Okay, I admit that I'm still a bit on the fence as to whether or not I've done the right thing.
Sure, I believe in my book -- in the quality, in the story, in its worthiness to be included in the published books of the universe. Where I've having doubts is in my own ability to market said tomb of wonderfulness.
I've never been one of those in-your-face type of people. The idea of public speaking makes me want to vomit. Even going new and/or strange places makes me nervous (yes, this coming from a woman who left the US at the age of 37 and now lives in a country were she can't even speak the language). How do I put myself "out there" without becoming . . . you know . . . obnoxious.
We've all heard the horror stories of those vanity published people who corner everyone they know and demand that they pay $25 (or more) for their new literary masterpiece that they've self-published because those people in NY had no idea what they were missing. I don't want to be one of those people. And I'm not one of those people. But, how do I let others know about my book without shoving it in their faces?
I've been reading a lot of blogs by and about indie-publishing. JA Konrath (jakonrath.blogspot.com) is a good place to start. He has been published through the big NY houses, and now he's going it on his own. He has a lot of great arguments for why he made the switch and why he believes it's the smarter move when it comes down to business. Then there are people like Amanda Hocking who are selling hundreds of thousands of books -- with no previous name/brand on which to build. (Yes, I've read 7 of her books now, and while I think there could be minor edits and a few corrected typos, overall, her books are very good.) And there are others.
Some indies are even banding together to form their own small publishing companies where they work on making their own books better, sharing some of the costs (and effort), but then publishing each book on their own. It seems to be working for them, too.
But then it all comes down to an individual book, doesn't it? Is my book good enough to make it? I think so. I guess only time will tell.
Summoning is more then good enough! Having read thousands of novels, I give it two thumbs up, and for $2.99, two thumbs up and two big toes!! This is a borderline award winning book, which for some reason, bad economy or a few biblical references simply has not received the love it deserves. A number of agents have seemed seriously interested, but I must say I am generally unimpressed with the professionalism of a number of the agents(most of them), who seem to be on some form of ego trip. Independent publishing seems still like the best idea hands down. Now, if some of the so called writing colleauges can spare the loose change and give the book at least a read, then perhaps the book can get off the ground. Bottom line the book is an excellent novel and it is now out there, where people can read it, good job!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this comment will only be preaching to the choir. As anyone who is reading this has probably read and supported Summoning. So, thanks for reading it and giving it some of the love it deserves.
Signed,
Mark(please don't delete my comment) Faulkner
Summoning is fantastic! Posting my review today! I'll email you with the link!
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely done the right thing, just give it time and it'll get the attention it deserves. I'm totally impatient when it comes to these things as well!
Hang in there!