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.
Broad smiles at why you write.
ReplyDeleteLove the version that says that the voices in my head deserve to be heard as well...
Well of course they do:) Heh.
DeleteJust 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
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Val. That touches my heart.
DeleteHugs received and returned.
Keep writing Sandra, I find it is a good way of expressing one's self/ Enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day.
Yvonne.
It is a great way to express one's self and writing poetry--which you do--is even better:)
DeleteKeep writing and producing good books. All the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes. Working on the produce:)
DeleteI think that's a smart way to get started. Like learning on the job.
ReplyDeleteExactly:)
DeleteWow! 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
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rockin Ro.
DeleteHugs received and returned.
I agree with RO's comment.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jamie:)
DeleteI love your advice to writers where they should begin. It gets them experience.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it's a publishing company like yours, a place to stay:)
DeleteHappy IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Not even for fun would I touch a typewriter again. Grin.
DeletePicture a 400 page manuscript and you find a typo and can't line up the paper to correct it properly times 400:)
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.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Well said, Arlee.
DeleteHi Sandra - you certainly seem to have the right approach and will keep learning as you happily publish away - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt is an ongoing learning process for sure, Hilary.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHey Crystal,
DeleteSome 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?
Interesting question and answer.
ReplyDeleteGlad you thought so, Christine.
DeleteI'm in the hybrid category as well. I rather like it because I've learned so much by going both Indie and Traditional.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth, Lee.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteComputers changed our lives, didn't they, Jacqui?
DeleteI will look at Kennsington, have one ready to go.
ReplyDeleteAnother person that I didn't know was writing. What genre, Steve?
DeleteInteresting to know how other authors get themselves published. Thank you, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. I checked out your blog. Nice.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Cherie:)
DeleteOh, a manual typewriter! I started my adult writing on one of those!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has a published ebook and two more waiting. It has been a good and a bad experience. Long story there.
You have my sincere sympathy if you started on a manual typewriter. Grin.
DeleteCongrats on your daughter having one out and two waiting. Hope the good has outweighted the bad.
Good advice.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks, Jan:)
DeleteSmall presses are a great place to be. Sky's the limit if you want more. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
They sure can be, Anna:)
DeleteYou've sure been at it a long time, no dinos to help inspire? lol Yeah, they kinda frown on kidnapping.
ReplyDeleteOh ha:)
DeleteI also started with a small press and do recommend it. I don't regret that decision as I learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteYou have books with Kensington? *faints* lol
I'm published on the E side of Kensington.
DeleteAre you still with Wild Rose?
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)?
ReplyDeleteHa!
DeleteI didn't realize you wrote, Elizabeth. Kudos!
Very interesting Sandra! We all have such journeys! Loved your kidnapping joke! LOL! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed have journeys:)
DeleteHugs received and returned.
Writing is the easy part, making people care is the hard part. That's what I found out.
ReplyDeleteCare or want to read:)
DeleteIt 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
ReplyDeleteMany ways to read a book and many books to read:)
ReplyDeleteSo 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