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.




55 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

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

Valerie-Jael said...

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

nashvillecats2 said...

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

Have a good day.
Yvonne.

Love Affair with Food said...

Keep writing and producing good books. All the best!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

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

RO said...

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

Jamie Ghione said...

I agree with RO's comment.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

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

Toi Thomas said...

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.

Arlee Bird said...

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

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

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

Crystal Collier said...

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.

Christine said...

Interesting question and answer.

cleemckenzie said...

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

Computer Tutor said...

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!

Out on the prairie said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

Well of course they do:) Heh.

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

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

Rosemary Johnson said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

Exactly:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Rockin Ro.
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Jamie:)

Sandra Cox said...

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

Cherie Reich said...

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.

Sandra Cox said...

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:)

Susan Kane said...

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.

Lowcarb team member said...

Good advice.

All the best Jan

emaginette said...

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

Anna from elements of emaginette

Pat Hatt said...

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

Chrys Fey said...

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

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

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)?

Sandra Cox said...

Well said, Arlee.

Sandra Cox said...

It is an ongoing learning process for sure, Hilary.

Magic Love Crow said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

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?

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

Glad you thought so, Christine.

Sandra Cox said...

Isn't that the truth, Lee.

Sandra Cox said...

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

Adam said...

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

Birgit said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure. I checked out your blog. Nice.

Sandra Cox said...

I agree, Cherie:)

Sandra Cox said...

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.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Jan:)

Sandra Cox said...

They sure can be, Anna:)

Sandra Cox said...

Oh ha:)

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

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

Sandra Cox said...

Care or want to read:)

Sandra Cox said...

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

Jeanie said...

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!