Indie Publishing and Quitting

Some interesting articles today.

Author Natalie Whipple wrote an charming "apology" blog to indie authors here.

You're probably thinking these apologies have everything to do with the fact that I am working to self-publish a novel right now—you would be entirely correct and I'm okay with admitting that. Sometimes you have to step into the same shoes to really get it, and I can assure you I'm beginning to see both sides so much more clearly. 

The judging, I can already see it happening to me. I admit I thought because of my traditionally published books that I would be spared a little, but I'm starting to understand that is not the case. It's been a big lesson to me. A humbling one.

She says more--good stuff and I suggest you read her entire post--and she hits the nail on the head. I've been traditionally published and, now that my publisher has closed their doors, I'm branching off on my own. It carries a lot more pressure.

Source: PowerPoint

On another note, Author Kristen Lamb wrote an entertaining blog post: Want More Writing Success? Learn to be a QUITTER.

Learn to Quit from the Best
Most of us are lousy at knowing how and when to quit. This is one of the reasons it is a good idea to surround ourselves with successful people, because successful people are expert quitters. When I started out, I had all the wrong mentors. I had writer pals who quit writing when it was boring or who quit querying after a handful of rejections. They quit attending critique because they got their feelings hurt when people didn't rave their book was the best thing since kitten calendars. 

All this wrong kind of quitting is easy to fall into. Excuses are free, but they cost us everything.

 and later...

Artists Actually Need More Quitting
Quit your day job. Today. This moment. Now, by quitting, I don’t mean you should throw your laptop in a waste can and take a bat to that copy machine that’s eaten every presentation you’ve tried to photocopy since the day you were hired….though that might be fun.

No, I mean mentally QUIT, then hire yourself to the dream. Screw aspiring. Aspiring is for pansies. It takes guts to be a writer. It takes guts to be any kind of creative professional. Hire yourself to the job you dream about. TODAY.

She gives some great, specific examples of quitting. They weren't what I expected but made perfect sense. Check them out.

Are you a quitter? Of the right things? What are those things for you?

IWSG - Self-Publishing

Click here to find out more.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Today marks the second anniversary of the IWSG. I haven't been a member nearly that long, but I've been reading posts by its members since the beginning. It's been great to know that I'm not the only one out there with insecurities, lack of confidence, feelings of worthlessness, etc.

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.

Source: PowerPoint

I know, right? Scary! I'm wishing now I'd taken some marketing classes.

What about you? Ever considered self-publishing? Do you have any tips?