Tonight, Nate and I found ourselves engrossed in topics such as where we are in our current projects, which are for both of us producing good work.
But what occurred to me as soon as I returned home tonight, wasn't so much the topics we discussed as it was the "way" we referred to publishing our work. A year ago, we would've asked each other, "Who are you going to submit to?" Now, it goes something like this, "How close are you to uploading to Kindle?" or "Great cover, who is your cover artist?" (for the record, my cover artist is Digital Donna Casey--she's super! http://digitaldonna.com/index.html ;-) ) We also pushed around the idea of .99 vs. 2.99, 4.99, or even 5.99. Goodness, it's like throwing spaghetti on the wall and hoping it sticks...because in today's times, we're all still experimenting with pricing a single short story, an anthology, a novella, and the novel. So as we move ahead in the "express-lane" of publishing, I just hope we all can agree to give the reader, who is the most important party, an outstanding adventure.
I want to give a special shout-out and a very special THANK YOU to Vicki Tyley, who helped with making my blog site look so impressive. She is the author of :
For those who haven't read her murder mysteries--well they are definitely worth dying for. (pun intended) lol.
Wishing all a productive week ahead--
Cherri
If anyone had ever told me back in 2006, that by 2010, the publishing industry would be turned on its axis, I wouldn't have believed them.
As a writer, I held onto my beliefs that going through a traditional publisher was the only way to go. No exceptions. Then in January 2010, I began to notice a trickle of changes outside my small world, cracking those inhibited beliefs wide open. I stood back and listened...and watched. Time swirled around me as I paid close attention, and read everything I could regarding the swift tides crashing in the publishing world, changing right along with it. And no one persuaded me, I'm quite capable of forming my own opinions, which I did.
My goals now are different than when I started out in 2006. Matter of fact, I'm embracing the knowledge that there isn't any restraints over me anymore. What I'm alluding to is that now I can write anything I want, and have it up on Kindle as soon as I feel it's ready for publication. And I get to have the final say.
It isn't a matter of disrespecting any publisher, small or large, for that choice is up to the individual author...it all has to do with the fact that I've changed. I changed in a good way and for the first time in my life, I understand what it feels like to walk without unwarranted guilt. No one will make me feel guilty for the choices I make in my writing career ever again.
Growing older and added wisdom might have something to do with going Indie. But, for sure, I know my writing will be stronger.
For the heart of a writer can't not write!
Cherri
Recently, I was asked, "how do you get published?"
It took me a full day to think this answer over. And believe it or not, but it's complicated. I remember all too well what it felt like going through the frustration years ago of wanting to find time to write a book, then when it was finished, what next? The process of finding that time alone can make someone almost give up hope in not wanting to complete their manuscript. But, if you prevail, and write even just a little bit every day, the ideas keep flourishing till one day, you actually write those crucial words, "The End."
Why am I talking about writing the book instead of publishing a finished product? Ah, the answer is coming. See, if you're savvy enough to do the research to write an entire novel, stay with it and see it through the end, you'll find the hard part much easier to handle. The "getting published" part.
The hard part is learning HOW to write, then put on the walking shoes (figuratively) and doing lots of homework. Join a critique group (many are free) or hire an editor. Seek out the best to show you how to make your words come alive on the page. Learn the writing business from the ground up. Search the internet for tips on writing--in this case, since I write fiction, that's where I'm directing my advice. Look up agents, publishers, etc. Find out what genre you're book is classified and submit to the proper agents and publishers. Not all agents and publishers will publish but certain genres. Follow their guidelines to the "T" when submitting. Each publisher has a separate set of rules.
But before you submit anywhere, make absolutely certain that your work is edited, has tight writing, and zings with a good story!
If you're going the Indie pubbed route, then skip the submission part of my advice, BUT, do not publish anything until it's been critiqued or edited by the best!
It takes a strong willed person to accomplish a novel. It takes a heart of a writer to continue writing.
Finish the novel. Do your homework. Study hard. Then the rest is up to you!
Happy Trails,
Cherri
