Why I Self-Published

[Debra]

Hi everyone, my name's Debra Purdy Kong, and I'm really new to Goodreads. Still feeling my way around and trying to see how one goes about making friends, and stuff.

Anyhow, last month I self-published my second mystery novel, Fatal Encryption. The first, Taxed to Death, I published 12 years ago for a lot of different reasons. Part of it was difficulty finding a publisher. I did find one, but he wanted me to help pay for costs and this is before the days of iuniverse. Also, my 37-year-old sister had just had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I realized that time was short, and who knew what could happen? For me, self-publishing was a great experience. Reviews were good and people liked the book. I liked having full control, so I did it again. No regrets so far, and now there are places like this one to share the ups and downs. By the way, we set up our own company, Gypsy Moon Press, here in Canada, and I can recommend a great printer if anyone's looking for one.

[Steven, About The Author]

Well come to Goodreads Debra.


Best Wishes

Steve

[Debra]

Thanks for the welcome, Steve. This is all pretty new to me, and I'm happy to be here. If you or anyone can recommend other good groups, or reviewers, I'm definitely welcome to suggestions.

[Judith]

Thats great, Debra!

I have a long story about why I decided to self-publish one of my books. Its really a saga!

By the way, I joined the group called 'Authors Society' and after I made comments there about my book, the picture of the moderator appeared, and not my picture. That is weird. I wonder if you know what could have happened?

Thanks.

Lets stay in touch. I am going on vacation, but after I return I would like to exchange stories. I also may need a printer for my next book soon.

[Rowena]

Welcome, Debra.

I keep either my e-rights or my print rights, so when one of my e-publishers went belly up, I liked the cover photo (which was my own) so much that I decided to buy my own ISBNs and self-publish that book just to keep it around.

If you are also e-publishing your own work, consider joining EPIC (epicauthors.org) They are very supportive.

Best wishes,
Rowena Cherry

[Debra]

Thanks, Rowena

I haven't reached the point where I'm ready to e-publish my work, nor do I know who to approach if I do. If you can offer any suggestions, that'd be great. Right now, I'm concentrating on promoting and marketing the print version locally, then branching out from there.

[Debra]

Hi, Writermyst,

I'm not sure why the picture of the moderator appeared and not yours. I'd ask the moderator if she(he?) knows, and for advice on how to fix it.

I've added you to my friends list so we can stay in touch, and would love to hear your publishing story. Have a great vacation.

[Rowena]

Debra,

I won't overburden you with advice that doesn't help with your immediate efforts. :-) If we are not goodreads friends, friend me, then remind me when/if you are ready.

However, you might consider buying Pat Rouse's readers groups list. It costs $75 for a year's membership, for which you get quarterly detailed lists of bookstores and readers groups that are friendly to Romance (and other genres).

Don't overlook the independent bookstores. They can be your best friends.

All the best,
Rowena Cherry

"If you've made up your mind to impale someone, do it with conviction."
~Rhett, Knight's Fork

[C.j.]

Debra, there are many good E-publishers out there, but I am leaning toward Samhain Publishers. They have a great reputation and I've heard Kensington is working with them to publish some of their authors in mass market paperbacks. Though I am published with a traditional publisher, I see no reason not to spread out to another. I write more than one genre and figure it will be another way to get my name out there.
Good luck with your book. Marketing is a lot of work and headache, but so much worth it in the end.
C. J. Parker
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance

[Debra]

Thanks for the advice, C.J. I'll check them out.

Debra

[Christine]

I ditto the comment on promo. I don't think there is an "end" though *wink*

I posted why I wrote my first book a long while back and then promptly forgot to check the loop for responses. SOrry bout that. I am enjoying the occasional lurk now though. Thanks for sharing, everyone.

Regards,
Christine London
www.christinelondon.com

[Debra]

Thanks very much for the tips about Pat Rouse's list. I'm not sure whether the American indepedents would carry a British Columbia mystery with a strong regional tone, but it's worth researching. And I've put in a "friend request"

All the best,
Debra

[Ilyn]

Hi Debra, Steve, Writermyst, Rowena, C.j., and Christine:

How are you?

I also self-published my novel, Reason Reigns.

Steve, thanks for the invite. I haven't gotten around to answering the Group-Q; reading the answers is engrossing.

Enjoy the weekend.