People often ponder, and some are even confused when I tell them, I have 5 completed works and only 1 novel currently published “Bloom of the Desert Rose.” And the explanation is simple, procrastination baby. I spent seven years writing ‘Bloom’ and held onto her for years before venturing into the publishing world. And it all revolved around two things. Fear of rejection and finally letting go.
My biggest question entering the publishing world was if I could retain the rights to my work. It may not be top of your list for publishing a book, but it certainly was for me. As you have read in my past blogs, my depression played a big part in this choice, my attachment to this work, and all my other novels is still something I’m not willing to break.
When I did go forward with my goals in mind, 100% rights, and a physical page-turning book, the rest was detail, and with the help of an online search engine, I was able to navigate through the million and one choices. I did this all during Covid as well, with no Canadian publishers accepting manuscripts, and others willing and able to take on everyone, I narrowed my field to three companies who took on my genre, Romance.
I followed everyone's rules and layouts, sent out three different cover letters and the manuscripts in the fonts requested. Trust me put in the extra work, show them you mean business. You may get three approvals back as I did.
Again your options are set by your goals, as well as your budget. I hoped for a solid traditional contract, but again, during Covid a new and becoming more popular choice was to sign a hybrid contract. After reading the fine print I made my choice.
As a hybrid contract, you do pay into the production of your book, and the publishers offer help on their part (marketing, distribution, merchandise etc.) Again, this was my experience, the results of which have been greater than expected. And as with many things in life, once you’ve done it, it’s usually easier the second time around.
The next big question with a hybrid contract is your budget, and what you are able or willing to put into your book. I suppose this is the middle area, between self-publishing and traditional, vanity publishing, as I have heard it called. Honestly, I couldn’t care less what it's called, my dream has come true by seeing my book on bookstore shelves, so what are you willing to put into it?
When it comes down to it, bring out the yellow legal pad and make your pros and cons. See what you have for a budget, as it can open more doors for it, traditional publishing is still a hard gig to snatch, but don’t give up if that is your aim. You have time. Submit your manuscript to multiple publishers, wait for their response, open a conversation and ask questions. Some offer payment plans! What a world we live in!
So, look at your list, look at your book, imagine it in your hands and what you are willing to do to achieve it, as well as “Sacrifice” Think of the time it may take to find a publisher with what you are looking for. Of the effort you want to put towards your book and audience and what your publisher is able and willing to do. Be sure of your budget and what you can afford, there are sometimes options, payment plans, extras, advertising, packages etc. Be sure to Ask!
There are thousands of options out there, it is a scary thought, but at the same time it is an encouraging one, somewhere out there is the publisher perfect for you and your wishes, and if you are like me and have more books planned, there is always time to try again, choose another option and do better. As always my fellow readers and writers, keep moving forward on your writing journey.
My Upcoming Novel
“Sacrifice”
World War II rages across Europe, spreading fear and terror. In the cold northwest of Russia, a small military camp resides, hidden by a great forest. Boris Vlastimil a young soldier is ready to fight for his country, but when the camp is turned into a prison, leading to a large explosion, Boris awakes to find his fellow soldiers have fled. Leaving behind a wanted prisoner.
Mira Juska is alone, torn from her family in Latvia in their flight from capture. Waking in the rubble of the aftermath of the explosion and face-to-face with her enemy. Now they are each faced with a choice, to live or die with or without pride. With no language between them, Boris and Mira travel south for help. Cold and hungry, Boris begins choosing kindness over brutality. Mira resists, her past leaving a mark he couldn't see, but as gestures and moments grow, the kindness in him reveals itself. Now scarred by their places in the war, they will have to decide if their love is worth their lives.
Due 2026
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