For the last four months I have been learning everything I can about self-publishing my books. For the eight months prior to that, I was learning everything I could about publishing my books via traditional publishing. Do you see where I am going with this? I spent twice as much time trying everything I could think of to go the way of traditional publishing, and it got me nowhere. For half the time invested, I learned how to format an e-book, publish a blog, create a paperback version of my book(s), and my latest adventure, creating a website.
So now I have two books that I have self-published, along with a blog, and a website. Am I going to get the exposure that I would have if my books were traditionally published? Who knows. But do I get to keep complete control over my books? You bet!
My adventure in writing has been more for personal reasons than anything. I wanted to see if I could do it, and I did it for myself. Sure, it would be great to have an Amazon best seller (I dare to dream) but just knowing with a lot of research and even more diligence, I was able to create a story and it didn’t cost a lot to make happen. All of this was made possible because of the internet and a dream. (I love the Internet!)
So as I stated earlier, my latest marketing tool I learned about was creating my own website, which actually was easier than figuring out how to set up this blog! Please, take a look and tell me what you think. But remember, I have very limited experience with this type of thing, I am a nurse for crying out loud, and the last time I checked, there was no HTML code in a soppy foot wound.
Shameless plug for my website: Lisagoodwin.net
For anyone that has the dream of seeing their ideas in print the best advice I can offer is keep trying, keep learning, and never ever give up on yourself or your dream. You will be amazed at what you can do if you just believe in yourself.
And as J.A. Konrath says, “Maybe you’ll get lucky.”
I checked out your website, it looks great! From a fellow Nurse, if you find any HTML code in a soppy foot wound, let me know.
ReplyDeleteHi, I checked it out too, it's great! I'm still building mine. Your books sound like just my kind of read, are they available in the UK?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! The books are available in the UK (yeah!)And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, and look at the website (double yeah!)
ReplyDeleteAnd Kelly, I will make sure you are the first to know of any rogue HTML codes running through wounds! :)
You could not have said it any better. The entire publishing industry is changing. No matter who brings the product to print all of the marketing efforts will be on the shoulders of the author. You've given great advice to any writer wanting to take on the challenge of penning a story.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa! The new website look great!! Well done you! Thx for sharing your journey toward self-publishing as it serves as a true inspiration for those of us still plodding along the same path. Great post!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the website and publication!!
ReplyDeleteI think the trick is to just keep writing, no matter what.
I admire your go-get-it-ness! Hope your books sell a zillion copies. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all of your lovely comments!
ReplyDelete