Considering what is going on with substack, how it has exploded with everyone flocking here, I think I'm doing okay. I do not do much marketing and yes, small presses are not a good move for most. Yes, the small press I was with, basically, put all the marketing on us, but took most of the money. They took control of editing and covers but the covers were created from clip art and in my opinion were not high end and I can hire my own editors, so I don't feel I was really getting my money's worth. I wanted more control over what I could charge for books, so I could market effectively. If I'm going to go with a publisher again, it will be through an agent, with one of the top five. If not, I'll self publish. Thank you, Lenny for all your support!
Thank you for chronicling your thoughts, your writing journey, your frustrations, and your aha! moments. As I've read your comments, I've learned from you. In some ways, I've had some of the same frustrations. I've been collecting people one-by-one and have a list of 43. I'm joining Calli, which promises to have "Influencers" work with me to promote my work and build my audience. (Feel free to contact me privately if you wish to know more.) As you, I am not a fan of social media.
Please keep writing your insightful comments!
So sorry we didn't meet while I was in Delaware. Now back roasting in Arizona!
I had similar experience with the small press that released my series. I quickly realized that while am author may assume all the expenses for marketing, he/she will receive only some designated fraction of the resultant income. This equation does not make sense.
Of course, I had much to learn. I now think in terms of self-publishing, unless the publisher truly has something to offer (as was the case with a set of mysteries I wrote).
Congrats again on topping 300, Kay, and here's to many more!
Thank you for reaching out. Yes, a journey for sure!
Considering what is going on with substack, how it has exploded with everyone flocking here, I think I'm doing okay. I do not do much marketing and yes, small presses are not a good move for most. Yes, the small press I was with, basically, put all the marketing on us, but took most of the money. They took control of editing and covers but the covers were created from clip art and in my opinion were not high end and I can hire my own editors, so I don't feel I was really getting my money's worth. I wanted more control over what I could charge for books, so I could market effectively. If I'm going to go with a publisher again, it will be through an agent, with one of the top five. If not, I'll self publish. Thank you, Lenny for all your support!
Kay -
Thank you for chronicling your thoughts, your writing journey, your frustrations, and your aha! moments. As I've read your comments, I've learned from you. In some ways, I've had some of the same frustrations. I've been collecting people one-by-one and have a list of 43. I'm joining Calli, which promises to have "Influencers" work with me to promote my work and build my audience. (Feel free to contact me privately if you wish to know more.) As you, I am not a fan of social media.
Please keep writing your insightful comments!
So sorry we didn't meet while I was in Delaware. Now back roasting in Arizona!
Shelley Sommers
If you're at 315, you're doing splendidly!
I had similar experience with the small press that released my series. I quickly realized that while am author may assume all the expenses for marketing, he/she will receive only some designated fraction of the resultant income. This equation does not make sense.
Of course, I had much to learn. I now think in terms of self-publishing, unless the publisher truly has something to offer (as was the case with a set of mysteries I wrote).
Congrats again on topping 300, Kay, and here's to many more!