In my last blog I discussed
my quandary, as to whether I should seek out a traditional publisher for my
book - Bloodgifted - or become an
independent author, with all the risks that accompany it.
The well-known editor who
originally assessed and edited my manuscript was happy to check it a second
time for a modest fee of eighteen hundred dollars! I’d paid her fifteen hundred for the first editing then spent a year rewriting my entire manuscript based on her
expert advice. And her suggestions were excellent. It was worth paying that
amount.
But, the fee isn’t the
only issue. I would also have to reduce my manuscript by thirty thousand words
before she would consider recommending it. In Australia, publishers won’t even
glance at a manuscript longer than one hundred thousand words.
Bloodgifted is approximately one hundred and twenty-eight
thousands words.
I don’t believe that is too
long for a novel and if that’s what I'm forced to do to be accepted by a ‘real’
publisher, then it’s not for me. Even if it means giving up my dream of seeing
my book on bookstore shelves.
Well, at least there’s one
consolation - I save myself eighteen hundred dollars!
So, one problem solved. As
for the writing competition, were I to win, my book – my baby, my infant terrible – would again be in
someone else’s hands. Do I really want that? And to be honest, winning a
literary competition is no guarantee of commercial success. It’s readers’
recommendations and word of mouth that make best sellers. Fifty Shades of Grey
is a perfect example.
My decision then? Looks
like I’ll be releasing an ebook as soon as my second lot of proofs come back
from CS.
If anyone has an opinion on
this, please comment. I'd love to know your views.
5 comments:
Go indie. I did and I'm glad I did.
Goo'day mate.
Nice post. We've trod similar paths. My first draft was 185,000 words! I had it professionally critiqued and re-wrote it, and it's now going to print at 117,000 words. Less is more as they say. But why do you say you will miss seeing your book on book-store shelves? There's nothing to stop you getting it printed and distributed as well as offering an e-book. As a minimum, local book-stores will invariably stock local authors.
Anyway, best of luck with the book.
I believe that's the way I'm headed and I'm quite comfortable with that decision. If any publisher wants my book, they'll know where to find me!
Hi Tom,
Your comment came through fine and thanks for that nice Aussie greeting! Lol!
You've got a point about indie book distribution. I can print off several PODs from either CS or Lighting Source and canvass local independent book stores. It's a lot of work, but that's all part of it and kind of fun anyway. It appeals to the control freak in me!
Thanks for the good wishes.
I really think that you have made the right decision, Tima. Having gone down the same path, I know what a lot of work it is, but, if you self-publish, you retain control, and you can have the book as long - or as short - as you want. My manuscript started off at about 124,000 words, but, eventually, after countless rewritings, finished up at around 114,000. As Tom Barry suggested, there is nothing to stop you seeing the book on book-store shelves. Contact some of the independent booksellers on the Coast; perhaps they will be interested in the book, and, if they cannot order direct from CreateSpace, they may be able to order through you. Good luck, and I look forward to being able to buy a copy when it is printed.
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