If I have learned anything about publishing a novel this past year, it is that the learning curve is astronomical. When I look back at the query letters I sent when first starting out, I want to cringe. I was just so ridiculously excited at the time! I had just finished my first novel, damn it, and I was going to query every agent and publisher Google handed me on a silver plate. The only concern I anticipated struggling with was how to narrow down the offers to just one. I mean, it was Island Shifters, after all.
In my naiveté, I did not realize how hard it was going to be to break into traditional publishing. I did not realize that the market was already saturated with newbie writers like me. The problem is, now that I do understand all of the rookie mistakes I made and how to play the game better, I can't go back.
Thus, I embrace the unobstructed path before me. Self-publishing. Indie. The Long and Winding Road. There are many names for it, and I have to admit I am in very good company these days. We all know who they are and cling desperately to their success stories. Amanda Hocking did it! Yes, she was a self-publisher who made it big, by golly. And, J.A. Konrath? He spits in the face of the Big Six.
On my quest for similar triumph, I begin each morning with sorting through the online minutia, hoping to discover that magic formula. Like any good indie author (my preferred name), I contribute to forums, hit up social networks, troll for “likes”, guest blog, hold book signings, give out freebies, and promote on Twitter, Squidoo, Goodreads, Smashwords, LibraryThing, [insert an infinite number of other online sites here]. Oh, yeah, and I am writing that second book.
Honestly, I'm excited with the path I have chosen and feel very fortunate that I am able to pursue my passion in this new digital age. My wish for all of you is the hope that you find your passion as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!
~Valerie~
In my naiveté, I did not realize how hard it was going to be to break into traditional publishing. I did not realize that the market was already saturated with newbie writers like me. The problem is, now that I do understand all of the rookie mistakes I made and how to play the game better, I can't go back.
Thus, I embrace the unobstructed path before me. Self-publishing. Indie. The Long and Winding Road. There are many names for it, and I have to admit I am in very good company these days. We all know who they are and cling desperately to their success stories. Amanda Hocking did it! Yes, she was a self-publisher who made it big, by golly. And, J.A. Konrath? He spits in the face of the Big Six.
On my quest for similar triumph, I begin each morning with sorting through the online minutia, hoping to discover that magic formula. Like any good indie author (my preferred name), I contribute to forums, hit up social networks, troll for “likes”, guest blog, hold book signings, give out freebies, and promote on Twitter, Squidoo, Goodreads, Smashwords, LibraryThing, [insert an infinite number of other online sites here]. Oh, yeah, and I am writing that second book.
Honestly, I'm excited with the path I have chosen and feel very fortunate that I am able to pursue my passion in this new digital age. My wish for all of you is the hope that you find your passion as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!
~Valerie~
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