What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?
Four years ago, I signed with my first agent. Two years ago, my agent and I split amicably, and shortly after that I sold my first manuscript and then my second.
I decided to go the traditional route for a few reasons. Firstly, despite having been a blogger for a few years at the time, I knew basically nothing about the publishing world and its inner workings. Plus, I live in a very rural state and then even more rural area of my state, which makes me a bit isolated. I felt teaming up with a 'guide' - that's what I really see agents as - someone who shares their knowledge of the business and guides you along your way to forming your career - was important for me.
You say, "But you sold your manuscripts on your own to small but traditional publishers."
Yup, you're correct. That step was one I now know I needed to take. I forged ahead and did it on my own. I think I needed the lessons that experience has taught me to keep forging ahead. I still plan to seek representation again. That is my choice - the way I see what I need as a writer.
But take note: we each have our own writing/publishing journey, one that is unique. My advice is to seek that and not someone else's. Your path might end up as twisted and curvy as mine, but that's okay. Just own it.
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And a little added surprise. Marked Beauty was recognized again! I'm so happy readers see through the years it took me write this story and see value in it. Thanks to all who have read it!
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And a little added surprise. Marked Beauty was recognized again! I'm so happy readers see through the years it took me write this story and see value in it. Thanks to all who have read it!
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| LINK TO AWARDS PAGE |
It's cool to read about your journey as a published author. Having more than one option for publishing is awesome.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Having multiple options toward publication is helpful, but we really never know for sure which one is for us. I guess if we see some success in one direction then we might think we do. I think the true key is staying our course, being open to new ones, and never wavering about ourselves. I'm still working on that last one. LOL Thanks so much for dropping by and for chatting!
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteWe each have our own path. I chose the same as you. (Less ever having an agent of course.)
Most of us agree that we do have our own individual paths to publication, and in live, really. Sometimes it's hard to live that out everyday. And the agent thing - she was and still is a well-respected agent. At the time when we parted, her only other children's author messaged me to talk about what she planned to do. She eventually decided to stay with the agent and her first book is being released next month. I'm beyond thrilled for her, but ... I can't help but feel 'why couldn't that have been me?' (I feel like a schmuck for feeling this way) I say this because the agent got her a really good deal with a great publisher that's actually sending her on tour. I can't help think it was me, that I sucked or wasn't good enough. I know that thought process is detrimental, but I can't help question my past decisions; stupid and useless, I know. Really, I think it was timing. Back then, said agent wasn't focused on kidlit. But who knows. I just have to keep plugging along. lol
DeleteSome people don't realize submitting directly to publishers is an option. It's a good thing you did.
ReplyDeleteWhat so great is that there are choices and that each writer can make a choice for him/herself. I also want an agent, something I feel I personally need.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I still feel, Chrys; like I'd like an agent for guidance and maybe even a little encouraging kick in the pants every so often. :)
DeleteCongratulations on another award. Your book certainly deserves it.
ReplyDeleteAnd what others have said, what is right for one person may not be for another. We all have to make our own decisions. Best of luck to you.
Yes, every path is unique. And congrats on your book reward!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sheri...
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on your award for Marked Beauty! You sooooo deserve it. You are so right about our individual journeys... So happy your course has finally led you in the right direction. It takes time... I certainly know that. Thanks for you advice!
Yes, and here's to you getting there, too! One thing I've noticed is that each time I feel comfortable or 'okay' where I am with my writing and publication something changes. I get restless and feel less satisfied. I try to look at that as a positive, like my subconscious is telling me to keep forging ahead to brighter and better things.
DeleteHi Sheri - you've done so well ... pushing out, learning, publishing and then wanting to learn more and do more with the books you've written. Congratulations on Marked Beauty - great approval to have. Each of our paths is unique as you so rightly mention - but we can all pick up snippets from our blogging and authorly friends - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Blogging and our community of writers has been invaluable to me. I wouldn't have ever dared write anything for anyone to read without these folks. For me, now, it's not getting weighed down by the marketing and business side of publishing. It can be exhausting. I think I've finally crested that hill and am ready to forge ahead again. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteCongrats on the award! Despite your isolation, you have forged a great path to publication. Several other authors have commented about directly approaching small presses with similar good results, so it's definitely something for the rest of us to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that writer's have different options nowadays. Sometimes it takes a while to make the right choice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your award!
Congratulations! Yes, each author's path is different. It makes our journeys are little more difficult, but we've got to do what's right for each of us.
ReplyDeleteYour words are very validating. :D Pushing through the difficulties makes it all the more worth it on the other side.
DeleteCongrats on the award! I love that there are so many options for us know, and we're free to choose a different one at any time.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great point here - that we are free to choose a different path at any time.
DeleteEnjoy reading about your writing journey. Happy belated IWSG Day.
ReplyDeleteI like your story as well as any other I've heard. For myself I think I'd prefer to do like you've done. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks so much Arlee! It's great to hear from you. It's been a while. Glad to see you're doing well. Yeah, I was at a crossroads when I parted with my agent. Honestly, I was devastated inside. It had taken me two years of constant querying (and facing rejection) to sign with her, and that was after I'd submitted to publishers and gotten a few offers on my own. The agent felt we could get better deals, and so did I. Thus she started subbing, but I hardly ever heard from her. Anyway, we do have to follow our own paths even as they shift and/or differ from what we originally had intended.
DeleteEveryone is different, so has a different path. Glad you found what works for you. A lot of time goes into figuring that out.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! And I think our paths can grow and change as we do.
DeleteThank you for stopping by!
Its everyone's own choice what path they choose to go. Traditional backing is good but going indie goves more control.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can definitely see going indie giving an author more control over their work and career path/pace. I'm in awe of some indie authors. They just know what's going on and understand how to ride the waves of the market. I'm not very good at the marketing side of the business. I mean, if I didn't have to actually write then I'd be great at the marketing. I think it's fun, but it's massively time consuming.
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by!
I'm glad you've had a good experience with small publishing. Good luck with the next part of your journey!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see your book is getting great recognition. Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have done well in spite of your isolation. So whatever you're doing works.
Its everybody's very own choice what path they select to go. traditional backing is ideal but going indie goves extra control.
ReplyDelete