Tuesday, March 5, 2013

March Madness...

It's been a while since I've posted, and that's because I've been busy with editing one novella and finishing up the other one. 

I've also been reading other authors blogs. Eating up advice like mixed M&M's and popcorn. So what have I learned you asked? Well, let me just put it like this.  I'm confused. 

Here is a list of advice from authors: (Just some examples so you can see my dilema.)

1.) Write what you know.
2.) Write what you "don't" know.
3.) Don't self-publish. Editors don't like self-published authors.
4.) Do self-publish.  Editors like a track record.
5.) Blog - To gain readers.
6.) Don't blog - Readers don't read them. Writers do. (Um. I'm a reader too.)
7.) Don't promote your book on Twitter or FB.
8.) Promote on Twitter and FB and everywhere else.  (To me, this is a fine line to walk, but if you do it often, it is annoying and I will unfriend you and never buy your book. Well, unless you are Kenyon, Ward or Shayne.)
9.) Interviews are a waste of time.
10.) Put your name out there.  Do interviews, etc.
11.) Make your book free on Amazon.
12.) Don't make your book free. People will think the book is bad.

The conflicting list goes on and on. Which ones are right? Crap. I don't know...but who does?

It seems like a lot of authors are trying to find that special magic formula that turns you into an instant hit.  Sorry, I wish I had the answers.  I can only share with you my journey and the bumps along the way, what worked and what didn't. Everyone has a different path. So you have to find yours. 

It could be just being in the right place at the right time with a great book ready to go.

Do what feels right.  Even if you fail at first, don't give up. Try a new angle.

I would love to hear some positive stories on how you found a home for your book(s) or if you are still looking for a book home, how are you going about it? 

~ Dawn

4 comments:

Marie Andreas said...

Hi Dawn-

Soooo true! Conflicting knowledge is everywhere. For me, I avoid extremes, and stick with what feels right.

As for looking for a home for my books--I am still on the trad publishing path, but will be exploring self-publishing next year if the agents don't bite. ;)

Great post!

Dawn Chartier said...

Exactly, Marie. Stick with what feels right.

Thank you for commenting.

Anonymous said...

"Do what feels right" is a pretty great guide; unless, of course, a lot of people you trust are giving you good reasons why that thing is dangerous. Then maybe reconsider. ;)

But anyway... I haven't really been looking for a home for my book yet, but maybe the time will come soon. I've just finished a huge revision and I've send the manuscript out to a few beta-readers! Then I may try the agent-query-letter route.

Good luck!

Bonnie said...

Dawn,
Great Post! I agree about doing what feels right. I haven't really started my platform because I'm still working on my book. I figure that's more important than any of it. I guess the best method for one may not be for another.
Good luck on figuring it all out. Hey, when you do, let me know what works best. Lol