See what I did there? I know it's a bit early for New Years posts, but I'm feeling inspired to write one anyway.
I'm about to reach my third anniversary of getting an offer of publication for Enshrine. I have learned so much since then, and if I could do it all over again, there are many things I would do differently. Since I can't do that and can only focus on moving forward, the cliche title of this post was born. 1. Do the Query process completely over. I feel like I was so excited at the prospect of becoming a published author that I did that thing where you throw spaghetti at the wall to see if any will stick. No, I didn't actually throw any pasta at any walls in my home...but I queried way too many agents without researching them. I saw that they took fantasy or romance and just went for it. I also sent out way too many at once and didn't change my approach when the rejections came pouring in. I was lucky to get a full and partial request despite all of this...but oi. 2. Tweak my letter so it was more alluring. This is still a work of progress for me. I'm not always great at being concise, but I think I will try to pitch the manuscript first this time before all the other stuff. I'm also not above asking for help. Another set of eyes could be beneficial. 3. Don't necessarily take the first offer you get. I'm going to be tactful about this one. I was so determined about being published by any means necessary that when an offer came up, I took it because "what if it was this or nothing"? So yes, I can say that I'm published and I have books on Amazon, but it's not really what I dreamed. You cannot purchase my books in a real store. I probably spend more money on promotional things than I actually make in sales. I still have to get up tomorrow and teach Kindergarten, when I'd really like to be in a cozy office writing or what have you. I would tell myself to be a bit more cautious about reputations of Indie publishing houses (LOOK AT THE COVERS OF THE TITLES THEY RELEASE). I was warned by several colleagues who have since left and have either self published or taken their books elsewhere. I'm not discouraged to the point of stopping anytime soon, I just consider this a stepping stone to my final destination. There are places for you if you are determined enough. 4. Be my own advocate earlier. Sort of going off of the previous point, I sometimes don't speak up about my accomplishments or concerns because of my anxiety. "If I post everyday, I'm going to annoy someone." "I could call that local bookstore, but what if they say no?" "I am very unhappy with my experience, but if I complain I will face confrontation and because they are considered a lower tier publisher, no one else will ever take those titles or any future titles again if I leave." It's annoying to constantly think people are judging you when they most likely are not and if they are, well I've been starting to say @#%! you more. I have in part started this blog post challenge to work on that. I've also done a few other things that I can talk more about in a minute. Trying to live my best life. 5. Keep freelancing...despite the awkward jobs I took a two year hiatus from freelancing so I could focus on my own books. I sort of wished I'd kept it going. Though still not reliable enough to be able to say adios to teaching, I have made decent money. I was all bashful about some of the topics but...practicing my craft and getting paid for it? I consider that a win. I have found ways to make time for my work and freelancing too! Now to look forward. A new decade! Tons of opportunity! Here's some things I hope to accomplish in 2020...and beyond. 1. Query something brand new and query it right in 2020 I say this after I had an epiphany last night that my current WIP is way too wordy and that a minor character really isn't needed so I may be doing some surgery to all my NaNoWriMo work. I still hope to be starting the process by March if not before. I already have a short list of agents I will reach out to before I do a second wave. I also am planning on letting eyes beyond my husband and brother look at my letter. 2. Participate in #PitMad Not only would it be a wild ride if someone actually wanted For the Rogue this way, but the support from the writing community for people pitching was incredible. Next one is in March, thus why I'm trying to get it all done by then. 3. Get Enshrine in an agent or publisher who deals with previously published work's hands Enshrine's contract is up anytime now (not sure if its from when I signed or when the book was released but I guess I will find out.) After a lot of thought, I will not be renewing with my publisher. Ideally, I would get all of my titles free but a) it costs money to break the contract and b) Limited Truth is going on a blog tour in the middle of January so I'd like to ride it out for a bit longer. I would probably purchase a crapload of paperback copies just in case someone wants one. There are places out there that will take previously published works and I hope someone will give it a chance. Mostly because there are so many more stories to be told in both series but especially in the Enshrine Universe. This time I would make sure that I do it right and get multi book contracts and worst outcome: I can self publish them and promote...honestly...how different is that from what I'm already doing? And I'd get a say in my own covers and what not. 4.Learn more about Audio Fiction There is this new thing like a podcast, but it's like a chapter of a book each week and people voice the characters and I'm REALLY interested. I am going to research it a bit more and give it it's own challenge post but I want in! 5. Learn more about the publishing industry... This one is kinda of crazy but I keep on thinking about where I'm currently published and where I'm an editor. They created their own publishing houses and if they can...why can't everyone? It would be a full time job, which I couldn't commit to right now unless my husband made a lot more money and I could stay home (win win to be with my baby) but I think it would be fun to take some authors and make their dreams come true. I would need a great team of people to work with so if this interests you...contact me. Haha I mostly need someone good at the financial side of things. Okay, that's it for now. Hope you all have a productive and peaceful week ahead. Also, please enter my giveaway! It's still running until Wednesday at Midnight! Kay Bennson
2 Comments
Anita Gerrard
12/11/2019 02:26:11 pm
Love this! I contacted a few publishers about a kids book (Marty’ Adventure at the bakery!)
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Nancy
1/13/2020 09:44:32 am
Great post & thoughts. Thanks for sharing this.
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