You're obviously doing something right, so keep on pressing. Have fun with the process of getting that second book out.

Robin said...

Publishing as we knew it is dying a slow and painful death. It is going to be curious to see what happens when self-publishing becomes the New Normal.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Wow. I don't blame you for being nervous. But, I also know you've got your head screwed on right and you're not going to give up.

We will all be there for you, helping any way we can.

Heather

Cathrina Constantine said...

The publishing world is spinning it's wheels. We all need luck in this brave new world. Good Post and much success to you!

Bonnee Crawford said...

I heard about the small press closing their doors too, and I can't imagine how that must feel for the authors who were connected there. A press that's stop taking submissions is also worrying, but it's great that you're willing to take the opportunity to explore a new avenue of publishing and getting your work out there. Best of luck to you and I'm sure you'll be able to polish your work nicely before putting it out seeing as you're aware of some of the poor-quality stuff that's floating around.
Good luck!

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