I’m about to make the right decision. Or the wrong one, I’m not really sure.
From what I can tell, the publishing industry has changed a lot in the last twenty years. I earned a Doctorate in Ministry degree in 1983 and a well-meaning man on my examination committee suggested that I rewrite my thesis project for publication elsewhere. (It was a hot topic at the time; it’s no longer.) So I did. A friend introduced me to his agent. I signed a contract. And the rest is, as they say, history.
Save to say that I learned a very valuable lesson.
About a year after the agent began his work (we had a good number of reads by publishers and I was happy about that.) He came to me and said that so-and-so publisher wanted to see me write an additional chapter to fill the book out a bit. I had some relevant material, but was a bit miffed by the request. So I took a number of months to comply.
It was an unconscious reaction on my part, you understand. I mean if you had faced me with what I was doing–belly to belly, finger in face–I believe I would have repented, And the book would have made it to print.
A very disappointed agent told me, after the edge had vanished and the publisher had long lost interest, “strike when the iron is hot.”
Okay, I don’t get where that phrase comes from (I’m only 59, or thereabouts.) But I’ve never forgotten that and it’s bugging me.
I’m ready to see my first novel, East Jesus, Nevada, in print. And I’m very anxious to begin writing the second in the Ronin series of Westerns, the Lady of the Lake. (I’m hoping to have all three of them done by my birthday next year.) So do I look around again for an agent–knowing that first time novels are a big risk to publishing companies, particularly those written by men? Or do I simply head to Amazon, purchase the services of an artist for cover and interior page layout, and publish it on the Kindle Select Program?
Their in-house “on demand” publisher will take care of the first two concerns and make sure it’s available in paperback for those of you who still whine about what happened to those nifty papyrus rolls.
I’m thinking the latter. And I don’t want to spend a whole lot more time thinking about this. Any opinions?
Godspeed. You know the decision I made and it was all about time. If you can stand to wait, it might be worth it… but really, it’s a jungle out there.
Otherwise, why did you name it “East Jesus, Nevada”? For someone who hasn’t read the book it sounds nonsensical and potentially inflammatory. I would consider something else, but I’m sure you have good reasons.
It’s an East coast phrase, I think. It’s disparaging. So “East Jesus, Nevada” suggests an area that isn’t hospitable or friendly. But I’m thinking about it and have a “rename my first novel contest” going on at work. Prize is a 12 pack of beer.
Oh, I get it. My friends would say BFE, but I have no idea what that stands for. They would also say “bum-f**k nowhere,” but that’s probably not what you want to name your first novel.
I don’t know that much about publishing, so I’m not sure. I guess you look to see how many published on Kindle and got better publishing deals from the exposure, or how much the Kindle path might bring if you are successful. What a conundrum! So far, I like it – and I can get really distracted by bad writing. What am I saying, one of my last series of books I enjoyed was the “Destroyer” series, so I do love a potboiler! But my tastes have matured a bit, and I like what I read so far. Sorry I have no sage advice; Good Luck!
Gregg, trust your intuition and go with your gut. I think you already have an idea which route to go. I’m biased toward technology – the future of reading lies in electronic devices, and I’ll be one of your first buyers! Strike while the iron is hot…blacksmith puts the iron in the fire…hits it with a hammer at just the right time to make just the right bend…creates with intention and speed. Don’t spend too much time over-analyzing the options. Congratulations on your success!! Your family and friends are proud of you!!
I think that the most obvious downside to self publishing is the lack of professional editing and scrutiny. Who makes money writing books? Isn’t it kind of like winning the lottery? By the way, I love the title “East Jesus, Nevada”. “East Jesus, Nowhere” is the sister city of “Bum F***, Egypt”. I grew up in the suburbs of Arm Pit, Utah, so I know something about places like East Jesus. Inflammatory is good. Just ask Newt Gingrich and horde of South Carolina voters.
Julie, you’re killing me. Mind writing a guest chapter or two in the next book?
Gregg, if you’re in a hurry to get it out, do both. Self publish it via Amazon and then seek a publisher while it’s on the market. That said, know that a self-published book—according to a panel of publishers and editors I listened to the other day—carries no more weight than a manuscript. But at least you got it out there and you’re getting some feedback.
Your site looks great, by the way.
L
I have friends who are enjoying some success with self published books. I am going this route too. My aim is to build a following for future publications. The only thing I would caution you about is making sure that you send it to an editor for a final clean up. Nothing says unprofessional like missed commas and other grammatical errors.
BTW…in case you don’t remember me I’m David’s daughter in Hillsboro. Good luck!
April, it’s great to hear from you! Your dad was one of my favorite people–an amazing man, we should all enjoy such fame or following–and I shall always hold his family with love and esteem. We’re going to head to Kindle, find a print on-demand edition for those who still like to hold paper in their hands, and begin the process of trying to sell the whole series.