For nearly a year now, I’ve been working on my first novel, and it’s almost ready for publication. I finished it! It just needs to be formatted for e-readers.
I’ve decided to self-publish, and to have a digital version only. Why? Well, a lot of people now have a Kindle, or Nook, or iPad. And if they don’t, they still can read a digital version of my book on a computer. I’m self-publishing, meaning I format the manuscript, create the book cover, write the bio, and do all the marketing. I chose this after a year of reading posts by authors and publishers, understanding that the publishing world today is so different than it was thirty years ago (when I was dreaming about a career as a writer), and, if I am to be honest, not wanting to spend months or years sending electronic queries to publishing houses, waiting for replies (rejections), when I can get my work out there. I don’t believe that traditional publishing is validation.
Look, I don’t know who will read “Chocolate for Breakfast.” I know some of my friends will. But I didn’t write it to make a lot of money. I wrote it because I love to write. Whether it’s these weekly blog posts (or daily last April during the “A to Z Blog Challenge”) or writing and rewriting my first novel, I’m doing what I love. I hired an editor to, well, to edit, to polish the manuscript, and I believe it’s the best it can be. I’ve built my platform through Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and, thanks to the fabulous Tonya Kappes (http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com/), I’ve learned how to market.
One thing Tonya suggested was to create a Pinterest board for my book. Are you familiar with Pinterest? I joined months ago, put up some recipes, some of the places I’ve traveled to, but never really got into it. To me, it seemed better suited for a bride-to-be or a home decorator. But I had a lot of fun creating a board for “Chocolate for Breakfast.” I found pictures of places relevant in the book. Then I thought about who should be cast in the movie version (hey, a girl can dream!), so I posted photos of some of the people I imagined in the roles of Timmy, Karl, Hanna. Now, you can look at the board http://pinterest.com/marthari/chocolate-for-breakfast/ and have an idea about the book, even before it’s out.
Hoping for a July 3rd launch date, but a lot of it depends on the formatting and getting it all ready for Amazon. I’ll be back here to shout when it’s ready!
Chocolate for breakfast? Who can resist? At least I can read it with my coffee even if I don’t indulge:) I’m going the same route as you with my first book (currently in the formatting/editing stage). I’ve been promoting through other venues, but you may have convinced me to finally give Pininterst a shot. Thanks!
Congratulations my friend!! Can’t wait to upload the digital version to my Kindle!!
Thanks, Gail! Hoping by the end of July
Congrats, Martha! So happy for you! And I love your idea for pinterest. I hadn’t found a good reason to have an account, but you might have provided one!
I learned it from Tonya Kappes, Beth – I figured it’s just one more way to self-promote! Thanks
Thrilling news! Good luck with the rest of the process. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thanks, Deb!
This is thrilling, Martha! Can’t wait to read it!
How exciting! I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutley wonderful Martha. You have a very special way with words. Wishing you every success with your book and I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Lottie!
Thanks so much for the shout out, Martha! I’m so glad you have been working so hard. It will pay off. I’m very excited for Chocolate for Breakfast! I’ll be on vacation that week, so it will be a GREAT time for me to relax and read! Congratulations. I wish you much success!
Thank you, Tonya!
I am beyond thrilled for you, Martha, and can’t wait to read it! I so love the fact that you’re living your dream. What an inspiration you are!
It’s true, Jan – took many years but finally, finally 🙂
Looking forward for it. I can’t stop reading books anyways and expecting the digital version to read it on my iPad.
Thank you!
I can’t wait to read it! My Kindle is always hungry for new books!
I’ve had more of an impact with my blog concerning autism and epilepsy awareness than I ever dared to hope for – certain charities are now following my blog and my Twitter account, and they retweet me or ask me to write articles that they can direct their other followers to – so I’ve decided that I’m going to self-publish too.
I might call it “Being Spock’s Granddaughter”, but I’m not sure if I’m allowed to use the name in conjunction with something that is entirely not about Spock – gah, copywrites! 🙂
Hi Gemma! That’s wonderful news about your blog. And I trust married life continues to be magical! xxoo
Woo-hoo! Congrats, Martha. Looking forward to the big day.
Thanks, my friend.