Use Your Dashboard!

This is a cautionary (but true) tale:

I read the email - make my corrections and upload.  The plan was simple.   I spent July 4th, in front of my laptop, editing my physical proof from Create Space.  And this morning (the 5th)  I was going to upload the corrections and then search the internet for book reviewers, etc.  The plan would have worked if I'd gone to my project dashboard instead of assuming I knew the process .  Silly me.  The hours I spent correcting my manuscript were wasted.  Had I checked my dashboard, I would have found the formatted version Create Space wanted me to use. 

So my Friday went like this - Instead of sending off inquiries to reviewers, I spent the day making the corrections to the formatted manuscript.  I saved the changes, X'd out of the document and BLAM! I was kicked off the site.  I hate spotty internet and with the rain and the heat in our area, it seems our internet service is working beyond capacity.  I tried to go back in - but couldn't.  Create Space had blocked my access....  I can only hope that somehow, the changes made it....Otherwise, it'll be day three....

Self Publishing - My Journey Continues

I thought it was time for an update on my self-publishing journey.  As you may know, I chose to use Create Space.   Being this was my first novel, I didn't want to leave anything to chance. (Editor-check.  Readers-check.)  My biggest fear (besides no one liking my story) was having someone purchase my novel and then see boo-coos of formatting errors.  I just wanted the assurance that I had done everything I could to make my novel as perfect as possible.  So while I could have formatted my novel, I choose to purchase CS's formatting service.   What I didn't expect was the l-o-n-g wait between each step of the process.  Silly me - I failed to consider how many other writers are using their services.  My friend and and mentor, Carol Ann Ross, formatted her book, uploaded and after a few changes  *BAM* her novel was in her hands.  I submitted my manuscript at the beginning of April...It is now mid June.  I have received my first formatted copy (digital) and have found errors such as:  wordswithoutspaces.

It's a bit frustrating...especially when I know what I submitted.  I look at the time - festivals are happening all around my area - tourists are vacationing - students are on summer break - and I am waiting for the publishing process to be completed.  I've been trying to do all the right things.  I blog. I post on Facebook.  I try to connect with fellow writers and the all important readers.  And I have no idea of when I will be able to announce an official release date.

So what about you?  Have you had a similar experience and/or did you choose another company? What was your experience?   Anything you can share will be greatly appreciated.

-DS McKnight

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Self Publishing

I have chosen to self publish my first novel.  In fact, I didn't even bother to look for an agent.  First, let me be  honest and admit that in a perfect world, HarperCollins or Random House would have been fighting for my attention.  However, I tend to be a realist and I recognized that wasn't going to happen.  But that's okay-the internet has opened doors that were previously shut.  Companies like Create Space and Lightning Source offer options, that until a few years ago, didn't exist.

I considered submitting my manuscript to a small or medium sized publisher.  After attending a writers' conference, I realized that if one picked me up, I'd have to make the commitment to market the book. If I have to market my book (and I understand that small and mid-size publishers don't have large budgets to market every book), then I decided I wanted control of my story.

I tried to do my homework.  I searched the internet looking for the pros and cons of self publishing.  I spoke to writers who had published traditionally and those who chose the independent route.  It just seemed like self publishing was a better choice for me - so, I met with my accountant, followed his advice, and Stone Bay Press was born.

I have decided to use Create Space for their printing services.  I felt they offered a quality product at an affordable price.  I'm still working through the process.  My edits have been completed.  I'm going over my manuscript for the final time before I give it to a proof reader. (Can you say stressed?)   My cover is in the process of being designed and I'm really pleased with how it looks so far.  All in all, the process of publishing my novel has been a learning experience.

I realize that in a sea of self published books, I will have to work hard to get noticed.  I'm under no illusion that I'm the next big thing but I believe in my story and I believe that sometimes you just have to take the chance to reach for your dreams.  For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to write a story I could share with the world.  It is my hope that those who read Of Dreams and Shadow enjoy it.  

The journey continues and I will update on my progress.  Until then, I am looking forward to the day when the completed novel is in my hands.