Are you EVER going to release your book?
Wednesday, September 6th, 2006Most of my friends and family are too polite to ask this question, but I have had a few people wonder why it’s taking me so much time to release my fantasy novel. I don’t object to the question or mind answering it.
Were I just writing a book I might be done by now, but in the past eight years I’ve also been an activist, journalist, educator and volunteer. I run a household and deal with a nerve injury in my back that causes chronic pain.
Those outside reasons aside, I do not have full-time editors or a huge marketing department behind like Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. I have to develop my own marketing plan, pay my artist out of pocket, and rely on talented friends to help me with editing. I have also learned a lot in the last couple of years that has had an impact on how narrative is written.
If there is a mistake in my book, that mistake is multiplied by every copy of the book that is sold. Like most authors I have to make sure I’ve caught my mistakes before the manuscript goes to the publisher. I cannot count on the publisher to catch my mistakes.
That being said, I am on target for releasing my book in February or March of 2007. Part of the marketing plan is choosing when the release happens. My publisher will give me a release date, but I have to plan events to coincide with that date, and make sure I have copies of the book for every event. There’s few things worse than having an event and having no books to sign.
I’ve said it before, but I strongly recommend the following two books; “Putting Your Passion Into Print” and “Self-Editing For Fiction Writers.” The former is a wonderful primer for releasing and selling your book and the latter is a wonderful guide for the basic rules of good fiction writing.
I look forward to sharing my art with the world by the target date, and I’m really grateful for all the love, support and teaching that has been given to me. I feel fortunate to have a supportive partner and encouraging friends.
Be patient with me. We are getting close.