As of today my friends Creative Prose Publishing are officially no longer in business. I am now self published.
It makes me think of the movie "You've Got Mail" especially the part where Kathleen Kelly says "People are always telling you that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all . .. has happened."
I can so relate to that quote. I feel like a part of me is right back where I started and it was all for nothing. The optimistic, logical part of me says to push forward and maybe it's just a blessing in disguise, but my heart . . . my heart is broken and wants to sit in the corner with hot chocolate and a bag of oatmeal cookies reading tear jerking novels.
So many things she says in that movie touch me right now. Like this quote:
I live a small life, valuable, but small. Do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave?
For the most part I think I like it. If I had my "druthers" I'd be a hermit in a cabin or a beach house, writing my novels and sending them out there to make a living for me. I'd only have to come forth now and then to buy food and say hi to my family and loved ones.
I never wanted to self publish. I know that I pretty much hate doing all of the things that publishers do. I want all of the things I get from a publisher, validation, editing, cover art, marketing, to name a few. So I am looking, praying and sending out a few queries. In the mean time I'm keeping my book out there in the void, hoping someone will buy it and read it. I guess that's what it's all about in the end isn't it?
You've Got Mail is, of course, one of my favorite all time movies. How could it not be? It's about bookstores, romance, and new beginnings. I love it even more now because it gives me a feeling that I'm not alone. Other people have speed bumps in their careers and it can still turn out well. Just as Kathleen Kelly comes out on top in the end, I too can pull myself up, put on my big girl panties and push on with my life.
So I'm just throwing this out there to anyone who cares to read it. Soon I will pull out a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils and get back to work on the next novel. However, for now, goodnight dear void . . .
Norma, you expressed my feelings exactly. I waited until the last minute, hoping one of the publishers I queried would "bite." And here I am, frantically trying to keep my book "out there." I've started the sequel to my book, and frankly, if it wasn't for the readers I know are waiting for the sequel, I wouldn't have the heart to continue. But, I'm trying to keep optimistic and look at this as simply a slight set-back rather than an ending. Where there's a will, there's a way, right? :-)
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing. I kept putting it off hoping to get a bite. And all the frustration of trying to upload the PDF for Create Space only drives it home to me how much I want a publisher.
ReplyDeleteI'm also working on the sequel and praying that by the time I get done I won't have to go it alone.
Remember I'm on your team cheering for you if you ever need anything Rachel. We can do this.
I still haven't gotten my cover uploaded to Createspace, but I'm hoping to get it figured out soon. I'm on your team as well, Norma. Yes, we can do this! :-)
ReplyDeleteI finally got everything loaded to Barnes and Noble, KDP, and Createspace, but it took a lot of trial and error. Good luck with your future books Norma and Rachel!
ReplyDeleteHow DID you get that stupid PDF to work on Create Space?
DeleteA BIG HUG for you, Norma! And a truckload of tenacity! XO
ReplyDeleteJust and update however. Today, I received a request for a full on one of my books that I've been shopping for a long time. There is always sunshine behind the clouds. Hope is brighter now.
ReplyDeleteI love you guys that are moving forward after this sad event. I feel for the publisher. It's hard to make it no matter how good the material is--and you have great material. I wish you the best in the self-subbed world. Keep rolling out the fantastic reads.
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