Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
When I decided to self publish I was ready as an author, as a person. I was ready to move forward in my career. I’ve put in the years. I’ve put in the time, the workshops, the online classes. You name it.
But yet that isn’t always enough.
Am I the best writer I’ll ever be?
No.
Can I still improve?
Heck, yeah.
People say not to self publish your first manuscript. But I know many authors who snagged their agent and book deal with their first one. I know I know those are the exception. But I see it more often than you think. Only you can decide. But I can say I’m glad I didn’t publish my first novel.
As I move forward I’m going to be learning so much more. More about publishing, about marketing, about writing, about blogging. And yes I’ve learned how to make better chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake!
I’m going to learn more by actually writing the sequel. Woo hoo! I’m going to learn by writing short stories and novellas – and publishing them.
At this point, the world is my footstool.
I’ll have my highs. I’ll have my lows. I’ll celebrate the successes and watch my favorite spy/heist movies during the bad times. I’ll fail. I’ll succeed. I’ll make mistakes. I’ll do things right.
Each day I’ll forge ahead and do the best I can. That’s all I can do.
How about you? What conclusions have you come to at whatever stage of the publishing journey you’re at?
And finally! We’ve been waiting for over a month. In His Eyes anthology went free on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Links on the sidebar! Yay!
I love inspirational posts like this! It’s so motivating. I’m happy and excited for you, Laura!!
Just enjoy the journey!
Days that I’m not, I just remind myself to “never mind about the little things.” 🙂
Great post! The conclusion I sort of came to yesterday but am still working on 🙂 is that this publishing thing IS going to kick my behind. It’s going to push me further than I ever imagined possible. It’s going to get even harder, but I can totally do it.
No kidding, Peggy. It doesn’t matter what route to publishing we take it pushes us farther than we ever imagined – in mostly a good way!
I love this post Laura. It’s a reminder that we as writers are evolving just as the publishing landscape is evolving. It’s a pretty cool time to be a writer.
Right. I don’t feel like I’ve “arrived” just b/c I’m publishing. I’m going to continue to grow as a writer.
This is so what I want to hear, Laura, as I prepare–tentatively–to release two books later this year. Yikes!
I can’t wait to read yours.
That’s so fabulous, Laura! So happy that you’re happy 🙂 I only self-pubbed my poetry and that’s a whole other kettle of fish so I’m not sure we can compare. Poor sales? Lots of free downloads though. So at least it’s in people’s hands!
I haven’t taken the plunge yet, holding out hope for an agent still, but the e-pubs look inviting. I just don’t think self-publishing is in the realm of my budget right now. But someday, maybe.
My self-pubbed book is not my first written either. The first one will get there one day – after much editing. You do improve and nothing is ever wasted. I’m loving the journey of self-publishing.
Wagging Tales
Yeah, my first and my second, heck even my third novel weren’t good enough to publish. I think we never stop improving though.
Perfect! Doing the best you can each day is all we can ask of anyone. 🙂
You inspire me to think I might actually be able to do this one day!
Being a writer, whether you self-publish or not, means your life is going to be overflowing with highs and lows. Doing our best (even for the parts that don’t thrill us) should be every person’s goal (and a value I’m struggling to instill in my 12yo).
I hope there are more highs than lows! I’ve been daydreaming about getting started in the self publishing process. The book I’m thinking about putting out there just went through a new bout of revisions and is out with new beta readers and then I hope to get the ball rolling. I think it’s a great avenue and I’m in the same boat you are with feeling like I need to move forward. Excited to read about your progress!
I’m so glad to see those “yes’s”! The highs get higher and the lows can feel like the pits of doom. But I think that happens no matter what path you take. It’s just part of this process. Just hang on and enjoy the ride as much as you can! 🙂
Congratulations for taking charge and not apologizing! WIshing you mega success!
I think I’m too insecure about my writing to self publish but I admire those who have and do!! Good for you!