Even though I finished writing my novel four and a half years ago and haven’t revised it again in two years, I’ve decided to go the self-publishing route and publish my book as an ebook. I’ve got years of book marketing and bookselling experience. I know how to put together websites. I know how to use social media. It seems like a no brainer.
Last week, I realized that I don’t want to go the way of traditional publishing anymore. Of course, I’d like to see my book in print, but with POD machines, I can. I may never see it in a bookstore, but I don’t think I’d like to wait my whole life for that to happen. There are three different writing conferences happening in February. I like going to those for, when I come home, I’m highly motivated to write. Unfortunately, February is a very busy time at work and I don’t have much or any time to write. The other thing about the writing conferences is the opportunity to meet with literary agents and pitch your book. Sure it seems like a great chance to get past the gatekeepers, because sending out queries is certainly a losing prospect. But really it's a chance to be snubbed and put down by strangers. And, on the off chance, if they decide you are allowed to send them sample chapters, you’ll be lucky if you hear a response from any of them.
I've decided not put myself through that again--at least for the time being. I’ve got too much else I want to accomplish to keep repeating the same scenario over and over. It reminds me of that old adage about being crazy, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I keep going to these conferences and hoping that there will be a different outcome. For now I'm going to create a different outcome of my own. (I’ve always been a doer.) It may not come to much, but I’d rather give it a try than not.
Last week, I realized that I don’t want to go the way of traditional publishing anymore. Of course, I’d like to see my book in print, but with POD machines, I can. I may never see it in a bookstore, but I don’t think I’d like to wait my whole life for that to happen. There are three different writing conferences happening in February. I like going to those for, when I come home, I’m highly motivated to write. Unfortunately, February is a very busy time at work and I don’t have much or any time to write. The other thing about the writing conferences is the opportunity to meet with literary agents and pitch your book. Sure it seems like a great chance to get past the gatekeepers, because sending out queries is certainly a losing prospect. But really it's a chance to be snubbed and put down by strangers. And, on the off chance, if they decide you are allowed to send them sample chapters, you’ll be lucky if you hear a response from any of them.
I've decided not put myself through that again--at least for the time being. I’ve got too much else I want to accomplish to keep repeating the same scenario over and over. It reminds me of that old adage about being crazy, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I keep going to these conferences and hoping that there will be a different outcome. For now I'm going to create a different outcome of my own. (I’ve always been a doer.) It may not come to much, but I’d rather give it a try than not.