About writing

Since I learned how to capture words on paper, I have loved writing. I love the power of it, the art of it, and the self-reflection it teases out. But, like many artists, I struggle with the business side, but I have learned much since I began my writing journey. 

When publishing a book, one has three choices. Traditional publishing is sought after by most writers because you get a staff and a cash advance. However, it is very difficult to get noticed. It requires writing a plethora of query letters to find an agent. That agent must then find a publisher. This whole process can take years while your book makes zero, you can’t promote it, and no one reads it. And without a publishing contract, you might be dropped to start all over.

Hybrid publishing is a service you pay for. It takes your book through the publishing process and places it on various sales platforms. Placing them there does not by any means sell them. You still have to do that yourself. 

This was how I published my first book, Sins of Survival. I used Fulton, and they were honest about what they offered, but it's one more big hand in the penny jar significantly driving up the cost. I will say I learned a lot about the process and the industry. 

The third choice is self-publishing. I self-publish now, but that darn learning curve still looms before me. Since marketing is left up to me, I developed this website, and I have business pages on Facebook and Instagram. I have joined Online Book Club, Readsy, and Goodreads. 

I put out press releases, have done numerous book signings, and put my books in several libraries, which is more complicated than I could have ever imagined. I had bookmarks printed with sales information, and I have given out a thousand of them. I’ve been interviewed on pod casts and online news shows. 

Though I have sold more than the average self-published author, I still haven’t broken even, and more costs keep cropping up. I learned that all the waters are infested with sharks and authors, having very few rights or protections, are hunted with enthusiasm. So I’m learning to swim cautiously and sharpen my teeth. 

I have published four books now. I believe in my products, and I improve with each one. I know it seems daunting, and you may wonder why I continue. Truth be told I love writing more than ever. I’m excited about promoting my lastest book New Haven. I am working on next books I have planned for both series. And after that... a whole new series.