It Looks Like I'm Back in the Book Publishing Game!

A Literal Literary Loser Looks Forward

In 2021, I explained how, after 17 traditionally published books, I ended up without an editor, without an agent… and without a clue about what to do next. How I am 52 years old, and attempting to start up my writing career all over again.

I wrote about my condescending rejections. And my suspicious acceptances.

Finally, I received an offer that appeared promising.

I got on a Zoom call with the publisher. (I’ve become a bit addicted to Zoom over the past two years. As someone who has always been uncomfortable on the phone - I hate not being able to see facial expressions and body language - it’s been a real plus of pandemic living!)

Right off the bat, I made it clear that I was not interested in any sort of “hybrid” arrangement, where I would be required to pay for editing, cover design, marketing, etc… If I was going to do that, I might as well go the self-publishing route, which I’ve already done with two non-fiction titles, and reprints of my previously traditionally published paperbacks.

I was assured that would not be necessary.

I added that, if I did choose to spend my own money, I would send it directly to a PR agency I chose to work with, or to the advertising source, never through the publisher.

I was assured that would be fine.

I explained that what I was looking for was a partner, someone who would invest as much effort into my book as I had/would, because they stood to gain as much from its success as I did.

This isn’t to say I hadn’t gotten editing, cover design, and marketing at the Big 5 publishing houses I’d previously worked with. I got all of the above - at, naturally, no financial cost to me (emotional is a whole other story).

But mine was also one of literally thousands of books they were in the process of releasing. I was competing for attention with best-selling authors and ripped from the headlines news hooks. I inevitably got lost in the shuffle.

Working with a micro-publisher suggested I would get more individualized attention.

So, after having a professional review my contract (always have a professional review your contract, folks; you won’t regret it!), I signed.

One of the other benefits to working with a micro-publisher is that we can greatly expedite the entire process. My last book, “The Nesting Dolls,” took two and a half years from acceptance of the manuscript to publication.

The plan is to have this book ready to go by November of 2022. It’s already got a landing page, and we’re gearing up for a cover reveal!

Do I expect to make as much money on this book as I did on my title published by HarperCollins?

I do not.

Have I already made more money on it, thanks to the advance, than I have from some of my self-published fiction titles?

Yes, I have.

Am I nervous about this new venture?

Yes, very.

Am I certain I made the right call?

Not at all.

But am I also energized and excited and enthusiastic about what might come next?

I am all of the above, and more.

My kids mock my love of learning experiences. I am about to engage on a major one.

Hope you’ll stick around to find out how it goes!