Constance Williams's Blog: Absolutely Me - Posts Tagged "indie-publishing"

I feel like I did a good deed recently. I got talking to someone at a party a few weeks ago, and he mentioned that when he was a child, his mother and father wrote a series of fairly successful children’s books. As these things tend to go sometimes, the books are no longer in print, the rights are firmly back with the family, and the manuscripts are sitting, mouldering in the attic. His father had passed away and his mother is now very elderly.

He was bemoaning the fact that he often got asked by people he met, who had grown up with the series, what had happened to them, and if they could buy them anywhere. It was clear that the family would like to get them back into print again, but no publishing house is interested.

He had never heard of self-publishing. So, we had a long and illuminating conversation about Kindle, about CreateSpace, about Smashwords and the various other ebook options. He was absolutely thrilled, and he went on his way buoyed up with ideas. I heard from him the following week to say that he had discussed matters with his mother who loved the idea of being able to get her books out there again. The family is unlikely to do much in the way of actively marketing the series, but for them, the idea that they can get a once successful series back out there again gives a sentimental pleasure.

It’s not all about the money. Sometimes, it’s about the love. I’m thrilled to have been a part of that, even if it was just a small part.

Let’s hope they follow through - I’ll let you know what comes of this.

Anyone who says self-publishing is easy is doing it wrong.

The easiest thing about writing a book is, well - writing a book. It’s all uphill from there. Revisions and editing are work. Then you finish and you think, “Finally! We can publish!”

Then the real work begins…

I am not going to even attempt to comment on what’s next when you work with a publisher. I’ve read other people’s advice, opinions and anecdotes and my intention here is not to knock people who publish in the ‘traditional’ way at all. I can only comment on our own experiences.

Over lunch today, my husband turned to me and asked whether, after we have published our second novel, we intend to look for some kind of publishing deal. I didn’t have an answer for him, as it’s not actually something I had ever really thought about in that great detail. I don’t know if it would be something Lillian and I would want.

I do, however, know why he asked the question. He is very aware of all the hours and days Lillian and I put into marketing and promotion. The research, the strategy meetings, the - let’s admit it - trial and error tactics. Neither of us have any marketing experience, and our budget is woefully small. I can understand why he would look at the idea of having professionals to take care of that as a plan with merit.

Trial and error is frustrating. Not knowing what exactly will garner the results you want - and what will just be throwing money away. Even when it’s not about money, what is simply a waste of time which could be better spent on writing and editing.

Then, just as you’re having a bad day. Just as it all seems like you’re screaming in the middle of a hurricane and nobody is listening anyway…

Just at that moment, you get another 5 star review. You get another comment saying that someone can’t wait for the next book to come out.

And, suddenly - it all seems worthwhile.

There is nothing in life more beautiful than a review. Bless you, people who leave them.

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