Tentative cover art for Dakota Blues
Most of you know me as a dabbler in issues relating to life as a middle-aged woman, but I’m also a writer, and I’m wondering what to do next with my book, Dakota Blues.
The manuscript is finished, and I’m ready to introduce it to the world, but given the state of the publishing industry at the moment, I’m not sure how best to go about it. So much has changed.
In the “old days” the writer would send off her completed manuscript. Then the phone would ring, champagne would flow, and the check would be cashed. If I go through the traditional process of finding an agent who finds a publisher who gets the book into bookstores, it can take a couple of years. Who knows what the publishing industry will look like by then? At the rate publishers and bookstores are going under, my book could get buried under the rubble of yet another bankruptcy.
On the other hand, if I publish it myself, it could be available in a few months. I’d have to market it myself, of course, but more and more, authors are expected to do all that anyway. I’d have more upfront expenses, but I’d keep a higher percentage of the sales. If there are any. Worst case scenario, at least there would be an actual book to prove to family and friends that I really was working on one these past few years.
As a third alternative, I’m tempted to sit on the manuscript a while until I see how things shake out. Also, I’m eager to start my second book which, like Dakota Blues, is about a woman who’s been sleepwalking through her life and awakens to find she’s middle aged! I’m calling it Stockholm Summer.
Do you have any thoughts on whether I should go the traditional route or self-publish? Sit on it or shoot it out there? Thanks for helping me with this.
So glad I stopped by, Lynne. Love your blog, will add it to my blogroll in SunnyRoomStudio! You pose some excellent questions and I think you’re wise to think this through. Given the state of publishing, I find it difficult to even take it seriously these days. In fact, I was chatting about that with a reader in sunnyroom yesterday (look for the C.LeeMckenize comment and my reply). Lee is a lovely accomplished woman (she was my guest in sunnyroom, see post Universal Connections) and just published a second book for young adults. Anyway, we were visiting about the burden of marketing on authors. I don’t have the answers, but I’m glad we are all digging into the subject a bit more. It’s a delicate topic to broach in many respects, yet, I think authors really have to ask themselves if they are cut out for the marketing grind.
Loved your post, Dakota Blues. When I lived away from the prairie, I had that feeling quite often. It inspired my first book on prairie wisdom … 🙂 So I wish you much luck w/the book … whatever you decide. Some e-books are doing well (so I hear), but it all depends on your goals, I guess, and how much of an uphill battle you want to take on. (I don’t have a guest scheduled in sunnyroomstudio for June or July … if you’re interested in writing about your creative path or the book or both!) Warm wishes, Daisy @ http://www.daisyhickman.com
Lynne,
Hi! I was in the same position 5 years ago when I started writing my first book longhand. The traditional publishing industry was depressing to me in addition to not being cost-effective. Today, I self-published my book. the title is: Encore! Encore! Seniors (50 Plus) As Entrepreneurs: Their Time Has Come. I have a Free Sample Book Chapter on my website: http://www.seniorpreneur.ca/ I hope this helps you.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
Thanks, Joe. I love the title of your website and your fighting spirit. I’ll check out the chapter asap.
Congratulations! and I will look forward to reading Dakota Blues in whatever form she arrives in the world. I love the cover art, too. I’ve been working on developing a guide to the whirling world of birthing books, and I’d be glad to share it with anyone interested. I do a workshop called “See Your Book in Print” locally. My feeling is do all of it – self-publish, (with your own ISBN – if you do complete a book deal later, the title can remain intact) but continue to seek representation and a publishing contract. The best compass for finding agents, reps. and publishing houses still actually acquiring books is LMP – Literary Market Place. This two-volume set has all the current players in the realm of books. Big libraries will have the enormous duo, but not many buy the current year and current is imperative. Send a submission to Pamela Dorman who now has her own imprint – Pamela Dorman Books. She has a keen eye for debut writers, and is the wizard woman who thought Sue Monk Kidd (The Secret Life of Bees), Kim Edwards (The Memory Keeper’s Daughter) and Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones’ Diary) were publish-worthy. I don’t know her – sure wish I did – but golly what booksight she has!
Linda, this is great information, and thanks for your support. I can’t wait to tell you what I did!
Rae, Kathy, Debbie, Libbye, Rebecca, Jean and Judie, Thank you all so much for your kindness in giving me the benefit of your thinking. We’re all busy so it means even that much more. I’ll be pondering and weighing this question for a couple of weeks, and then I’m going to jump in one way or the other. I’ll keep you posted!
You should get hold of the information of our last speaker. She has amazing stuff.
Hi Lynne,
I belong to an organization that mentors people looking at alternative ways to publish. We are a non-profit and don’t sell anything, we offer ideas and support. It is indeed a crazy time in the world of publishing, but that broadens your choices. What do you want to do? You have, no doubt, heard every argument for and against traditional and self-publishing and know that there is still a prejudice even among writers about self-published books. That’s a shame, because it is difficult to find an agent or publisher.
I can tell you that no matter who publishes your book, writing it was the easy part. You are the one who has to sell it. With that in mind, it makes sense to me to consider publishing independently. There are many issues to be considered, but the information is available. The cost of publishing a book has never been lower, particularly if you start with an ebook.
For myself, I learned a great lesson early on—if you write because you need someone else to affirm your writing, you may want to reconsider how you spend your time. If you write to make money, according to some figures, you have a better chance buying a lottery ticket, but as krpooler mentioned, ‘ya never know’. If you write for the pure joy of writing and want to share your joy, look at the alternatives and publish. I recommend you consider that option for Dakota Blues. Best of luck whatever you decide!
I think WordPress is having some issues — I got an e-mail notice of your new post, but I wasn’t able to find it through my Bookmarks. Oh, well…on to your quandary. I’m basically in the same boat, so I’m eager to hear what your friends suggest! Kathy has an excellent point — from what I hear, person-to-person contact is terribly important in snagging an agent’s attention. Also, some agents and publishing houses still frown on self-published books, and so many of them frankly look tacky. This is your baby — you don’t want it appearing in the world as some shabby first-cousin! However, you’re so right about the state of publishing now — like so many industries (newspapers, for one), it’s in flux, and you can’t have your baby flopping around in choppy waters. Ah, there’s probably no perfect answer — maybe that’s why I’m sitting on the fence and tackling my second book?! Good luck whatever you decide — I, for one, am eager to read it!!
I’m thinking it depends on how tough you feel — if you are feeling tough, go for the New York publisher/agent dream. If you are feeling a bit more fragile, go for the self-publishing route. Bottom line is that you should feel good and happy and proud of yourself, so whatever method you choose, remember to celebrate your lovely accomplishments. Also, I would be very happy to help in any way I can, so just email me, my darling! XOXO
Lynne,
Do you subscribe to the online version of Writers Market? I recommend doing an “Advanced” search for agents and publishers, checking out their submission requirements, and saturating the market with your queries, synopses, sample chapters and the manuscript. I wouldn’t wait! You have the luxury of a finished manuscript. It takes so long to get the process moving even with an editor or agent, so I’d say it would be better to get it moving! Your manuscript is fantastic. Believe in it and get it out there! Good luck. I know you’ll find a home for it. It’s good stuff. Libbye
Oh Lynne, you raise so many issues here about how to move forward in this environment. We have so many options and that makes it seem confusing at times.One of my thoughts is to attend a conference (in your spare time ofcourse!) and pitch as many agents/publishers face to face as is possible . That may help you hone your pitch and decide more definitively what your next step will be. Like we say in NY when it comes to the Lottery “Hey, Ya’ never know..” I have a feeling Dakota Blues is itching to get out there. Wish you the best and will look forward to your updates!
“I’m eager to start my second book which like Dakota Blues, is about a woman who’s been sleepwalking through her life and awakens to find she’s middle aged! I’m calling it Stockholm Summer.”
OH MY!!! Sounds fascinating!! So many of us can relate!!
Given your busy schedule with your new family member, I would consider the second option AFTER the third. Good luck!
Rae