I have done pretty much what all writers need to do. I developed a long list of credentials by writing pro bono for newsletters, ezines and websites. I write in multiple genres so I can pretty much be found easily on search engines and I have dedicated quite a few years to this. At this point in time I believe I am somewhat known and have begun networking which is broadening the scope of where links to me can be found. I publish a metaphysical newsletter which features creative colleagues which generates interest in them while also generating interest in my newsletter and my work from their sites as well.Getting books published was a daunting task! I ran the gamut of queries to big and small publishers, big and small agents although I have to say I never get a good feeling about focusing on an agent for some reason. I think it's because I just didn't want to restrict where I could my work.
Then a few years back a book publisher accepted my first book, Gifts Of The Spirit. The publisher was PublishAmerica and therein began the nightmare. No aspect of the contract was honored including assistance with placement in bookstores. The discount to bookstores was also prohibitive so bookstores would not purchase copies. In addition, there was no returnable policy. All of these detriments meant one thing: I was not able to get my book in bookstore. The book was online but, with a no return policy interest waned. Then there was the royalty: forty-nine cents one quarter! How could this be? After all ten per cent of $19.95 was $1.91 per book so how could a royalty be forty-nine cents? Incredible. Add to this that the book's pricing was also more than for a standard paperback trade book.
Soon, I connected with other writers who had also been led down the primrose path by PublishAmerica. We organized and began a campaign to get out of our contracts which PublishAmerica was unwilling to do. After a year of coordinated press releases urging the public NOT to buy our books, articles about the fraud that had been perpetrated and even television appearances by myself and another author we were all suddenly released and in the same month! This was absolutely necessary in order to pursue other publishers with our books. We won.
Three of my books had then been accepted by a small publisher and then after some months, the publisher folded. The thought of doing all the letter writing and proposal sending all over again to the possible end of finding another publisher of the same cloth of PublishAnmerica was something I simply did not have the patience to want to do.
Encouraged by the successes of Dan Millman, best selling author of "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" which was self published and the success of my friend and contemporary Janet Elaine Smith who is a bestselling author and self published I chose the self publishing route.
The truth is many authors are choosing this venue and I believe it is a movement for creative control over what is written rather than assuming one can only be recognized if "published."
The truth is big and small presses are inundated with so many queries, proposals and manuscripts I believe most of them are never even looked at. This is my personal opinion. Secondly, there is nothing wrong in investing in yourself and your work much as one would invest in a business venture in which there is confidence.
The world of publishing has changed and so has the breed of writers who are less dependent on the parochial conventions that used to measure success. Today's writer has more confidence in themselves and their product.
I chose Star Publish LLC for my publisher and I have not regretted it. Like all publishing houses you do need to research who you are considering as some are on the par of PublishAmerica which some of my colleagues have shared.
I do not regret self publishing. I am pleased with the quality of my book and the turnaround time from submission to availability is very quick which frees me to work on other projects without continuing the time consuming and often frustrating task of trying to submit as I have before.
I know my work, I know I am excellent and I deserve to be in control of my own career.
To view my book trailer, please visit quantum spirituality.tripod.com and my blog: something magicalinourmists.blogspot.com
Cate is a published author, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, as well as a syndicated columnist in the spiritual and metaphysical genres. In addition she is a published print columnist in
You can visit her website at www.quantamspirituality.tripod.com or her blog at www.magicwithcate.blogspot.com.
I guess the important thing is to write for recognition, in this day and age. Get the name out there.
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