Recently I had the good fortune to hear a speech on writing voice by debut romance author Jessica Trapp at a meeting of the Houston Bay Area Romance Writers of America, of which I am a member. I found the presentation fun and thought-provoking, but as a self-published author, my mind wrapped itself around one little phrase Ms. Trapp repeated more than once. She told us all that "there is room for more good books". And while she certainly wasn’t speaking directly to me, it felt as though she was.
I was Googling myself recently and noticed that I was mentioned on the page of another author. Curious of course, I immediately clicked on the link and began reading. And while I suppose what e-pubbed author Ellen Fisher had to say on her blog was technically complimentary, it didn’t really feel that way. It seemed to be implying that while my efforts appeared promising, still I was a self-published author, and thus hardly worthy of notice.
Intrigued that apparently self-publishing had been the topic for some recent blog discussion, I clicked the links that Ms. Fisher referenced and found myself reading with growing disbelief. It seems that neither Karen Gillespie and Wendy Duren believe that there is room for more books unless they have languished on the desk of a New York house. You’ll have to read their comments to get the whole story, but as far as I can tell, they are willing to discount anyone who has gone it alone.
My self-published novel Unladylike Pursuits has been praised by Booklist and Affaire de Coeur, as well as a slew of internet review sites. Don’t the opinions of reviewers count for anything?
What about buyers? My press Impress Ink is an accepted vendor with Baker & Taylor, and my book is carried by Barnes & Noble and Waldenbooks. Does that not somehow legitimize my efforts?
What about the fact that I did everything on my own (not discounting my husband)—from ARC submittal to ISBN registration, editing and formatting to cover design, invoicing, marketing, packing & shipping, web design and, of course, promotion? I think I at least deserve a little respect.
I may be an upstart, but I agree with Ms. Trapp’s assessment, that "there is room for more good books". It shouldn’t matter how they reach the marketplace—you shouldn’t judge a book by its publisher…
Friday, June 24, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Self-publishing: Stigma or Celebrity?
My decision to self-publish arose, I’m embarrassed to say, out of impatience and also a distinct aversion to rejection. Having submitted a few manuscripts for children’s picture books before completing my novel, I was well acquainted, not only with the very real possibility of rejection, but with the secret-society nature of the publishing business. Most houses won’t look at unsolicited manuscripts, and if they will, they estimate weeks and months before you’ll have an answer (which will likely be a photo-copied form letter telling you no). And finding an agent (I would assume) is almost as difficult as finding the publisher—again you’re looking for someone who loves your work so much that they’re willing to take it on as their own. And then that agent has to somehow find the right publisher at just the perfect time… Seems like everything might as well be directed by a Ouija board!
When I first considered the daring, daunting deed of self-publishing, I wondered about how a self-published book would be received—would people be able to tell the difference on the outside before they (conceivably) noticed the difference on the inside—in the writing? I wondered and waffled over it. I wondered how I’d get reviews, how I’d manage to design a cover, how I’d go about editing, how I’d market it once I had the finished product in my hand and whether I’d be able to sell the quantity I was comfortable with ordering.
I wondered if I’d rather invest my energies, talents, and monies into self-publishing, or if I should direct them instead to the business of crossing my fingers and waiting. The impatience, remember? I didn’t like waiting, knowing that I could be doing something about realizing the dream of getting to see my name in print, getting someone other than family to read the novel I’d worked on for four years. So I took the plunge and decided to self-publish.
Now when I tell people I’ve written/published a book, their eyes and smiles get wide and they want to know all about it. Most want to know what it took to get a publishing house to accept it. And then I have to tell them. Part of me feels a little awkward telling them since I imagine they’ll just see me as someone who couldn’t make it in the publishing world. And maybe I couldn’t have, but still I’ve managed to get some good reviews, get my novel into libraries and bookstores, and develop a (still smallish) fan base.
It seems I’m having more trouble convincing myself than I am other people. Lots of people I’ve talked to seem even more impressed (or curious at least) that I’ve done it all on my own. And to those people, I want to say thanks. To those people who appreciate the road less-traveled, the path to print outside the realm of the New York houses, I hope you find my book. And like it.
When I first considered the daring, daunting deed of self-publishing, I wondered about how a self-published book would be received—would people be able to tell the difference on the outside before they (conceivably) noticed the difference on the inside—in the writing? I wondered and waffled over it. I wondered how I’d get reviews, how I’d manage to design a cover, how I’d go about editing, how I’d market it once I had the finished product in my hand and whether I’d be able to sell the quantity I was comfortable with ordering.
I wondered if I’d rather invest my energies, talents, and monies into self-publishing, or if I should direct them instead to the business of crossing my fingers and waiting. The impatience, remember? I didn’t like waiting, knowing that I could be doing something about realizing the dream of getting to see my name in print, getting someone other than family to read the novel I’d worked on for four years. So I took the plunge and decided to self-publish.
Now when I tell people I’ve written/published a book, their eyes and smiles get wide and they want to know all about it. Most want to know what it took to get a publishing house to accept it. And then I have to tell them. Part of me feels a little awkward telling them since I imagine they’ll just see me as someone who couldn’t make it in the publishing world. And maybe I couldn’t have, but still I’ve managed to get some good reviews, get my novel into libraries and bookstores, and develop a (still smallish) fan base.
It seems I’m having more trouble convincing myself than I am other people. Lots of people I’ve talked to seem even more impressed (or curious at least) that I’ve done it all on my own. And to those people, I want to say thanks. To those people who appreciate the road less-traveled, the path to print outside the realm of the New York houses, I hope you find my book. And like it.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Baffling Book-signing
Well Saturday was my first book-signing. I was at a Barnes & Noble here in Houston, and I have to admit, it didn't go at all the way I expected it to. First off, I was placed smack in front of the entrance, seated at a long black table with a small pyramid of books to sign and sell. I was a little intimidated, but I supposed this was a good set-up, being a high-traffic area, and I certainly didn't want to run out of books prematurely. (I didn't). To my right, was a charity gift wrap table, with the charity being retired greyhound racers...so there were between four and six greyhounds beside me at any given time. And then it was the day before Father's Day, so busy, busy.
What I didn't really expect, but maybe should have, was that the second people came in the door and saw a person sitting there facing them, they immediately looked away--at anything but me. And it wasn't because I was hawking a book not to their taste (although perhaps the innuendo inherent in Unladylike Pursuits made some a bit uncomfortable...). Still, it didn't seem as if they even bothered to look it over. They were intent upon escape.
Only a couple of people looked at the typed up reviews I'd set out on the table, no one took a bookmark, and only women who had already had their books signed took one of my cards. In truth I expected the women to be more curious about a romance author--and a new one at that! The men, however, were plenty curious (again, maybe I have the title of the novel to thank for that). A couple wanted to talk about publishing, one about absolutely anything (he came back for an encore), and several either inquired whether I had written the book or stared covertly at the books and little announcement sign.
I have to admit to being a bit befuddled. Authors are normal people. I was happy to talk about my book, and my feelings weren't the slightest bit hurt if someone looked at the book and didn't buy it. Romance is not for everyone (or so I'm told). Maybe I should have asked to borrow a greyhound for my table and helped put a few people at ease. Live and learn.
What I didn't really expect, but maybe should have, was that the second people came in the door and saw a person sitting there facing them, they immediately looked away--at anything but me. And it wasn't because I was hawking a book not to their taste (although perhaps the innuendo inherent in Unladylike Pursuits made some a bit uncomfortable...). Still, it didn't seem as if they even bothered to look it over. They were intent upon escape.
Only a couple of people looked at the typed up reviews I'd set out on the table, no one took a bookmark, and only women who had already had their books signed took one of my cards. In truth I expected the women to be more curious about a romance author--and a new one at that! The men, however, were plenty curious (again, maybe I have the title of the novel to thank for that). A couple wanted to talk about publishing, one about absolutely anything (he came back for an encore), and several either inquired whether I had written the book or stared covertly at the books and little announcement sign.
I have to admit to being a bit befuddled. Authors are normal people. I was happy to talk about my book, and my feelings weren't the slightest bit hurt if someone looked at the book and didn't buy it. Romance is not for everyone (or so I'm told). Maybe I should have asked to borrow a greyhound for my table and helped put a few people at ease. Live and learn.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
The Sisterhood
Just finished reading Ann Brashares' The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and I loved it! It was such a fun read, so magical and intelligent...and so addictive. And it was a debut, no less! I have a special little interest in debuts. Of course I can claim the connection that have a recent one myself, but as a reader, I love coming upon new discoveries. I feel like a founding member of the fan club, in charge of membership.
When the book is finished, there is always the immediate let-down that there aren't any more to read yet and then the great anticipation of waiting for the next one and savoring each and every word. But while finding a new author gives me a little moment of giddy excitement and hours of private enjoyment in the reading of her work, I'm never stingy with my good fortune. I want to tell everyone and encourage each and every one of them to buy the book and read it. A good author can change your life--for just a few hours or maybe even for forever--so holding on to the good ones is important. And finding a new one is full of promise.
Now I just need to get my hands on The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and find out what happens to those girls...
When the book is finished, there is always the immediate let-down that there aren't any more to read yet and then the great anticipation of waiting for the next one and savoring each and every word. But while finding a new author gives me a little moment of giddy excitement and hours of private enjoyment in the reading of her work, I'm never stingy with my good fortune. I want to tell everyone and encourage each and every one of them to buy the book and read it. A good author can change your life--for just a few hours or maybe even for forever--so holding on to the good ones is important. And finding a new one is full of promise.
Now I just need to get my hands on The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and find out what happens to those girls...
Friday, June 10, 2005
Romance in Books and Movies
I got my first comment! And while I appreciate it, I don't much understand it. The commenter indicated that people go to movies with someone--like a significant other, but they read books alone. My response is, "Yeah, so?"
Does that mean that a romantic movie is somehow going to inspire or rub-off on a couple seeing it together? Maybe. But is that the only reason to see the movie? Of course not. And that is not to say that movies that dabble in romance (Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, National Treasure...even Robots!) have nothing else to offer.
The same is true of a romance novel. Romance has found its way into virtually every sort of genre: suspense, mystery, historical, contemporary, paranormal, inspirational, classic literature, and more. Why? Because it's part of life; it's exciting, entertaining and fun. The relationship between the two main characters need not even be the reason you read a book classified as romance. You could be looking for humor, escapism, fantasy, or thrilling scenes. And you can find all that in a romance novel. The kicker is that you can find it in the romance portion of the story too. Two for one! Come on now, who doesn't love a bargain?
I challenge all smirking nonbelievers to just try reading a romance written in the style of your normal preference. See what you think, and if you like it, have the guts to admit it to someone.
Does that mean that a romantic movie is somehow going to inspire or rub-off on a couple seeing it together? Maybe. But is that the only reason to see the movie? Of course not. And that is not to say that movies that dabble in romance (Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, National Treasure...even Robots!) have nothing else to offer.
The same is true of a romance novel. Romance has found its way into virtually every sort of genre: suspense, mystery, historical, contemporary, paranormal, inspirational, classic literature, and more. Why? Because it's part of life; it's exciting, entertaining and fun. The relationship between the two main characters need not even be the reason you read a book classified as romance. You could be looking for humor, escapism, fantasy, or thrilling scenes. And you can find all that in a romance novel. The kicker is that you can find it in the romance portion of the story too. Two for one! Come on now, who doesn't love a bargain?
I challenge all smirking nonbelievers to just try reading a romance written in the style of your normal preference. See what you think, and if you like it, have the guts to admit it to someone.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Amazon's Search Inside the Book Feature
I'm just curious...is it just my book, coming from a small press, that looks as if it was torn apart, taped back together, and tossed carelessly on a scanner in order to provide the cover images for the Search Inside the Book feature?
I was very excited to get this feature working and waited in excess of 10 weeks for it to go up, and then when it did, I was shocked into utter disbelief.
In the first place, why on earth are they scanning in pages of a book when they could easily ask for an electronic PDF document??? No wonder it is taking 10 weeks!
And why the tape? (To borrow from Seinfeld), where are they working--on some kind of flatbed truck that papers are flying all over the place?
After contacting the SIB department, they said they couldn't rescan it because the first scan didn't detract from the customer experience? It certainly detracted from my viewing experience!
So after all that, now I need to send a PDF! Lovely.
I was very excited to get this feature working and waited in excess of 10 weeks for it to go up, and then when it did, I was shocked into utter disbelief.
In the first place, why on earth are they scanning in pages of a book when they could easily ask for an electronic PDF document??? No wonder it is taking 10 weeks!
And why the tape? (To borrow from Seinfeld), where are they working--on some kind of flatbed truck that papers are flying all over the place?
After contacting the SIB department, they said they couldn't rescan it because the first scan didn't detract from the customer experience? It certainly detracted from my viewing experience!
So after all that, now I need to send a PDF! Lovely.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Because of Winn-Dixie
I bought this book (and the companion stuffed dog) for my niece for her tenth birthday, but was told by her mother that she'd not only seen the movie but had read and owned the book as well. I had planned to return the book to the store, but then started reading it in a few spare moments here and there. And now I'm hooked.
I just finished the part where India Opal asks her father to tell her ten things about her mother, and I really liked the idea of that. And although it would have been more interesting to have someone else size me up, no one else was available, so the task was left to me...
I just finished the part where India Opal asks her father to tell her ten things about her mother, and I really liked the idea of that. And although it would have been more interesting to have someone else size me up, no one else was available, so the task was left to me...
10 Things About Me That I'm Willing To Let Go Public
- I'm now a self-proclaimed, self-published romance author, but once upon a time, I worked as a product engineer testing microcontrollers.
- I love books--reading them, writing them, owning them, browsing through them--and a book's cover is a major deciding factor for me.
- I adore desserts but am generally too cheap to splurge on them in restaurants. At home, you can have an entire pan of brownies for $2.50.
- Seinfeld was (and still is) comic genius. I still laugh uproariously at lines I've heard many, many times.
- I have two little boys who make me laugh every day over the silliest, simplest things.
- I love reproduction vintage stuff. I'm just a little squeamish knowing that a stranger has owned/touched/used/slept under something I own. I don't like hotels much.
- Every once in a while, I like a little splurge.
- I abhor the smell of cigarettes and the selfish behavior of many smokers.
- I think reality shows are ridiculous, and in general, I'd choose books over TV or movies.
- Romance is irresistible. It's silly that people swarm to romantic comedies at the theaters but then pretend romance novels don't interest them. There is nothing wrong with liking romance novels! Repeat that as your mantra if you must.
And I'm off...
Monday, June 06, 2005
Casual Barefoot
Well I'm gonna nix that Peterson idea since my computer glamour can be summed up as "casual barefoot". I'm certainly not wearing anything worthy of a cosmopolitan anecdote. A blurb might go something like this...
Spotted with playdough polka-dots in neon pink, teal, and orange, finger-printed with strawberry stains from a juicy lunch, and streaked with sandy dirt from a scamper in the park, Alyssa's white knit tank top remained stylish (just barely) and cool, newly accented with the color of her day.
Saw Madagascar today with the boys and Grandma (in-law). I think I liked it more than either of the boys did. I loved King Julien, and Ben Stiller is one of my favorites. I think he makes a great leading man for a romantic comedy. And we will most definitely be getting the soundtrack. I can see us doing alot of dancing to "Move-It".
Spotted with playdough polka-dots in neon pink, teal, and orange, finger-printed with strawberry stains from a juicy lunch, and streaked with sandy dirt from a scamper in the park, Alyssa's white knit tank top remained stylish (just barely) and cool, newly accented with the color of her day.
Saw Madagascar today with the boys and Grandma (in-law). I think I liked it more than either of the boys did. I loved King Julien, and Ben Stiller is one of my favorites. I think he makes a great leading man for a romantic comedy. And we will most definitely be getting the soundtrack. I can see us doing alot of dancing to "Move-It".
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Steppin' Out
Okay...my first post. It should be smart, it should be pithy, it should be funny and memorable. But it's late and I'm tired, so I'm going to save the good stuff for the next one and just give some basic info here...
I am a self-published author of a historical romance novel entitled Unladylike Pursuits. I am very fortunate to have gotten some good reviews, and I'm currently hard at work trying to tackle the business issues of a small press (Impress Ink, www.impressink.com), the creative issues involved with writing another book, and the all-consuming issues of being a mom to two little boys.
More later...
Ah, but wait...here's an idea...I could write this blog like a J. Peterman catalog. Inspiration for the next post.
I am a self-published author of a historical romance novel entitled Unladylike Pursuits. I am very fortunate to have gotten some good reviews, and I'm currently hard at work trying to tackle the business issues of a small press (Impress Ink, www.impressink.com), the creative issues involved with writing another book, and the all-consuming issues of being a mom to two little boys.
More later...
Ah, but wait...here's an idea...I could write this blog like a J. Peterman catalog. Inspiration for the next post.
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