It took longer than anticipated, but I finally sent my second project to my editor today to start the editing process. This leads me to my next tip on the publishing process.
Tip # 3
Find a professional editor.
I read this over and over, but none of the blogs or other articles I read gave what I considered viable options for me. I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on editing. Like all indie authors, when you start you are investing your work, but you have not made any money.
Then I stumbled on an article, while riding the train to Baltimore last summer and Novel Needs- Virtual Services for Indie & Self Published Authors, was recommended for editing.
I checked out their site and liked not only that they offered affordable editing, but all the other services they provide. From my, first visit to their website, I felt like I had finally found a source for many of the professional services I knew I was going to need if I was serious about publishing.
I can not say enough good things about the editing team there. They have been amazing. Why are they amazing?
First, the ladies are friendly and want to work to develop a relationship with you.
Secondly, they want you to be successful.
Third, they are patient and understanding. Trust me, I asked them some questions that I am sure made them roll their eyes, but if you don't know ask!
Lastly,they are fast. I generally have my work back in a week or two, and if there is a delay, they always contact me and let me know.
If you are an indie author and looking for professionals to help you with editing or any other host of services they can provide, I have to recommend you checking them out. http://novelneeds.com/
Happy writing y'all-
Monday, June 23, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Tears at Midnight Released!
It's live! - Tears at Midnight by A. B. Leake
There is no easy way to describe the way it felt when I saw my own book listed on Amazon for the first time. Now, I am working to get the word out, while trying to find the time to finish my first draft of book two, create a website, and other social media needs. WOW! It's a good thing I don't work full time in the summer.
The Road to Self Publishing Tip #2
This one is easy and honestly, in my opinion, common sense. Write the best manuscript you can. It's that simple.
Happy Writing Y'all
There is no easy way to describe the way it felt when I saw my own book listed on Amazon for the first time. Now, I am working to get the word out, while trying to find the time to finish my first draft of book two, create a website, and other social media needs. WOW! It's a good thing I don't work full time in the summer.
The Road to Self Publishing Tip #2
This one is easy and honestly, in my opinion, common sense. Write the best manuscript you can. It's that simple.
Happy Writing Y'all
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
I finally hit publish!
I did it!
Okay, so I have had all the files back for a couple of weeks now, but life was getting in the way of me actually going to Amazon and publishing my novel. Well folks, today was the day. I did now.
Now, I am just waiting for it go live.
Okay, so I have had all the files back for a couple of weeks now, but life was getting in the way of me actually going to Amazon and publishing my novel. Well folks, today was the day. I did now.
Now, I am just waiting for it go live.
Cover Unveiled
Check out my cover! I am super excited today, because it should be available on Amazon in the next couple of days!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
My backstory
I am a mother, a teacher, and a writer. Each of these are my full time jobs. So why, you might wonder am I adding blogger to my list? It really is quite simple. A few years ago, someone important in my life, pointed out that I loved my hobby of creative writing and if that is what I wanted to write professionally, then I should take the time and learn how to do it.
After some pondering, I decided to do just that- to start on this journey from hobby to professional. It has been a long journey and one that for the most part, I have taken alone. I spent hours reading about the "right" way to wright a novel. I read articles on writing fiction. I spent hours reading other blogs and websites, all trying to learn from the experts. As I was doing all this learning, I was also crafting what will be my first published novel. More details will be coming soon!
At times, I became frustrated because it seemed all but impossible to find answers to my questions, one that I believe others who want to self-publish will have. For example, everything I have read strongly suggests for you use a professional editor, but very few give you any information or a starting point of where to find one, especially one who is affordable and willing to work with indie authors.
About a year ago, I told myself that if I actually ever figured this whole self-publishing world out, or at least enough to publish at least this one novel then I wanted to find a way to share some of what I have learned with others who are on this same journey- hence, my blog.
My first tip, is to READ! Read the "rock stars" of your genre and read new authors, read best sellers and even read some flops- why? Because they are the real experts, so learn from them. If you read enough in your genre of choice, you will start to notice trends and patterns. However, while it is true a person can write anything they want, if you want to be successful even in self-publishing, you should take some time and learn what is and is not going to be acceptable in your genre of choice.
After some pondering, I decided to do just that- to start on this journey from hobby to professional. It has been a long journey and one that for the most part, I have taken alone. I spent hours reading about the "right" way to wright a novel. I read articles on writing fiction. I spent hours reading other blogs and websites, all trying to learn from the experts. As I was doing all this learning, I was also crafting what will be my first published novel. More details will be coming soon!
At times, I became frustrated because it seemed all but impossible to find answers to my questions, one that I believe others who want to self-publish will have. For example, everything I have read strongly suggests for you use a professional editor, but very few give you any information or a starting point of where to find one, especially one who is affordable and willing to work with indie authors.
About a year ago, I told myself that if I actually ever figured this whole self-publishing world out, or at least enough to publish at least this one novel then I wanted to find a way to share some of what I have learned with others who are on this same journey- hence, my blog.
My first tip, is to READ! Read the "rock stars" of your genre and read new authors, read best sellers and even read some flops- why? Because they are the real experts, so learn from them. If you read enough in your genre of choice, you will start to notice trends and patterns. However, while it is true a person can write anything they want, if you want to be successful even in self-publishing, you should take some time and learn what is and is not going to be acceptable in your genre of choice.
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