Annabelle Nash's Blog - Posts Tagged "lqbtq"
Why did I indie publish?
One of my most daunting struggles in writing “Catterton” was deciding whether it would be best to be traditionally published or if indie publishing could give me the control I so desired.
In the publishing space, it’s sometimes considered a red flag when authors struggle to obtain a literary agent, so they opt for Amazon Kindle instead. An “easy” way out. Keeping this in mind, I viewed traditional publishing as a holy grail that I had to achieve for my novel to mean something.
The problem was that I was receiving significant attention from literary agents. For two years, I queried (messaged literary agents about) Catterton, receiving many requests for the full manuscript. The final verdict was always this: “This is a well-written novel. But I can’t represent it ... It doesn’t have a place on my list or the publishing industry right now.” They often mentioned the novel’s queerness and how it might not sit well with the public, especially during this era of political unrest.
I was oh so disappointed. So it was worth something, but it couldn’t be chosen? I went on to write several more novels under the critical guidance of trusted professors and friends, becoming a better writer day by day. When I revisited “Catterton” a year ago, I feared it had never been as good as I thought. But it still charmed me so much—a desperate plea for equality told through funny cat characters who wore steampunk Victorian-era clothing.
Even now, as I near the book’s release, I will always fear that my stories aren’t worth as much as those uplifted by the traditional publishing industry. As of writing this, “Catterton” will be in no bookstores. However, I will donate a copy or two to my local libraries ... A desperate attempt to reach young queer kids who were once me.
All I needed was a touch of whimsy and comfort. An author to say, “I see you, and you’re beautiful just as you are. Don’t let anyone tell you anything about your own queerness.”
Love,
Annabelle Nash <3
Catterton
In the publishing space, it’s sometimes considered a red flag when authors struggle to obtain a literary agent, so they opt for Amazon Kindle instead. An “easy” way out. Keeping this in mind, I viewed traditional publishing as a holy grail that I had to achieve for my novel to mean something.
The problem was that I was receiving significant attention from literary agents. For two years, I queried (messaged literary agents about) Catterton, receiving many requests for the full manuscript. The final verdict was always this: “This is a well-written novel. But I can’t represent it ... It doesn’t have a place on my list or the publishing industry right now.” They often mentioned the novel’s queerness and how it might not sit well with the public, especially during this era of political unrest.
I was oh so disappointed. So it was worth something, but it couldn’t be chosen? I went on to write several more novels under the critical guidance of trusted professors and friends, becoming a better writer day by day. When I revisited “Catterton” a year ago, I feared it had never been as good as I thought. But it still charmed me so much—a desperate plea for equality told through funny cat characters who wore steampunk Victorian-era clothing.
Even now, as I near the book’s release, I will always fear that my stories aren’t worth as much as those uplifted by the traditional publishing industry. As of writing this, “Catterton” will be in no bookstores. However, I will donate a copy or two to my local libraries ... A desperate attempt to reach young queer kids who were once me.
All I needed was a touch of whimsy and comfort. An author to say, “I see you, and you’re beautiful just as you are. Don’t let anyone tell you anything about your own queerness.”
Love,
Annabelle Nash <3
Catterton
