Wednesday, September 5, 2018

IWSG Wednesday




The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

FYI: The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.


September 5 question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I have been writing since the prehistoric age, I.E. when a writer used a typewriter (gasp) and before E-books.  When I first started out, I applied with several publishers and later found an agent, but I didn't have any success in the traditional world.  Then E-Books (and computers:) came along. I found my  niche and have never looked back. I'm currently a hybrid author. I have books with Kensington and I'm self-published. Originally, I published with several small presses. It was a great experience, I made many friends and learned the ins and outs of publishing. I recommend it for authors that are just starting out. There are some excellent E/small presses out there. From there you may decide you want to stay, go trad or Indie. Wherever your journey takes you, I wish you much success.




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55 comments:

  1. Elephant's ChildSeptember 5, 2018 at 12:37 AM

    Broad smiles at why you write.
    Love the version that says that the voices in my head deserve to be heard as well...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Valerie-JaelSeptember 5, 2018 at 1:07 AM

    Just keep going, your books are great and you are sharing so much with the world. I think E-books are a fantastic thing, my Kindle is my constant companion and my pocket library, like magic! Hugs, Valerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:32 PM

      Thanks so much, Val. That touches my heart.
      Hugs received and returned.

      Delete
  3. nashvillecats2September 5, 2018 at 1:29 AM

    Keep writing Sandra, I find it is a good way of expressing one's self/ Enjoyed the post.

    Have a good day.
    Yvonne.

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:37 PM

      It is a great way to express one's self and writing poetry--which you do--is even better:)

      Delete
  4. Love Affair with FoodSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:14 AM

    Keep writing and producing good books. All the best!

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:42 PM

      Thanks for the good wishes. Working on the produce:)

      Delete
  5. Alex J. CavanaughSeptember 5, 2018 at 7:09 AM

    I think that's a smart way to get started. Like learning on the job.

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  6. ROSeptember 5, 2018 at 7:27 AM

    Wow! That's pretty cool to get the backstory of your writing life. Always enjoy hearing about the paths of authors. Hugs and Happy Wednesday! RO

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  7. Jamie GhioneSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:37 AM

    I agree with RO's comment.

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  8. L. Diane WolfeSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:46 AM

    I love your advice to writers where they should begin. It gets them experience.

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 4:10 PM

      And if it's a publishing company like yours, a place to stay:)

      Delete
  9. Toi ThomasSeptember 5, 2018 at 9:47 AM

    Happy IWSG Day!

    I would love to use a typewriter, just for fun. I'm too used to my word processor.

    I'm glad you've found a good balance. Hybrid seems ideal for those who can pull it off. Great tip for getting started.

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 4:14 PM

      Not even for fun would I touch a typewriter again. Grin.
      Picture a 400 page manuscript and you find a typo and can't line up the paper to correct it properly times 400:)

      Delete
  10. Arlee BirdSeptember 5, 2018 at 10:06 AM

    The world of internet has certainly changed so many aspects of writing and getting work into the hands of readers. A myriad of opportunities exist for writers with many more pathways to potential success which still remains elusive for most.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hilary Melton-ButcherSeptember 5, 2018 at 10:33 AM

    Hi Sandra - you certainly seem to have the right approach and will keep learning as you happily publish away - cheers Hilary

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:43 PM

      It is an ongoing learning process for sure, Hilary.

      Delete
  12. Crystal CollierSeptember 5, 2018 at 10:51 AM

    I think that's great advice. One of my successful friends started with a small press and learned the ropes, then launched her own and never looked back. She's a marketing whiz. Of course, not all of us are, eh? We have to figure out our niche and go with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:49 PM

      Hey Crystal,
      Some Indie authors do really, really well. Hats off to your bud. Has she ever mentioned what she considers to be today's best marketing tool?

      Delete
  13. ChristineSeptember 5, 2018 at 12:25 PM

    Interesting question and answer.

    ReplyDelete
  14. cleemckenzieSeptember 5, 2018 at 12:34 PM

    I'm in the hybrid category as well. I rather like it because I've learned so much by going both Indie and Traditional.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jacqui MurraySeptember 5, 2018 at 1:12 PM

    I will forever be thankful that I didn't start writing until computers took it over. Don't get me wrong--I am (was) facile with a typewriter--enough to know all the pitfalls!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 9:30 PM

      Computers changed our lives, didn't they, Jacqui?

      Delete
  16. Out on the prairieSeptember 5, 2018 at 1:36 PM

    I will look at Kennsington, have one ready to go.

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 6, 2018 at 3:46 PM

      Another person that I didn't know was writing. What genre, Steve?

      Delete
  17. Rosemary JohnsonSeptember 5, 2018 at 2:43 PM

    Interesting to know how other authors get themselves published. Thank you, Sandra.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Cherie ReichSeptember 5, 2018 at 4:10 PM

    I do think it helps to work with a publisher at some point. The ones I worked with helped me grow as a writer and showed me what to do (and what not to do) when it came time to publishing my work.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Susan KaneSeptember 5, 2018 at 4:17 PM

    Oh, a manual typewriter! I started my adult writing on one of those!

    My daughter has a published ebook and two more waiting. It has been a good and a bad experience. Long story there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 6, 2018 at 4:20 PM

      You have my sincere sympathy if you started on a manual typewriter. Grin.
      Congrats on your daughter having one out and two waiting. Hope the good has outweighted the bad.

      Delete
  20. Lowcarb team memberSeptember 5, 2018 at 5:28 PM

    Good advice.

    All the best Jan

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  21. emaginetteSeptember 5, 2018 at 5:36 PM

    Small presses are a great place to be. Sky's the limit if you want more. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pat HattSeptember 5, 2018 at 6:05 PM

    You've sure been at it a long time, no dinos to help inspire? lol Yeah, they kinda frown on kidnapping.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Chrys FeySeptember 5, 2018 at 6:33 PM

    I also started with a small press and do recommend it. I don't regret that decision as I learned a lot.

    You have books with Kensington? *faints* lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 6, 2018 at 5:01 PM

      I'm published on the E side of Kensington.
      Are you still with Wild Rose?

      Delete
  24. Bleubeard and ElizabethSeptember 5, 2018 at 7:49 PM

    I've never considered trying to publish any of the silly mysteries I have written. You gave some good advice and I loved the kidnapping joke! Or was it (grin)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:55 PM

      Ha!
      I didn't realize you wrote, Elizabeth. Kudos!

      Delete
  25. Magic Love CrowSeptember 5, 2018 at 8:48 PM

    Very interesting Sandra! We all have such journeys! Loved your kidnapping joke! LOL! Big Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Sandra CoxSeptember 6, 2018 at 7:21 PM

      We do indeed have journeys:)
      Hugs received and returned.

      Delete
  26. AdamSeptember 5, 2018 at 9:46 PM

    Writing is the easy part, making people care is the hard part. That's what I found out.

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  27. BirgitSeptember 5, 2018 at 10:20 PM

    It must have been harder back in the “olden days” but I am glad people have more places to have their books published just like we have many ways to read a book. I am still one who likes reading an actual book

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  28. Sandra CoxSeptember 6, 2018 at 7:36 PM

    Many ways to read a book and many books to read:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. JeanieSeptember 7, 2018 at 9:12 AM

    So many ways to do it these days. I suspect I would self publish as I'm not out to make a career of it but who knows? right now my primary goal is just finishing!

    ReplyDelete

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