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I've got some sad news to report. My wonderful publisher, Rhemalda Publishing informed its authors on Monday that it will be closing its doors. As we all know, it's a changing publishing world out there. It's always tough for small presses but it's especially so right now.
Rhett and Emmaline Hoffmeister were so author friendly and made my foray into publishing a fabulous experience. I'm sure you've all heard some nightmarish stories out there about how the authors have no input on anything once they sign their contracts. It was never that way with Rhemalda.
I will be forever grateful to the Hoffmeisters for seeing something of value in my little story, for being patient with this noob, and for teaching me so much during the road to publication. I wish them and their family the best and hope we will not be strangers.
Details are still to be worked out on the reversion of rights, but I've decided to carry on by myself and to self-publish.
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| Source: PowerPoint |
What about you? Ever considered self-publishing? Do you have any tips?
Donna, I'm sorry!! That really sucks, especially since they were so good to you. But you have a ton of people here who can help you with self-publishing. A whole army's worth!
ReplyDeleteDonna, it's SUPER scary when you first make the decision but once you get through the process, I think you'll be happy you made that decision. It's been about 3 weeks since I self-published my first novel and I'm thrilled with the results so far. It's a learning curve for sure, but I think you have what it takes to be successful :) Let me know if you have any questions, I'd be more than willing to talk you through some of the process stuff!
ReplyDeleteOh Donna, I'm so sorry to hear that. But this writing community is so huge and supportive that I know you'll get lots of people offering to help you make the transition to self-publishing.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks indeed. Having to do everything yourself is a pain, but can be fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Rhemalda closing its doors. They were a great publisher, and I enjoyed every book I read that they published.
ReplyDeleteGood luck self-publishing! I'd recommend taking the time to learn how to format instead of hiring someone. That way you can make changes more quickly and easily.
I'm happy to hear you will be moving forward, Donna. *HUGS* I'm looking forward to moving ahead with you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that about Rhemalda. I know you had a good experience with them. But I think it's a new world for authors. Self-publishing is a great opportunity. And, yeah, I'm definitely considering it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your publisher. But I know you will be a huge success with self-publishing! Best wishes and good luck moving forward.
ReplyDeleteI was sad to hear that about Rhemalda but I'm happy to see so many of their authors pressing forward with optimism and gratitude and making the best of things. I wish you all success, Donna!
ReplyDeleteDonna, sorry to hear about your publisher but I have not doubt that you'll be successful in the self-publishing realm.
ReplyDeleteHere's a site for you. Joel Friedlander is about to start a six week series. Doesn't look like there's a cost. I just signed up for the notifications. He's very helpful and one writer here in town swears by his advice.
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/09/roadmap-pl1/
Good luck! You know I'll help you all I can.
Melanie Macek
It's a terrifying part of the writing world today, but I'm so impressed with your bravery. Good luck self-publishing!
ReplyDeleteHappy two years IWSG!
I'm sorry to hear about Rhemalda but you are going to be great in the self-publishing world, Donna. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe can do it together! I used to be scared of it, but now I'm excited by the idea. With the success so many of my friends, I'm very optimistic!
ReplyDeletei am afraid of this trend
ReplyDeleteamazon is big enough, but they are my backup plan... if it comes to that.
i'm anxious to hear what you will do. cant stop now!
Donna, you will do WONDERFULLY. I'm stoked you're self-pubbing. You've already got a fan base and an AMAZING series. I can't wait for the next installment! But gosh, that is SO SAD. Your writing has a place though and it will thrive!!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about that, Donna. But congrats on self-publishing. I think you know about Susan Quinn's blog and The Indelibles, which are great resources. If you don't know, I can send you the links.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be an unfortunate reality with the small publishing houses. I' glad that you had such a good experience to start, and I'd sure you will do well on your own.
ReplyDeleteI know you'll be awesome! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm self-publishing but I'm sorry about your publisher closing it's door. May your book do well in the self-pub world.
ReplyDeleteHi, Donna, I'm convinced it's not either/or world. I hope you find good success on your pathway!
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Birthday.
Oh, Donna, I'm sorry! What a rough time to go through. Best of luck with self-publishing-- I hope you tear up the field! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad, and I hope that the reversion of rights and outstanding royalties does not become an issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the person above that you should take the time to learn the formatting yourself, for KDP and CreateSpace. How future books look will be your responsibility, and you need to have those base templates within easy access if changes have to be made immediately.
This is an empowering step. Setbacks make us stronger. You know I'll help in any way I can.
So sad about Rhemalda Publishing. And scary too.
ReplyDeleteI've ghosted for a couple of people who've done so, and you probably know how to do most of the stuff that counts, because it's the marketing and promotion side of things.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this is happening to you. At least you had someone to help you through the process the first time, so that's a plus.
ReplyDeleteSmall pubs have been collapsing left and right lately, and it's pretty much made my mind up. I'm taking the self-pub route from the get go.
I'm sorry this has happened to you, Donna. I could tell you stories of my sister's adventures in the publishing world! Good luck with self-publishing. It's something I'm thinking more and more about myself. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Rhemalda. The good thing about striking out into self-publishing is that you already have an audience going, which should give you a leg up on so many others making the leap to self-pubbing. I'm confident you'll do well.
ReplyDeleteSelf pub is a lot of work
ReplyDeleteThis makes me terribly sad for you. You were one of the authors that I thought I could mirror. Get a small publisher and work together on marketing. Please share you insights as you learn the ropes:)
ReplyDeleteThat is sad news. I hope all goes well with the self publishing.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've heard wonderful things about WiDo Publishing and you might want to give Karen Gowen a query before striking out on your own. I think you'll find WiDo as compatible and author friendly as Rhemelda.
.......dhole
I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't expect it since they seemed to have many good, strong titles. I sometimes think about self-publishing. If I ever do, I've learned a lot from my blogger buddies about it.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so sad. Good small presses are hard to find. When you had such a good one it must be a blow. However, I wish you all the best in finding another.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that the publishing house you've been going through is shutting down, that must be so disappointing and stressful for you and for everyone connected to them. But it's great that you haven't given up on writing! My fingers are crossed for you that self-publishing will go smoothly for you. Good luck! Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your publisher is closing doors. I'm sure you will have plenty of success as an indie author as well. :) Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear they are closing their doors. That is truly a bummer, they have published some great books - including yours. And yes, self-pubbing has crossed my mind and I know you can do it! There are people out there who know the ropes so good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've only self-published/republished reprints, but I suppose the process is very similar. Stinks to lose your publisher, and I wish you the very best in your new/exciting endeavor.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your publisher closing down.
I just signed up for the business side of Self Publishing.
Recently I learned all about building a book/formatting etc.
All the best!
Donna, it's a crazy world and life is so unpredictable. I know you'll do great at self-publishing. Good luck!
ReplyDelete