I Did It!

Last friday was an important day for me, because last Friday, November 8th was the re-release of my novella Razel Dazzle.

Although every release is important, because every book I write means something to me, last Friday was extra special because it was the release of my first self-published book. Now, I know that is going to sound a little silly to some people, because there are a lot of Indie authors out there; a lot of self-published books, but this was the first book that I had complete and utter control over; from hiring an editor, to ordering a cover, picking a release date, ordering tours etc. I was in charge and it felt . . . liberating.

When first started looking for publishers, well, I didn't have a lot of luck with my submissions. In fact I think I had about 60 rejections in total, which naturally, got me down. My aunt was actually the first person to ask me if people self-published and state that I should try it; publish my own books.

My answer, no way. I didn't have a clue about how to go about promoting a book let alone publishing one. No, there was too much I needed to learn. I needed to see how a publisher went about business, get my foot in the door.

I have been a published author for two and a half years and I've worked with a few publishers; some of the experiences weren't great, and after these last couple of years, well, I promised myself that if I ever got the rights back to some of my work, I would self-publish those titles, because after two years I now have a better idea of how this industry works and what I need to push my work. I am now at a point where I feel confident enough that I could be completely in control of the entire process of creating a book starting with the idea and the plotting all the way to formatting, and loading the finished manuscript.

And guess what, I did it. Or rather, I have done it. I have to admit I did worry that I would botch up. I worried that I would do everything wrong and then end up ripping all my hair out because I have no patience at all. But with the help of the lovely Dianna Hardy, and the help of the Smashwords Guide to Self-Publishing, well, it was actually rather straightforward. I didn't feel panicked and even better I didn't botch up. The things I did need to correct were minor, and the book released on time. So far so good.

Liberating. Yes, that is the only way I can describe being able to control the entire process of a book, and I actually think that being able to publish my own work might kick me. I felt very on edge when I was getting Razel Dazzle prepared for release. I had the itch. The need to sit down and get it done, and after a year of changing jobs and crappy personal problems, it felt so so so good to feel that way. To need to write, to work.

A couple of the self-pubbed authors have told me that publishing your own work is addictive, and once you start you wont want to stop. I have to admit it certainly is appealing, and right now as I write this my mind is already trying to work out when I can start work on re-editing my Werewolf erotic romance, She-Wolf. A book, a long with its sequel and any that follow which will also be self-published.

TWhat do you think, am I catching the self-pub fever? ;-P

The hardest part of the writing process.

Elizabeth's question for me: In your opinion, what is the hardest part of the writing process?

My answer: Disassociation from what is happening around you.

It's far too easy to compare yourself to other authors and what they are doing, and how far they seem to have gotten in their career when you feel like you haven't moved an inch. As a self-published author, especially, you can't avoid noticing these things, because you have to be online and looking at newsfeeds and keeping up to date with what is happening where and with whom as part of your marketing research. The tricky part is not taking it seriously; disentangling yourself from it. It's easy to start to feel down about it all, particularly if you're a competitive and ambitious person; particularly if you have bills to pay, and you feel time slipping from your grasp...

Disassociate. Let it go, and be true to yourself.

Like any industry, publishing is a game. If you actually want to "win" you have to play the game and stick to the rules. Here's a tip: change the meaning of "win" to align with your heart's needs, and then make your own rules. Now you have a game worth winning.

Why I only publish two books a year.

First, I just need to say, CLICK on that Romance Reviews icon just there on the right and VOTE for Cranberry Blood by Elizabeth Morgan! Thanks :)  ----->

All authors write differently, and if they self-publish, they do that differently too. Everyone's got to find a way that suits them. With that in mind, I thought I'd share with you my writing schedule as such, so you get an idea of why I only turn out two (three if you're lucky) books a year. Now, this won't take long:

1. UP TO FOUR MONTHS to write a full-length novel
2. SIX WEEKS to fully edit it, proofread it, format it and publish it, and organise guest posts for blogs. And six weeks is pushing it, but I work hard to stick to that time frame because I am self-published and if I don't keep my visibility up, I don't get seen. Or paid for that matter ;)
3. During the above, I am also marketing my other books, designing covers, book trailers, and other little bits and bobs that bring more exposure to my books, and make them more accessible to you.

That's half a year gone already.

Within that time, I ONLY concentrate on one book. I don't begin to write the other - at least not easily - until that one is published.

I am also a full-time parent who does not want to forfeit quality time with my family, although sometimes, that happens.

I LOVE my job; my passion; my dream... but if you saw me right now - three weeks before release day - you will see that my hair is a mess, I have shadows under my eyes and my head is pounding because my brain needs more sleep that it knows it's not going to get.

So there you have it. I have a whole ton of bloggers, two wonderful beta readers (Elizabeth included) and a patient family that I need to thank, for their eagerness, enthusiasm and support, because if they were not as forthcoming, I might not even be able to get two books a year to you.

I thank you for reading them :)

Dianna xxx