I am published with a small press for both nonfiction and fiction (two different houses). Two of my nonfiction book deals were secured with an agent. My fiction deals have all been secured by me with a brand new publishing house. It is true that I tried the agent, big publishing house route first with LACRIMOSA. And again with TRANSCEND. I was unsuccessful with that route. When faced with shelving both novels, I decided to give a small press a try. I had learned from my nonfiction experiences, which have been very successful, I could effectively market my work, so why not try with fiction. And I am thrilled with how things have worked out.
But, it has not been without a lot of heartache. My sales are not as strong as I would like. And I have not been as successful as I had hoped with marketing my books - certainly not as successful as I have been with my nonfiction. Of course, the nonfiction is very niche specific - a niche I am very familiar with. My fiction, um...no. It is a much larger market and as such, harder to achieve recognition. At least for me. I am not like the indie authors selling thousands of copies a week. That is not my path.
About a month ago, I was really frustrated with my path, wondering if I had made the right choice for me. I talked with my friends - those with agents and large publishing houses, those with small presses and my indie friends. I listened to the pros and cons, their triumphs and frustrations, their journeys.
And, most important of all - I discovered that I am on the perfect path for me.
You know what else I figured out? I am happiest when I am connecting with readers on some level - through my social networking platform, in person at events, via email. I am also happiest when I get to mentor other up-and-coming writers, especially teens. So, I plan to do more of both. If the sales increase through my efforts, fabulous (I would eventually love to retire from my current profession and be a full time writer, speaker, coach). If not, I won't be crushed. Connecting with readers, watching and hearing their reactions to my stories, that is what sustains me in this crazy business. Being honored with their hunger for more of my writing, that is my inspiration.
I've found my path. And it's the one I'm on right now. Does this mean I would never become agented, go for the deal with the big house. Not at all. I am a firm believer in keeping every option open at all times. For right now, this is the right path. For tomorrow - who knows? I guess I will find out when I get there!
On a lighter note, don't forget to sign up for the Masquerade Blogfest next week. And yes, be sure to stop by EVERY DAY starting on Monday - I am revealing many secrets about me and my stories, hosting a fab giveaway for my books, and....
revealing the cover to TRANSCEND (which is epic, trust me - the best CP designs has done yet!)
Have a fab weekend and see you then!
