Yesterday, I met with my friend, Karen Dodd, the author of the delicious suspense novel, Deadly Switch. She’s been marvellous, coaxing me along, encouraging me, telling me that my book is more than ready. “It’s well overdue,” she said. She’s right. My novel, A CRY FROM THE DEEP, has been ready for months, and yet, I’ve been dragging my heels. Why?
Well, for one thing, I’ve been paying attention to how traditional books are published. My friend, Catherine Knutsson, got an agent, sat tight during a bidding war between two highly respected publishers for rights to publish her Y/A novel, Shadows Cast By Stars, and then waited a few years for her story to reach the bookstore shelves. Giving birth to a book takes longer than nine months. It takes time to get it right.
With no publisher or agent to lean on, I embarked on my self-publishing journey with trepidation, realizing there would be countless steps to my destination. It helped that I was supported by similar travellers I met along the way. They kept me going with their generosity of spirit and willingness to share what they had learned. Especially Martin Crosbie, whom I met at the Surrey Writers International Conference a few years back. He is the author of How I Sold 30,000 eBooks on Amazon’s Kindle, and someone I can now call a friend, someone who lives the philosophy of paying it forward.
Another self-published writer who has been more than generous is J. P. McLean, author of the mystery thriller series, The Gift. Jo-Anne, with her wonderful imagination, is always there when I call with yet another question.
And then there are those who shout their encouragement from their websites. Among them, Jonathan Gunson’s Bestseller Labs giving words of wisdom on how to write that bestseller and J.A. Konrath’s A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing, with his in-depth column on the whole publishing industry, its quarrels and accomplishments.
But I’d be neglectful if I didn’t mention the River Writers, my writers’ critique group. I’ve been so blessed to be in the company of these wonderful writers: Kristin Butcher, Jocelyn Reekie, Shari Green, and Janet Smith. They’ve seen every stage of my novel, and their constructive comments have coaxed more out of me than I thought was possible.
And of course, I couldn’t have done it without my family, cheering me on every step of the way. Grandson and film director, Michael Stevantoni, did my book trailer, which I’ll be showing soon. My greatest source of comfort, though, has been Robert—my husband, friend, lover and soul mate. He’s shown such patience with all my turmoil.
Yes, the self-publishing field is a mixed bag. There are too many books that need further editing, or more story development, or more thought put into their book cover designs, but there are also many gems in this group as well. Gems that agents and publishers have let slip through their fingers. Ones that deserve to stand alongside any traditional book out there.
I’m now hoping mine will shine in this pile, but one never knows, does one? Writing a novel is like any other art form. It’s up to the public to decide whether the artist’s output is worthy of attention or not. And that’s how it should be.
So, with all these thoughts jumbled in my brain, I’m set to launch my book baby into the world. Exciting times!
My novel, A CRY FROM THE DEEP, comes out on Oct. 15th.
I’ll be doing a reading at the Campbell River Library, in Campbell River, British Columbia, on Oct. 21st at 6:30 p.m. For this and other events, I’ll be sending out a newsletter. You can find my sign-up form on the right side of this page.
Are you thinking of giving birth to a book? If you are, I’d be glad to give you any tips that I’ve learned along the way, or steer you to someone who knows.
Any comments are always appreciated.
So close now! I’m so excited for you, Diana! Looking forward to the 21st. 🙂
Thanks, Shari. So nice to be sharing this time with you. When is your Y/A book, Following Chelsea (that I love so much) coming out? Yay, River Writers!!!
Way. To. Go. Major best wishes, Diana. And now write another book.
Thanks, Julia. I’ve written another, a historical fiction, which I’m pitching plus I dusted off a third one, women’s fiction, that I’m in the process of revising. So, all good. 🙂
My apologies for checking in late and thanking you for including me with your stellar group of supporters. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Helping each other.
I am thrilled that A Cry From The Deep is finally going to make it into readers’ hands. Having had the great honour of reading an advance copy, I know it is a beautifully written and intriguing story. I’m still savouring the look and feel of the printed version (that I got to hold for a few seconds:).
Congratulations, my friend!
No problem, Karen. Glad you stopped by to give your thoughts. And thank you for your kind comments about my novel. I’m looking forward to reading your sequel. Sometimes, it takes a long time to give birth. 🙂
Hi Diana! And Congratulations on your novel! Good for you for not waiting until your book found the right person to appreciate it and publish it….things are changing so much in the publishing world that us authors no longer need to be tied to a outdated system that only benefits a few authors rather than the many who have something valuable to say. It certainly sounds like you have done everything necessary to make sure your book shines before it hits the public. Again, congratulations on this huge step toward fulfilling your dreams. ~Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. I had a similar response from Catherine Ryan Hyde, who wrote Pay It Forward. She’s also encouraged me to take this step. It is exciting and as I’ve mentioned, scary, which I know goes with the territory. Anytime an artist or a writer or an actor puts out their work, it’s going to be judged for what it is and for how it resonates with the public. I’m up for whatever. It’s time.
Late to the party as usual, Diana. My apologies. But from where I sit, you’re off to a wonderful start. Congratulations!
Thank you. I know that you’re in my corner, and I in yours. And you know what they say, better late than never.