Many writers out there will talk about the decisions they make as a part of being an author, but I feel the need to dig deep into all the decisions that I’ve been going through (and sometimes assaulted by) on my journey to publication.
I’ve always written. That’s just the start. I’ve dabbled with writing groups, with Nanowrimo, and being the isolated writer for most of my life, picking up and putting it down as life would divert my attention. This year, I put my foot down and said I’m going to make this writing thing more than just a vacation from the rest of my life. It will be a large part of my life.
First Decision: From Writer to Author – Achievement Unlocked
While technically I’d decided the last time I’d started dipping my toe into the possible publication route to go indie and not traditional since I was placing my flag in the ground this time around, I reviewed whether I still wanted to take on a lot of the front-loading that is indie publishing instead of going the route of finding an agent and going the traditional publishing route. Because of my personality, skill set, and let’s be frank, lack of patience (along with my need to control as many things as possible), I’ve decided to stick with going the indie publishing route to move from “writer” and into “published author”.
Second Decision: Indie Publishing – Achievement Unlocked
I pump out A LOT of words in the fall, usually thanks to Nanowrimo. But given the last two years of Nano shitting the bed on making good choices, that wouldn’t be an option for me this year. (Full story here). I’ve seen a lot of different folks trying to organize Nanowrimo alternatives, but nothing was speaking to me. I happened to attend a free webinar put on by Alessandre Torre (one of the founders of InkersCon, which I’ve attended virtually over the last few years) where she talked about her small group BootCamp she was running in October/November, which would have your work reviewed by three different pro editors, along with direct access to her in open Q&As, and small groups of your peers in the same part of the author journey. I couldn’t hit “Buy Now” quick enough.
Third Decision: Writing Bootcamp – Achievement Unlocked
While we worked through all of the classwork with the Bootcamp, we hit “Publishing” and “Marketing”… and the question that I feel would haunt me if I didn’t make the right decision before I hit Publish came up. To go KDP or to go Wide? Before working through the coursework, I thought, oh, I can go KDP exclusive for ebook, and then wide on print. But the more I did the work, and then fell into a bit of a rabbit hole of opinions and experiments from indies who went before me, especially for fantasy series, the more I hit the decision wall. It only makes sense to start Wide for me. Like choosing indie vs. trad, it’ll be more work on the front end, but it’s the right choice for me.
Fourth Decision: Go Wide – Achievement Unlocked
Now, I’ve reached where my skill set comes in. Because going indie means I’m responsible for editors, marketing, and book cover. I’ve done many book covers and author sites thanks to my freelance business, but looking at the market and comp titles for my fantasy series, my first attempt was soulless. Pretty, but soulless. My personal style was directly in the way of the market expectations. As I was working through the standard “what’s missing” conversations with friends and family, my kid piped in with some really great points, even though their own commission work hadn’t treaded into book cover territory. I ended up working out a deal with them and they’re finishing up the cover as I type this.
Fifth Decision: Book Cover Design – Achievement Unlocked
Next, while I wait for the developmental editors’ feedback from the Bootcamp, I’m starting to gather interested parties to become my beta readers while I wrap up my edits (which if you’re following along on my socials, I just ripped out my entire Act 2 to rewrite it **cries**). While I’ve had lots of friends say “Sure, I’d love to read it” I wanted to put words into action, so I’ve created a Beta Reader Interest Form to keep it all official. I shared out that link to my newsletter, and I’ve already had a few folks sign up.
Sixth Decision: Beta Readers – Achievement Unlocked.
Up next: I’ll need to hire an editor, figure out if I’m going to format my work or hire it out, and so much more. The goal is the beginning of the year to publish The Hand of Mashyana, Book One of my Action-Adventure Fantasy Series. This decision list is really the tip of a scary but exciting adventure. I’ve been writing in some form online since 2003, so I’m going to try and keep up both the joys and the pains of this next experiment here.
