After more than 10 years of writing, submitting my material to potential publishers and being rejected, I am finally holding my published book, Passion & Deceit, Book 1 (by Leela Atherton), in my hands. It might not have made any difference to my bank balance, but I can at least call myself a published writer.
It hasn’t been an easy journey, and it’s not over yet. Besides having to complete the Passion trilogy, I will have to spend a considerable amount of time marketing my books. Yes, even though I have a publisher – who takes 50 percent of my sales – it’s still up to me to get my books sold.
I knew very little about social media before I started writing, but with the help of my husband and teenage daughter, I soon learnt. I now have a website, Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn and an e-mail address, which my readers and I use to discuss my books and issues related to self-publishing.
Although I’d love to spend days working on book two, Passion & Denial, which I’m now editing, I have to make time to market my books, mainly through social media. For those who are struggling to get published, or are thinking of writing a book, there is some good news. The publishing world is undergoing a revolution. Many people are now choosing e-books over paperbacks.
For a writer hoping to get published, the e-book is your friend. You’re more likely to find a publisher who will go this route, as the cost is far less.
...
Pros and cons of self-publishing
* Many prospective writers ask: why go with a traditional publisher who will take 50 percent of my sales, when I have to market the book myself? As Book 2 is almost ready to be published, I am considering self-publishing it. Fortunately, I only signed a contract for Passion & Denial, Book 1 with my publishers. Keep this in mind if and when you are offered a contract. You may be feeling on top of the world, having finally found a publisher willing to publish your work, but read that contract carefully. Do not let your excitement rule your head.
* Self-publishing not only means you get to keep most of your hard-earned money, but it also allows you greater freedom: like choice of book cover, for example. Thankfully, my publishers agreed to re-publish my book with my choice of cover; the one they chose was quite explicit.
* Going the indie route will also be much quicker. Getting your book published through a traditional publisher can take up to a year, whereas you can publish your e-book yourself when you feel it is ready.
The only setback is the editing of the material, which can be quite costly, but you’ll be saving on the commission – the decision is yours.
If you do go the self-publishing route, you can’t beat www.smashwords.com, an excellent website for “indie publishers”. I still use smashwords today; check out my profile – search “Leela Atherton” and a number of my short stories and excerpts are free.
To quote Mark Coker, the founder of smashwords.com: “As a self-published author, your book is your asset. It’s something of value you own and control.”