Seems like this quote perfectly describes most writers' journeys through the world of publishing. At least it describes mine to a T. It's been five years since my first book was published by a small press. Five years of "adjusting my sails" to find my place in this industry. Of course the actual writing began many, many years before that. Clear back in high school when I sat down to work on my first novel. I had no clue what was in store for me...
Signing with a small press five years ago realized my dream of becoming a published author. I'll be forever grateful The Wild Rose Press gave a newbie author a shot and got me started. I wrote several more books with them, learning and growing as an author, before it occurred to me that being published wasn't enough. I actually wanted to sell books, and that didn't seem to be happening.
So, I adjusted my sails and went the self-pub route. I found it rewarding to control every aspect of the process from edits to covers to formatting. Challenging but rewarding. And I also had a little more success with sales. Better, but not what I really wanted.
So I made another adjustment to those danged sails and signed with an agent who landed me a contract for a three book series with the digital imprint of a major publisher~Kensington. Ironically, the first book in the series was that very first book I published with the small press. I had taken my rights back and done some major rewrites then changed the title. There were characters in that book who needed to have their own stories told. I got the chance with this series, Who's Watching Now. Every Move She Makes releases on March 31 and is currently available for pre-order. The second book in the series, Every Step She Takes, will be out in July.
So, is my sail adjusting over? Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see how sales go with this series. I have my sights set on a print contract. Seeing my books in bookstores was my original goal all those years ago when I put pen to paper (literally) back in high school. I expect I'll have to navigate some choppy waters to reach it. And if that doesn't happen...well, I'll adjust my sails and set a new course. You never know where it might lead!
Pre-order Every Move She Makes from AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE OR KOBO.
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8 comments:
OMG, I'm the 1st to comment. Adjusting the sails is so right--whether in the publishing biz or life itself. If I've learned anything, it's being flexible. Good luck with your new publisher, Jannine. Looking forward to your new release.
As they say about survival in general - adapt or die. Not quite as dramatic in the world of publishing to be sure, but just as apropos. It's been an exciting journey for me to watch. I'd like to say, may you have smooth sailing from here on in, but that wouldn't be helping you at all.
Great post. Yes, adjusting sails is extremely important. You have to be able to change your course when needed. Best of luck with Kensington1
Thanks for all your good wishes, ladies. I look at this business as caveman vs. dinosaur. Cavemen adapted and progressed and flourished. Dinosaurs plodded along...right into extinction! I'm going back to my cave now. LOL
I don't think we ever get to quit adjusting our sails. Good luck with this new venture. I expect great things for you!
Thanks, Alison. Here's hoping!
I think part of the key is knowing when to adjust those sails, and in what direction. Sounds like you have been making careful and thoughtful course corrections. (I need to take a look at my own course!) Wishing you much success with Kensington!
Thanks, Leah. I think it's a good idea to think about your goals every so often to decide if they've changed or if you're still on course.
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