Wednesday, August 7, 2013

IWSG: And so I wrote a book, what now?



 Time for another round of the IWSG, created by the wonderful and amazing Captain Ninja, Alex Cavanaugh! Make sure you check out some of the great posts by other members of the INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP  by clicking on the link.



And so I wrote a book. Around 70,000 words and yet the story could go on. I decided to write an epic tale, a series of books that would tell my story. I am not sure that I made the right decision.  My question is how do I know when to stop? Do I write a really big book, or do I write several smaller ones. Another question I have is, what do I do now? Should I go traditional and seek a publisher or should I go Indie and publish myself? I have a social networking platform, family and friends but I know that it takes a lot more than that to make a book sell. I never started this book with high hopes of making a lot of money. I just had a story to tell so I told it.

These were questions that I asked myself a few months ago and now my book Secrets of the Ash Tree is finished. I published it myself, and hired a company to do the basics because I did not want to wait. Looking for agents and publishers is something that I believe can be done later; after all, I still own the rights to my book. I had a friend do the cover for me, my son is doing the book video and I plan on doing a full scale launching of my book in October. I ask myself now, how do I launch a self-published book that is written in English in a country that does not, in general, read English books? Ok, my book is relevant to the culture of this country, Norse gods and fairytales are popular now, but my target audience? I really am skeptical as to how I will find them. Who really wants to read something other than a comic book version of Norse mythology? I would, but would anymone else want to?

Enjoy the rest of your week and come back on Friday to say hello to Minnie...She still could use some help with her story.


14 comments:

Suzanne Furness said...

One benefit of the internet is that we don't have to limit ourselves on potential audience. I'm sure your book will find readers. Let us know if we can help spread the word.

Unknown said...

You may find a publisher in your country who'd translate it!!! You know, for a sequel you could take another character (who appears in Secrets of the Ash Tree) and take his/her story.

Yolanda Renée said...

For me it's the characters in the book that decide the length. I thought I could do a fourth, but writing book three showed me it was the end. I couldn't do what I needed to - to make a fourth and it was the characters that showed me that.

And yes, I agree the internet gives you a much greater audience! Good luck!

J.Q. Rose said...

Congrats on finishing the book! Is it an e-book, print book, or both? You can sell the book worldwide with online booksellers. Amazing technology these days. Best wishes with your new book release!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I will, of course, spread the word for you. Have fun with your books. Marketing your books is next. Ouch! I hate that part. I feel like a door-to-door salesman when I self-promote!!

Unknown said...

I think you made all of the right choices, Siv--mostly because they were your choices. :) There's a real feeling of empowerment and ownership when you decide to publish yourself. And that's valuable in my opinion. No one is going to be as passionate about your work as you are, and so long as you are committed to giving it the best opportunity for success by promoting, etc. (no small level of work, as Roland alluded to), I think you can't lose.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You'll find them! Didn't you say your most popular posts have to do with Norse mythology? People Googling that term will find you then.

shelly said...

I hope to visit on Friday. I have to work 9 to 1. I love Mini.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Christine Rains said...

Finding your audience is difficult. I still haven't done it. I know lots of folks who love Norse myths, so they're out there!

Nigel G Mitchell said...

I think lots of people would love a book on Norse mythology. There's a reason Thor is a comic book character in the first place; lots of people loved Norse mythology. As for whether to make it one long book or break it up, I don't think 70,000 is too long for one book. The serial model is good for drawing attention, but most successes are coming from combining the individual books into one volume, anyway. I would publish it as a whole volume.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I think your book sounds fascinating. I'll read it! But I know what you mean about finding your demographic. It takes awhile for those of us who write outside the typical genres.

Stephanie said...

It sounds interesting to me, I'll certainly check it out. Just remember, it can take a while to find your reader base. Keep working at it, and they'll come to you.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Don't worry, SIs.

You are off to an AMAZING start! You'll find your audience. And AMERICANS LOVE MYTHOLOGY... Your even more so because it's unique... Not your traditional greek version that everyone knows....

Melissa said...

Lots of good questions. Not sure I have any answers...other than self-publish if you want, and then shop books as you go. If a publisher bites, they can always pick up the others, too.

Good luck! :)
August co-host and IWSG #110.