They say... I consider... I do it my way:)

Hello writers and friends

An interesting discussion on Canada Writers about traditional publishing vs self-publishing with a self-publishing company. The thrust was that an author should not pay someone/publishing company to publish his or her book. Comments included the idea that if you decide to self-publish, you can do it yourself through a specialized computer program. I'm not sure what these are or how they work. It also seemed there were some strong feelings about one particular self-publishing company: the one I am using. As a first-time author self-publishing my book, I felt that many would think that I've boarded the wrong boat.

Perhaps, but I don’t think so. Why not?

• The last thing I want to do is spend the time and effort necessary to publish my book myself.

  
  

• I have cataracts in both eyes and glaucoma. Computer screens are becoming problematic. I am scheduled for cataract surgery in April, so this problem may go away.

  
  

• I do not have the technological expertise to feel comfortable enough to publish it myself.

  
  

• It can take a long time to get an agent and then a traditional publisher. I don’t have a long time. I am almost 77 years old, and tomorrow is not promised.

  
  

• I don’t think my book (21 Smithfield Drive) is good enough for a traditional publisher. I hope I’m wrong, because you know, as an author/authors, there is a part of me/us who thinks it's wonderful. However, if not, I can handle it as my intended audience is my children, grandchildren and, as yet, unborn great-grandchildren.

• I don’t have a lot of money, but I can afford to use a publishing company. I purchased the least expensive package, and it has become quite a bit more with all the add-ons, but such is life, and I have been heard to mutter, “In for a penny, in for a pound.”

• I have been extremely pleased with the services I have received, especially the edits, cover design, and distribution plans, etc

Accordingly, if I had to do it all over again, knowing the pitfalls, the extensive editing and work I still had to do, all the damn forms to be filled in, and knowing the valid concerns raised by other writers,  I would still choose to work with a company. It has been a good fit for me.

How about my next book, my cozy mystery?

The sense of urgency I had with 21 Smithfield Drive has dissipated. If I live long enough to finish the novel, great, if not, great too. It’s been an amazing life.  Grateful for what has been and whatever will be. So, I will go down the finding an agent route and see how that unfolds.

Writing News / Updates

- Three stories published will be published in my local newspaper in January.

- One story read on The Story Circle on Canoe FM

• I submitted a new fiction short story to The New Canadian Stories Literary Magazine, which was accepted and will be in the spring summer issue.

• An ah-ha moment when I realized just how much I enjoy writing short story fiction. Glad I got back to this, and I’m going to start writing more and submitting. I just started a Canadian “Tall Tale” about Bucky Beaver and the Crazy Cottager. I enjoyed exploring/ researching tall tales and then writing this. The due date is the end of February, and I will submit it. If it is not accepted, it will have a special place in my Short Stories Collection….of course, I might just edit it some more and submit it somewhere else:)

Thanks for reading this. I wish you a wonderful winter of writing, wherever you may be…somewhere warm would be nice:)