State of the Writing and Publishing Situation 2023

Context:

1. See previous post: State of the Publishing Situation 2020-2022.

2. I was reminded to write this after reading “Why Are We Even in Music?” by DJ Joey Santos.

State of the publishing situation:

My goals for the year had been to release a new book, participate in more events, and significantly improve the use of the direct order form here on my website. How did I fare on all those fronts? Awesomely lol.

First Time for Everything made back what I spent publishing it in less than 3 months. I have modest goals for books I release, and anything beyond earning back expenses is the cherry on top. Happily, this book has continued to sell at a steady pace even after the pre-order push. That is amazing, if you know that book sales usually drop (like a stone!) after release day.

I did attend events! One or more per month, practically, and also organized a bunch. I consider this work that’s long term, because we’re building more awareness in the industry about RomanceClass as a writing community and now as a trademarked brand (registered November 2023!).

By the end of 2023, the direct order form on my website (minavesguerra.com/buy) became my top 3 retailer. Amazon is still number 1 but more retailers are adding to the pie. The pie should just be bigger and the percentages more equitable. Come on now.

And here’s my 2023 in audio, before Spotify threw its hat into the ring:

State of the writing situation:

This has been a year of writing. Slowly, and lovingly.

During the holiday reunion season, a relative asked me if I was still writing. (My family doesn’t get the constant writing life updates that readers of this blog or my social media do.) And yes, I have been writing. 2023 started out with me being very concerned about every tech company closing, consolidating, becoming unusable, or hinting that my work is being used for purposes I did not consent to. Putting my draft onto paper using a pen was my way of continuing to write while I thought about which apps to leave or move to. Then…I just kept doing it?

The process absolutely works for me. I’ve often taken to writing longhand when I feel blocked. This way, I think a bit before starting to write, and once I’ve started writing, I just power through any errors. If another sentence is better, write both. Sort it out later.

Is this fun? Am I really enjoying myself?

Yes. The writing situation is this: I love it, I’m glad to still have words to write, and it’s okay if this is not the most important thing in the world, to anyone else or to me.

I feel like this career chose me. I can take my time. And write with pen and paper, if I want to.

Goal for 2024: More workshops, lectures, talks, speaking engagements. Let’s do this.

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