Reinventing A Writing Career
The initial message came in an email. My publisher's name as the sender was welcome since I'd met my June 1st deadline for my eighth Romantic Suspense novel and was eager to start the editing process.
It took a couple of read throughs before reality sunk in. My publisher was closing. No explanation, only the bare fact that in a matter of days my seven successful novels would disappear from all selling points, along with reviews. The rights to my books would revert to me, a bright spot in the solemn post, and I could purchase my covers.
Numb best described my state of mind. Once I recovered, I had a choice to make, and nothing I'd ever faced during my writing career scared me more than facing that decision.
So, I did what good writers do...I researched my options, which was almost as scary as the dreaded email! A turning point came when all the writers, wonderful authors, and friends, I'd come to know throughout my writing career stepped up, providing a plethora of ideas and information. Self-publishing is not one size fits all, I was happy to discover. Sorting through options and reading self-proclaimed success for taking one path or another was daunting, but I eventually came to a decision and found a path suitable for me to follow.
My success depends on my ability to jump into the Social Media pool and not drown! Trial and error will be my companion, along with wonderful, warm, willing and helpful fellow writers who have traveled the same path and splash in the Social Media waves.
I'll start in the shallow end of that pool, and hope in the future I can dive from the high board and come up smiling!
A note to all my past readers...thank you, and be patient because I must wade before I can swim. That eighth novel will take some time to hit the shelves, but I promise to make that happen as soon as possible.
Stand by for the upcoming re-release of
~Deadly Reflection~
I am glad to see that you are jumping into independent publishing!
ReplyDeleteIt's a scary jump, Chris. Thanks for the support.
DeleteWTG Nancy and congratulations! You've made an admirable start.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma. It's a start!
DeleteWhen a door closes, a window opens—congrats on your next move!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leigh. Truer words...!
DeleteIndies all the way!
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to see the light!
DeleteWishing you every success in your endeavours!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. It's a challenge!
DeleteCongrats on your decision, Nancy, I'm sure it wasn't easy! All the best in your new venture!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. It is a daunting road to embark on and I'm sure will have a lot of bumps along the way!
DeleteBeen there, honey. Deep breaths.
ReplyDeleteI'll use my yoga skills!
DeleteSelf-publishing is very satisfying. You don't have to put up with anyone else's mistakes, and you can rely on getting your royalties.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to know who your publisher was. Small publishers have a habit of abruptly disappearing, often leaving authors' books in limbo. At least, you had notice.
My former publisher was Desert Breeze. Their announcement was a surprise, but I got my rights and covers with no problem in a timely manner. I have a lot to learn about self-publishing, but am ready to try.
DeleteGood luck. :)
ReplyDelete