To be indie or to be traditional? That is the question …
So many budding authors have struggled with this dilemma, and over time I’ve discovered there is no solid, straight-down-the-middle answer. The path toward publication is a personal one, and each author will follow a different journey toward that wonderful endgame – readers reading our story.
In my minds-eye, I’d always viewed traditional publication as the way to go for me. I was so green when I started writing, had no idea about any part of the writing process – how and where to begin, plotting, story arc, author brand, promotion, publication, etc – that the thought of going out on my own was pretty damn scary. Plus, how would I know if my story was ‘good enough’ without a publisher’s word to tell me so?
I ended up being one of the lucky ones. In 2013, I pitched my story to an editor at Penguin Random House, and not only did I gain a request, but I gained a contract. Lethal in Love came out in all its glory a year later.
Wow! What an amazing feeling. An I-want-to-do-cartwheels-until-I’m-dizzy-and-floating feeling. Every time I think about publication and my story my heart leaps pogo-style in my chest.
Yet, through it all – the giddy, scintillating heights of having my book out there, being read and being enjoyed – something was missing. I couldn’t pin-point it back then, but retrospect has provided insight where sitting in the thick of the situation doesn’t.
The production, release and promotion of my story wasn’t solely mine. I lacked choices. Control. My own creative slant.
I’d achieved what I wanted, but it wasn’t quite enough. In short, I wanted more.
Don’t get me wrong. Being chosen by one of the top publishers is a buzz I’ll never forget. I had an amazing editor, an amazing response from the readers about my story. Lethal in Love even won awards.
More buzz.
But when it came time for choosing a path for book two, I chose to drag in two very deep breaths, step outside my comfort zone and take a chance. With my sequel, Murder Most Unusual, I became both author and publisher. And while the idea scared the crap out of me, the reality has been an eye-opening rollercoaster of learning, blind stumbles and heady success. Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Murder Most Unusual made its appearance in February this year and I couldn’t be happier with the response.
The learning curve has been huge. So many lessons. So many things I’d do different second time around.
I was so excited about getting my book out there. So much so that I skimped on the lead-time for release. This left me with little time for pre-release promotion. I wanted to get reviews – both reader and author – before my book went live. Yet, I wasn’t able to give the reviewers the time they’d need to read my story.
One thing I’ve discovered about self-publishing is that your commitment should be no less than 110% - not only to the process, but to producing a quality product that people will both respect and enjoy. That means money, lots of it, leaving your pocket way before you get to see a return. It means not skimping on the important stuff: quality copy-editing, formatting, cover design, content.
Be prepared to pay quality money for a quality product. Anything less is a huge disservice to your story.
Saying that, don’t be afraid to try something new. Self-publishing doesn’t mean you won’t ever publish traditionally too. Much as I’ve loved this experience with Murder Most Unusual, and I know I will definitely do it again, I plan to do everything in my power to find an agent and traditional publisher for my next series. Why not dip my toes into a little of both?
All I can say is I’ve loved both experiences – both have had their good and their bad, their rewards and their challenges. And they’re both worth taking the chance.
Some things to consider as you sit at that crossroads, pondering the question, to be indie or not to be indie …
How much control do you want over the publishing process? How much time and money do have at your disposal? Are you a take charge, roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty kind of person, or do you prefer to leave all the hard stuff to someone else?
Do you want to choose one path or are you happy to split your time and energies across two?
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck. And may your journey be as enjoyable and rewarding as mine J
Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Murder Most Unusual (Open Internationally)
Giveaway open internationally, all options are voluntary, but please do what they ask, as I will be verifying the winner. Giveaway closes 23:59 24/06/2017. Winner will be announced on twitter and emailed, and they will need to reply within 7 days, or forfeit the prize, and I will re-draw for a new winner. Good luck everyone.
ABOUT
MICHELLE SOMERS:
Michelle
Somers is a bookworm from way back. An ex-Kiwi who now calls Australia home,
she’s a professional killer and matchmaker, a storyteller and a romantic. Words
are her power and her passion. Her heroes and heroines always get their happy
ever after, but she’ll put them through one hell of a journey to get there.
Michelle
lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her real life hero and three little heroes
in the making. And her writing companion, a black furry feline named Emerald.
Her debut novel, Lethal in Love won
the Romance Writers of Australia’s 2016 Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY) and
the 2013 Valerie Parv Award.
You can find Michelle at www.michelle-somers.com where you can
sign up for her newsletter, keep up-to-date with any news and read her blogroll
(She doesn’t have a blog right now, but she’s a real blog-hopper – yep, she gets
around). Her site is currently under construction – soon to be awesome! – so if
you want to sign up now, email her at michelle-somers@bigpond.com
Or find her on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/msomerswriter
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michelles3268/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesomers00/
Don’t be shy! Make sure you say ‘hi’ and tell me
where you heard about me J
ABOUT
MURDER MOST UNUSUAL:
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