In the last half of 2010, I started researching indie-publishing. In November, I finally started voicing my questions about the subject. I emailed friends. I discussed it with my critique partners. I blogged about it, posting polls and asked you to share your views.
Which way shall I go?
Some of you assumed I had already made a decision to indie-publish, but that was not the case.
I had several conversations with my husband. I told him what I’d learned from my friend Cathryn Grant—a newly published Indie Author. I pointed him to a few articles on the internet. We discussed the pros and cons of publishing my novel.
After a few days of talking, I felt more confused than in the beginning. I believed I was far from making a decision. But my husband said, “You’ve already made up your mind. It will just take you awhile to realize it.”
Finally, my subconscious spoke in a dream. I had made a decision. Then I reversed my decision. Then I reversed my reversal. A few days later, I reversed the reversal of the reversal. Are you sensing a pattern?
My indecision was no longer fueled by a desire to continue seeking traditional publishing. This quote from veteran literary agent Richard Curtis summed up the reality of that for me [emphasis mine]:
“I’m blessed to represent a core group of successful authors whose advances have held steady or even increased. We also handle many genre books that traditionally are more resistant to downward pressure than ‘softer’ kinds of literature, such as general fiction. Where we definitely feel the ‘shrink’ is in the resistance to new authors. The wall is far higher than we’ve ever seen it, and sadly that means we must turn more newcomers away than we want to.”
This way.
I sat myself down for a serious chat. What did I fear from publishing my own novel? Many things, as it turned out. After more deliberation and soul-searching, I made another decision.
A couple days ago, I read this 2011 prediction by Smashwords founder Mark Coker:
“Self Publishing goes from option of last resort to option of first resort among unpublished authors – Most unpublished authors today still aspire to achieve the perceived credibility and blessing that comes with a professional book deal. Yet the cachet of traditional publishing is fading fast. Authors with finished manuscripts will grow impatient and resentful as they wait to be discovered by big publishers otherwise preoccupied with publishing celebrity drivel from Snooki, Justin Bieber and the Kardashians. Meanwhile, the break-out success of multiple indie author stars will grab headlines in 2011, forcing many unpublished authors off the sidelines. As unpublished authors bypass the slush pile, publishers lose first dibs on tomorrow’s future stars.”
Sounds good to me! Today, I officially announce that 2011 is the year my novel, The Brevity of Roses, will be published! My fears have not disappeared, but neither will they will reverse my decision. I will face them one by one. The journey begins …
Whoopee! That’s on my list, especially if you get it out on Kindle. Probably heading the same way for my mongrel collection of short stories in due course. Let’s show ‘em who’s in the new, beautifully upholstered driving seat!
I will release it as ebook and print, Suzanne. It does feel great to take control.
Yay!!!! That is such great news. I tell you the final straw for me, I had to wait 4 to 5 months to get answers on submissions for just some short stories and I sat here thinking: “Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we give someone else THAT much power?”
I no longer will even bother with submissions for short stories, too many places don’t even pay you for them, and I’m damned if I am going to put one of my short stories in limbo for five months whilst I wait for whomever to decide whether or not it is worthy.
Those are good questions to ask, Alannah. I think the traditional publishing model is outmoded.
However, I’ve just renewed my effort to submit some shorts to online mags, but I do favor those who have a short response history.
Congrats! I love the photo and I loved your description of “reversing your reversal” !!
Brevity is now on my TBR list for 2011.
Thank you, Cathryn. Yes, for a while I was pretty dizzy from changing directions.
I’m smiling the biggest smile I can make! Congrats to you, Linda! What a thrill!
Thank you, Laura. I feel so relieved. Sometimes taking that first step clarifies the path.
Congrats! Looks like 2011 is going to be a big year!
Thank you, Cam. I’ve heard this said so often on blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, it does seem something is in the works.
Congratulations! I’ll keep an eye out for your book as your blog is one that I enjoy very much. Here’s to a wonderful 2011!
Thank you, Melissa. And thanks for letting me know you’ve been enjoying my blog. Yay, 2011!!!
Congratulations on making your decision, Linda! Now, you can finally move forward…I can’t wait to hear about your publishing journey.
Thank you, Amanda. Yes, it will be a relief to move forward. Here’s to all writers in 2011!
My dad always said: ” Get all the facts that you need and then do what you think is right with the realization some people are going to think you are wrong. Those people do not have to live with your decision you do”. Good Luck!
Thank you, Duke. Your father was wise.
Congratulations in advance, because I know your novel will be a great success. I think you made the right decision. The door is closed in traditional publishing for us “quiet” fiction newbies.
Sadly, I think the door is closed, Tricia. I appreciate your confidence in my book. Thank you for being a part of it’s creation.
oh, and do me a favor. Fix my grammar mistake. You’re and your, jeesh, the door might be closed, but I don’t want it slammed in my face.
Good luck with your new venture!
Thank you, Merrilee. Here’s to a great year for you too.
Congrats!! I loved they way you described the merry go round of your decision. Here’s to a great year!
Thank you, Gypsy. It feels like a buzz among writers this new year. Here’s to all of us!
Cheers to that ! ;o)
How exciting. Loved watching you flip flop in the decision before realizing you were doing so out of fear.
We had a similar experience:
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/ascertaining-clarity/
We both THOUGHT that we wanted to leave an “adventure” that was “outside our comfort zone.”
After TAILS came up twice, and we both wanted to keep tossing, we realized we were NOT looking for permission to leave, we were looking for the courage to STAY.
We stayed . . . and enjoyed “an excellent adventure.”
Nothing ventured, something lost. Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy. True, we often have to give our brains permission to do what the heart wants.
I hope self-publishing works out well for you, Linda! I bet it feels nice to have a clear path for the year.
Thank you, Ann. Yes, it’s quite a relief to know specifically what I’ll be doing for the next few weeks. I won’t think beyond that right now.
Very exciting news, Linda! Congratulations on what I think is a wise decision and definitely the wave of the future.
I hope to follow you along this path in a couple of edits/rewrites.
And, of course, I’m looking forward to reading your novel!
Thank you, Natasha. It’s quite a weight off my shoulders … for the moment.
Yay, Linda! Welcome to the growing ranks of indie authors! I don’t see anything wrong with doing a mix of things–finding markets for your short stories in a more traditional manner and self-publishing your novel. Short stories are a great way to build an audience. My short stories tend to be too long for traditional venues, so I’m going to try to write more novellas and then self-publish them.
I’m thrilled that you’ll be on the path with us other “troublemakers.”
Amy
Thank you, Amy. And it’s rather exciting to be counted among the “troublemakers.”
Good for you! I know that was a difficult decision. I look forward to reading about your progress down the indie path. You may have a quiet little group following you.
Thank you, V.V. I have to say, it’s quite freeing to make that decision. Now for the hard work.
Welcome to the Indie path. It’s not always easy but it’s never boring! Looking forward to your novel.
Christa
Author of Love of a Stonemason
Thank you, Christa. I’ll have to add your book to my Read Indie list.
I bet e-readers were found under many Christmas trees this year, which is part of this trend, and helps to usher it into being. It’s a sign…
Thank you for the link to the article on predictions by Mark Coker. It made me sing a happy song. I think he is likely to be correct on all counts. What great news for authors! Even those stuck with seeking traditional publishers will be blessed to some degree by this trend.
Hey hey, Big Six. Now that you’re second best, you’ll have to try harder. So long, Slush Pile!
I bet so too, Carol. Alas, not under mine. But there’s no doubt ebooks are popular now and growing daily. “So long, Slush Pile!” Indeed.
I can’t remember how to create a hyper-link, but here is the address that will link to an interview of a debut author that makes me think of you. Brandy Bruce starts out with a top agent and ends up self-publishing. It’s very interesting and lines up with the article by Mark Coker.
http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/meet-debut-novelist-brandy-bruce/
Thanks for the link, Carol. Yes, it does seem that traditional publishing has closed it’s door to many now. We’re lucky there’s a viable alternative.
Congratulations!
The choice to Indie publish is one that comes much easier than a few years ago when a handful of mavericks set out to change the industry. Smashwords, having become the undeniable elephant in the room, has opened the doors for many talented writers who would have otherwise gone unnoticed as the big six focused their efforts on the likes of Snooki and Presidents.
I commend you for having the courage to say enough and for standing tall as you regain control over the destiny of your novel. I wish you much success in your new venture.
Thank you, KRM. I feel very much the Warrior Woman today. I may need reminding of that as I tackle all the business of indie-publishing in the next weeks.
Just remember there is always Bailey’s!
I’m never going to live that down, am I, Duke?
Sure you will. I once said to my wife that we would have to call someone to help her up if she fell. ( I have a bad back). That was 14 years ago and she will never let go of that one!
Congrats, Linda! Am happy you took the plunge and my misunderstanding proved prophetic. Am sure it will be an exciting and worthwhile journey for you. All the best, Eva
Thank you, Eva. I wish you a prolific New Year.:-)
[...] her debut novel, The Demise of the Soccer Moms, hits the streets. And sending another shout out to Linda Cassidy Lewis for deciding to go indie with her debut novel, The Brevity of Roses, during [...]
Congratulations, Linda! That’s very exciting news, and I look forward to reading your novel!
I’m hoping 2011 will be my year of the novel draft done. I’ll be riding on the energy you and Cathryn leave behind
Thank you, Christi. I wish you the best in polishing up your novel this year. Exciting times for writers.
Linda! I’m so happy for you! Congrats on making the hard decision. I agree with Coker, they can keep their Snooki and Bieber. I want to read Cassidy-Lewis.
I can’t wait to BUY and read your book.
Thank you, Dayner. If all goes well, it won’t be too long before you’ll be reading.
Wonderful, Linda–now you must be so excited to get the process going–looking forward to updates and soon!
I am excited, Erika. I’ve been on hold for too long, so it feels great to start moving forward again.
Linda, good for you! I’ll be sitting right here, rooting for your success, crossing my fingers that all goes as planned, and anxiously waiting to read ALL of Brevity. Now, get to work! Your audience awaits.
It’s nice to know I have you guys on my side. The hard work starts tomorrow. And hopefully, I won’t make it harder than it needs be by my ineptness.
You will do fine. Just be true to you yourself and remember this :
‘It is better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all’
I found the origin of this quote unique:
It’s a misquote from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam:27, 1850.
Hold it true, whate’er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
‘Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
You know, Duke, I don’t think I have any choice but to be true to myself. No matter how hard I try to pretend to be the sophisticated, learned writer, the real me comes through every time.
Congratulations on your decision. Having control of your writing direction is a great start to the new year!
Thank you, Janna. I’m off to a good start. We’ll see how long it takes for me to sabotage myself.
I do think as we get older we start to grasp who we really are and when we stray from that we get this weird felin inside.
Congratulations! I’m really excited to see your process and read your work. I’m always willing to answer any questions you might have, as well, if you need. This is so exciting!
Thank you, Michelle, and I will certainly let you know when those questions come.
Been meaning to come in and tell you how excited I am for you!! It’s great news, Linda! You’ve gone through so much with this novel, I can’t wait to read it!!
Thank you, Jennifer. I’m working steadily toward getting it out there. I just can’t estimate a date yet.
Yay! I’m so glad you made the official announcement.
I’m so excited for you.
Thank you for everything, Kasie.
[...] What did I decide? [...]