All authors get asked this question from time to time and it's one most of us have to scratch our heads to answer. The reason being is that for many of us, that first publication step was so long ago. And so very important that we shoved it all in the back of our minds after the storm known as the whirlwind of being newly published.
We tell our friends and family (if we’re not blushing!) and everyone who would ask. Then we do what our mentors tell us, which is get your ass back in the chair and crank out another story.
Of course we don’t crank out stories; we craft them meticulously and polish them until they sparkle so some editor can shoot them back to us with revisions, comments, changes. But that isn’t the point. I’ll lay out the path to publication here because I’m getting an increasing number of followers in social media asking me for advice, tips, tricks, miracles and even the occasional bit of editing help. I can give the editing help but barely. I edit the new erotic romance line for one of my e-book publishers in addition to my own writing. This post is dedicated to one of the better paths to publishing and career writing.
The first question I ask any new writer is where do you see your writing in five years? Meaning, are you in this for the career and to make money? If not, all else means little to me and ultimately to you as well.
Once you know you’ll be making a career out of this, I suggest you continue writing. You know what you like, who you want to be like, and who your target market may be. The best way to figure out who your readers are, however, is to post short complete stories (or scenes) to sites like Literotica.com. By the way, this guide is geared towards erotic romance authors but it applies to authors of all genres in general. Find out who your audience is, as those readers will turn into buyers once you sell. You need to build your audience.
Target your publishing options. Are you avoiding E-books because you’re too stuck up and don’t realize they’re the wave of the future? I too l
ike holding a print book, especially when it’s mine! But there is no reason to avoid what you can’t fight. E-books are here to stay and with many e-publishers delving into Print On Demand (known as POD) while traditional publishers such as Harlequin and Simon and Schuster are creating e-book lines, it would be egotistical to think you must go into print. That means researching the houses you’re targeting and emailing other authors, who are where you want to be. This is key. Get all the information you can about the house. E-publishers are in flux right now as are print and (this information is good until it’s not!) and finding a house that is reputable is NOT hard. But houses and writers are not always a perfect fit but once you find a house or three that works with you, for you, go with it!
I know the above information seems harsh but I’ve worked too hard as an e-book author. Take for example my very first book published, Sensualities that came out way back in 2001. I had NO idea what I was getting into but I knew what I wanted. Now I'm much closer to my goal.
Feel free to buy the books shown by the awesome cover art!
Blast from the Past: Sensualities: A short story collection by Sascha Illyvich at Amazon
Wolf Magic: Paranormal erotic romance from me! At Amazon!
I've done all of this, but it seems I'm getting no where. I'm tired and fed up. I've been writing, editing, networking...
ReplyDeleteI want writing to be my career - I really do. However, sometimes you get to a point where you're stuck and you've got to ask, 'Where do I go now?'
I have to say I am guilty of avoiding e-book publishers, only because it gives me so much extra work promoting them on the net, when they could be in the stores. I have two days jobs, this third ,book promoing one, is hard work, when they could be on shelves promoting themselves. Most publishers will launch your books as print and e-book format now anyway. That suits me better.
ReplyDeleteNice article. Wish I had read this two years ago--only because so much of the info. out there on how to be published is so gloom and doom. Reading this, you can at least feel somewhat encouraged.
ReplyDeleteAnne - this is the how to get published post. I promise a "how to make money" post soon!
ReplyDeleteMargaret- there is NO guarantee that you'll sell any better in print nowadays than in e-book. Yes, the route to go is still to aim for both and the burden has ALWAYS been on the author, moreso now as publishers and authors learn how to work the Internet and advertising. I'm going to have a guest post by my publicist here once we launch the erotic feature that will help.
Shona - There is always hope if you have desire. As noted, it's tough but that desire helps you weather the storm in any economy. I believe big in following my passion.
Finding a publisher that you want to work with and one that works with you, I think can be the longest part of this process. In the past five years, I went from mostly an academic centric press (as I write Non-Fiction) to one that only has a few non-fiction titles on their lists. But the nice thing about that is, I am now in a niche and the sales are good and its a publisher with a great track record that's been around for awhile. Very good post and good luck to other writers!
ReplyDeleteArlene Nierma
This is all GREAT info and I can't wait for more to come. Now, let me throw in just a wee bit more. As a self-publishing author, you need to RESEARCH all the opportunities out there. There are many self publishing sites that do NOT charge you (barnes & noble, amazon, smashwords, etc...) that work great. But you work tons more than a tradtional writer. You, the writer, have to find a GOOD editor, a good cover art AND don't forget the most important thing. Promotion & marketing! I spend my nights working on my 2nd book (the sequel to A Fire Within @ amazon & smashwords lol shameless plug.. I know this!) but I spend my DAYS networking FB, Twitter, my blog, etc...
ReplyDeleteThe point is, if you want it bad enough, you will work for it. Because one thing is for certain... NOBODY has more to gain/lose on your book than yourself. And you will get what you put into it.
Anne~ I understand completely what you are saying but when you get to the point of not knowing what to do next? Think outside of the box. I have talked with so many "Big Name" authors that are more than willing to answer questions you might have. Also, think about contests, not only online but leave out pamphlets in your local coffee shops. Something along the lines of maybe leaving comments on your blog or fan page for a chance to win a free copy of your book. Talking with the local paper or television station about writing in general. A library workshop to help locals learn to write while you promote your own work. Be sure to join a forum that promotes healthy tips (like APA)~ I hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteSorry~ I hit the button before I was actually done! Anne, it takes a LOT to get started. It really does and there are so many days that I ask myself "WHY am I doing this?". It does get better though. Sometimes, we just need to think outside of the box to get ourselves out of the rut we are in. Giving a volunteer class at the library while promoting your own work, talking to the newspaper or television reporter about writing & promoting~ all of this adds up & does get the word out. Just keep working at it and doing your best~ you will get there!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot of work regardless. Just had a conversation with a friend last night over dinner that involved the fact that my publicist and agents allow me to dream big again.
ReplyDeleteI already threw up part II but it's scheduled for Monday. Right now that seems to be the free day. Good luck all of you!