Remember this blog regarding my take on Smashwords? Well, it’s official. I’m in. I’m going to self-publish BITTERSWEET, my paranormal YA.
This book received a bunch of requests for partials and fulls, but it was still a no even after I made revisions. Don’t get me wrong. I received rejections that made me believe agents really read the book and cared enough to give me personal attention. That’s huge! Those are the kind of rejections I love. But in the end, it was a no-go. For the longest time, I thought–and continue to think–that I might have something here.
So rather than put BITTERSWEET under my electronic bed and forget about it, I’m going to put it out there on my own and see what happens. Everyone I’ve contacted and have gone this route before me have been extremely helpful with giving me hints and pointers to make this happen. Ideally, I’d like to release ebook and print at the same time, but I’m not sure if that makes financial sense. Right now, I’m shooting for a March 2011 release, but, we’ll see. I still have some editing to do and I need to hit up some more beta readers. Whatever they find means there will be at least another round to do, and I am so game. 🙂
I’ve also been in touch with cover artists for pricing and my next stop is to either do the Smashwords ebook formatting myself or hand that off to someone else. I’d rather do it myself, since I want to do it for future books. However, I also want it done right. I’ll have to dive into Smashwords’ Style Guide again and see if this is an undertaking I have time to do. Then, there’s the print layout to design, which I hear is a pain. So much to do and so little time. Wait a sec, I’m on Marcia Time with this. How cool is that? It doesn’t mean I’ll take my time, but it’s nice to have the pressure off. 😉
Oh, and book two in my Bittersweet series will be called SILENT SCREAM. I’m still in the plotting phase with this book, so it’ll be a while before this one gets out there.
Man, am I excited about this new venture! 🙂
Marcia Colette 
I’m adding Bittersweet to my list. I have a very short (new releases) list for 2011 and you definitely deserve two spots (The Spider Inside Her) is already in. I told myself that I should leave the list a bit loose, but when I reach 13 new books I’m stopping. I’m excited because I’ve almost tackled my entire, in-house, to-be-read pile. I still can’t believe it, but I only have 5 or 6 left; some are lingering because they were (uninformed) presents and they are not my favorites. I have others I’ll like to reread, but I’ll go through those slowly.
I wish you the best of luck with Smashwords, and I’ll probably be one of the first one to purchase the Bittersweet baby.
Aw sweetie. *blush* I’d hug you if I could get my hands on you.
Now when you are going to publish something of yours? You know you’ve already won me over with your writing. 😉
I’m the one blushing now. My plan is to start agent stalking this spring, but not for what your read, that is shy a few chapters. Besides, I REALLY want to try my luck with my dark urban fantasy first 😀
If it’s anything like what I read, you won’t have a problem landing an agent. You’ll probably laugh, but there’s something almost “virginal” about your voice that makes it shines. Like it’s been untouched by any rules of writing that might otherwise taint it’s freshness. It’s so life-like that I envy it. NEVER let anyone tell you otherwise about your voice. 🙂
I’m on Marcia Time with this.
Marcia, if you were on NY time, it would be up for sale sometime in 2012. lol
Congrats on diving into the pool!!! Mine will probably be out in March, too. I was hoping to get it up earlier, but I’d rather wait take longer and put out the best book I can. Everything takes longer than I thought it would.
Ooo! I smell a cross-promo thing going. 😀 What book are you releasing? Details, girl. I want details.
And so true. Anything could happen in 2012. I’m tired of feeling like I’m a year late to the party when I was a whole year early, but couldn’t catch a ride to it. Not this time, sister. Well…perhaps I’m a little late. Let’s just say I’ll be making a grand entrance. 😉
Marcia, we’ll both be making that grand entrance!
Okay, now I have this image of us dressed to the nines and walking into a grand ballroom together. Wave to the cameras, dahling. 😀
I’m excited. I feel something big is about to happen. You know I’ll be one of the first to order it and promote it as well. Just let me know how I can help besides getting the word out. I love your writing style. This just means, more good reads for me and J.
Wait a sec. Now that I think about it, I might need both you and J to read it before the general public. Or at least, J. 😉
You know how much I love ya, hon. If you need me to stay on your writing butt, you know I’m there for you. Speaking of which, when do I get chapter two? Huh? Huh? 😀
Well, I’m sure J would like that. As for my writing, on my day job I’ll be working Three days on with four days off one week. The following week I’ll have three days off in a row with a day off during the week. Long story short, if I don’t put butt in chair, you have my permission to kick my butt!
Sweet. I’ll be checking on you, lady. 😈
Congrats on taking the plunge. Can’t waot to hear more about it and how it goes.
Funny you should mention that. I need to touch base with you about some beta reading, girlfriend. 😉
Can’t wait to read it!
I formatted my own (with some outside guidance and prodding) and I’m an idiot when it comes to computer coding. I know you have a bigger technological brain than I, so you’ll do fine. I don’t know much outside of what I’ve done for my own, but if you have a question about formatting I can try to help you out. It’s not the best offer of help, but it’s the best I personally can do. ; )
You are too sweet, Avery. 🙂 You had so better let me know when you have a release so I can do a virtual cheer for you.
Hello,
I found your blog through a re-tweet by Sarra Cannon on twitter. Anyway, I will get straight to the point if you are interested when your release “Bittersweet” I will interview you for my blog.
Take Care
If I’m interested? Heck yeah!! 😀 Count me in for an interview.
That dear, sweet Sarra. She’s one of the coolest chicks ever. Writes a damn good book, too. Or three.
Thanks for stopping by.
I will keep my eyes open for the novel and then I will contact you with the interview questions. 🙂
I really like Sarra’s novels and I can’t put down the first book in the Peachville Demons series.
Take Care.