More on Self-Publishing

On Saturday May 1, 2010 I attended an excellent one-day seminar in San Francisco titled "Self Publishing Bootcamp" conducted by Lisa Alpine and Carla King. My frustration from the so-far fruitless search for an agent for my novel "In Dangerous Waters" dictated I look for some alternative. Somehow the book will be published, probably on a small scale (unless lightning strikes) but that's enough. Self-publishing was a realm I hadn't explored to any extent before.

Great credit goes to the two women who conducted the workshop. I came away overwhelmed. Still trying to sort through the myriad alternative techniques, approaches, and avenues to pursue. I particularly like the tips offered - what to look for and what to avoid. Some appeared obvious, but many not so.

Their offering of particular value - yet to be explored in detail - are a wide range of resources. I plan to spend significant time filtering the maze to identify which pertain to my publishing objective and which do note. A game plan will have to evolve, but at this point, while nearly overwhelmed with the data presented, I'm beginning to research the resources provided by the class. I had no idea of the range of related information and support available. First time I can honestly say I've been overwhelmed in MANY years.

If you have the opportunity to participate in a future workshop I recommend you do so. Presenters are superior, knowledgeable, and truly helpful. The course could easily be expanded for another day, perhaps more considering the material to be offered and mastered.

One more time . . .

Workload required my editor Elisabeth Tuck to take a brief break so I decided to give the "final" manuscript the old "one more time" re-read and edit. Glad I did. Only minor things surfaced, but I wanted to give her as clean a final draft as possible. I expect her final review within two weeks or so. Next step is to get serious about selecting a publisher - one that can do the things with the story I don't want to do, or actually know how to do. For example, I'll need a good cover graphic. Found one that looked good on the computer screen but too dark when printed - no pizazz. Also need to revise earlier drafts for a back cover piece. I'm allowing three months to take care of the completion of the production of the story to a paper-book. Next move is to convert that to an electronic version on Amazon for users of electronic readers. Then--on to the next story, now only just begun. For those of you who have explored this BLOG, check back about July 1, 2010 for an update on how you can obtain a copy for your own pleasure or for friends and neighbors. The book is a good read for everyone, early teens and beyond and no requirement to be familiar with things Navy or sailor lingo. It's a people story, not a war story.

A New Direction

Looking ahead to 2010 I've chosen to pursue a new direction in my attempts to get my novel "In Dangerous Waters" published. My efforts to capture an agent and publisher have proven unsuccessful. Fifty queries/submissions & 50 rejections over the past 2+ years. Time's awastin' it seems. Time to try another route.

I've tentatively decided to pursue self-publishing and have begun to investigate publishers providing that service. Have found four so far that might meet my needs. Intend to pursue those, and others that may come to my attending, in early 2010. I'd like to be able to offer the novel to all interested parties before July 1 if possible. It's a good story, well written I believe and so assessed by a distinguished writers critique group. My editor, Elisabeth Tuck, has turned an inherently sound story into one readers will enjoy - perhaps even a "page turner" (so sayeth this perennial optimist.)

I welcome input from any reader who has taken this route to publishing - whether positive or negative. I'm exploring and welcome your perceptions and experiences.

May 2010 prove to be a great year for you and yours.

Short Story Award Winner

Short Story Award. Received a phone call followed by email last week to tell me my short story submitted to the Berkeley Branch of CWC had won first alternate (essentially 4th place). I've been invited to join their branch meeting in December 2009 to read the story, "The Pink Letter" to the assembled branch members.

The story has gone to several contests in the past. This is its first win - or almost a win anyway.

No others are pending and no other short stories in the works.

Update: Still seeking an agent for my novel "In Dangerous Waters" (92,000 words). No responses to queries so far this year that do more than advise "not for us." Will continue. However, listened to a presentation at the Tri-Valley Writers luncheon today praising WingspanPress.com as a great source for self-publishing. Believe I may seriously explore that avenue since agent fishing hasn't worked to date.

I'm working on a new novel as yet unnamed. Decided to use the main character from the first novel and reintroduce him to a scene set about 6 years later. Also am adding some mystery along with some Navy pilot lingo and, (surprised?) some submarine lore as well. Recruited an old Navy submariner friend for the latter. Expect there will be another 25-30 chapters before THE END.

I'm finding writing and editing what I've written is a satisfying "time sink" too often interrupted by things I must do (like bills, etc.), or "honey do's". Discussing the craft with other authors reveals I'm not alone. It's frustrating when many say they can fit in 5 to 20 minutes of productive writing whenever they see a gap in their schedules. I need to warm up for a period of 10-30 minutes or so to really be productive. The exception is when I have a burning issue or problem solution that's dying to jump from my fingertips and I'm unable to do an immediate dump. Fortunately these don't come in the middle of the night.

The erratic flow of rejections into my mailbox continues. Most are impersonal and I appreciate the job of the agent/reviewer. What I've submitted does not seem to have "cut the mustard." I intend an intensive review of my query letters. Perhaps I'm not presenting the merits of my novel well. I've invested too much time in this novel to quit now, but my artificial deadline of 31 Dec for moving to the self-published family grows closer.

While waiting I've begun two new novels - that's right two. One, dealing with a United Nations escapade requires much more research than I realized at the outset. The second novel picks up on a new adventure for my protagonist from the initial novel, Navy related with some intrigue. That effort is through 8 chapters so far with another 25-30 or so to go I expect.

I'm always on the lookout for an interested agent or perhaps a small publisher who would entertain a tension-filled novel set in the bigger realm of the Korean War. My research has so far f ailed to identify ANY novel set at that time dealing with the contributions of the U.S. Navy surface warfare ships, and the men who made it happen. Submarines and minesweepers have been addressed. But not the men of the destroyer Navy. I don't want them to be the forgotten men of the forgotten war. Their contributions deserve much more.

Still trying

They told me selling the story would be more difficult than writing it. I said pshaw! No Problem. They also told me it takes a LONG-TIME to write a good story and even longer to edit it--especially a first novel. Pshaw again! They added you're never through writing it - unless you stash it away somewhere inaccessible. Should have listened. But you know me - the perennial optimist. So I continue to send out queries (and get preformatted rejections, some polite, some otherwise, and many who don't bother to respond at all.) My queries in search of an agent (and ultimately a publisher) will continue.

Really doesn't matter. I've enjoyed the writing experience creating "In Dangerous Waters." I've been inspired to continually improve thanks to many other writers and especially my editor Elisabeth Tuck. Although I have little to show others for it now, it has been time well spent.

Thanks for your patience in reading this drivel. One day I can add a "SOLD - AT LAST" entry. Check back with me then - PLEASE.