Interested in self-publishing? If you are, you might want to read this - a warts and all guest post from Alison Morton, writer of the acclaimed Roma Nova thriller series. It's about what NOT to do if you are thinking of going down this route. In Alison's words, 'highlighting some of the difficulties brings a sense of reality to the whole business of self-publishing'.
Over to you, Alison.
Self-publishing?
Please don’t do these things
I’ve published
eight books – six novels, two non-fiction – via the
indie route since 2012, but in the preceding three years I learnt writing
techniques: structure, plot, dialogue; how to delete adverbs, adjectives and
over-writing. Then came techniques needed in the publishing world: proposals,
submission packages, approach letters and etiquette in approaching agents and
publishers; and how the publishing industry worked, who was who and how to make
and use opportunities.
I attended
conferences, courses, fairs, seminars, I read how-to books, joined writers’
groups and associations and talked to other writers, tutors, assessors,
publishing experts and mentors. I brought in my business skills: time management,
networking, project management, accounting, cost analysis, pricing, marketing,
PR and negotiating. And I listened.
Along the way, I’ve
learnt a great deal including some essential dos and don’ts.
Contrary to the
jolly cheerleader ‘you can have it all’ approach, I’m going to be negative, and
possibly crushing, because there are a lot of things you shouldn’t do if you
want to succeed as an indie author.
1. You are not
entitled to inflict rubbish on readers just because you can
In this glorious
age of democratisation of publishing anybody can publish a book. Being honest,
80% of them shouldn’t. Grammar, punctuation, gripping prose, a rattling good
story edited by a competent experienced editor and a fabulous book jacket are
minima. If you DIY publish, learn how to do it properly: read ‘how to’ books,
go on courses, research online and read guides, join specialist forums, learn
from the experts.
2. Don’t
whinge
The world is
unfair. You learnt that in the playground. If you have a plan, work hard,
research thoroughly and cultivate people, you will increase your chances
of success astronomically.
You will see
others get breaks, seem to prosper, receive plaudits, win prizes. Admit
it, you’re left feeling a little envious. A secret – they’ve been in exactly
the same place, but they slogged on. If you need to whinge, talk to the
cat/dog/your critique partner. But don’t do it in public or you’ll be seen as
needy. And nobody likes to be seen supporting a needy whinger…
3. Don’t diss
others in the food chain
True in life and
true in writing and publishing; it’s a village. Be friendly to all whether
they’re a stellar bestseller or the newbie in your writing group. Of course,
there are people we don’t warm to – the bumptious, the snobby, the unctuous and
the darnright obnoxious. They have their own problems and really, we have to
feel sorry for them.
As an indie, you
have the benefits of freedom, control and the ability to be fully flexible in
your PR and marketing. But please don’t sneer at mainstream authors or regard
them as ‘sold out.’ They have chosen their route to publishing as you have
yours. Remember we are all writers, especially if we share a genre.
 |
Alison with TV presenter Sue Cook at
the launch of INCEPTIO |
4. Don’t be a pest
It’s hard, really
hard, when you’re clutching your sweated-over manuscript or self-published book
to your chest and you see your dream publisher/agent/endorser twenty paces from
you not to rush over and gabble about your treasure in a demented über-pitch.
Nobody is more
passionate about your book than you. That’s how it should be; you have immersed
long hours in it and probably part of your soul. But rein it back and think
strategically. Approach people in the terms they find acceptable, be gradual,
wear your sensible hat and exert your brain, not your emotions. Publishers and
agents outline their requirements on their websites – study them in detail and
send what they ask not what you think.
Endorsers and
reviewers are often very busy and/or fighting deadlines. Approach politely and
if they don’t have time or don’t wish to read your book, thank them and
withdraw gracefully. Ditto if you decide to approach agents and publishers
and your book is rejected. And please don’t send unreadable files (silly fonts,
midget type, badly formatted) to anybody at any stage.
5. Don’t expect to be the great breakthrough
author, nor to be rich beyond dreams
More books = more
income, but in the ferociously competitive book world, you’re statistically
unlikely to become one of the ‘big beasts’. However, with hard work (that
expression again), you can enjoy a supplementary, even comfortable income.
And as you mature
as a writer, people will ask for your opinion, read your blog, ask you to speak
and, as long as you produce good content and information, come to
regard you as an expert in your field. You may not win the Booker Prize,
but you’ll probably be eligible for, and even win, some well-regarded indie
ones.
Harsh? Probably.
Realistic, certainly.
But being a
writer, although creative, is a job. As an indie writer, you just have to show
you’re also a professional.
Alison Morton
writes the acclaimed Roma Nova thriller series featuring
modern Praetorian heroines. She blends her deep love of Roman history with six
years’ military service and a life of reading crime, adventure and thriller fiction.
The
first five books have been awarded the BRAG Medallion. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and
INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s
Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the
2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO was selected as an Editor’s Choice in The Bookseller. The sixth, RETALIO, came
out in April 2017.
A ‘Roman
nut’ since age 11, Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites
throughout Europe. She holds a MA History, blogs about Romans and writing.
Now she
continues to write, cultivates a Roman herb garden and drinks wine in France
with her husband of 30 years.
Social media links
Buying link for RETALIO
(multiple retailers/formats):
RETALIO blurb
Early 1980s Vienna. Recovering from a near fatal shooting,
Aurelia Mitela, ex-Praetorian and former foreign minister of Roma Nova, chafes
at her enforced exile. She barely escaped from her nemesis, the charming and
amoral Caius Tellus who grabbed power in Roma Nova, the only part of the Roman
Empire to survive into the twentieth century.
Aurelia’s duty and passion fire her determination to take
back her homeland and liberate its people. But Caius’s manipulations have
isolated her from her fellow exiles, leaving her ostracised, powerless and
vulnerable. But without their trust and support Aurelia knows she will never
see Roma Nova again.
