May 11, 2011

Decisions, decisions...

            "To be, or not to be: that is the question..." Now if that were the only question, I'd be happy. Up until the moment I burst forth into the publishing world, I thought myself a quick decision maker. Now I find myself plagued with all of these big choices with no possible way to guess the outcome. I have a list of decisions I need to make... and I can't bring myself to "lock in my final answer". As I weigh the pros and cons, I keep tipping the scale back to the center and it balances. If you have any advice on how you made any of the following decisions as a writer, please, PLEASE, clue me in.

Big Decision #1: Do I try to publish in the traditional fashion or go with indie? 
(I could write another book on my pros and cons for this one) 

Big Decision #2: How many beta readers, proofreaders, and editors do I solicit before I can call it 'done'? 
(Then again -- is it ever really finished? Will I be finding things that irk me after years of editing?) 

Big Decision #3: Which one of these book covers do I use? 
(So many options!!!) 



I have a plethora of smaller choices to make, but for now, those are the ones that are tormenting me. It really needs to come down to me picking something and sticking with it, but I can't for the life of me muster that courage. I keep waiting, but it just doesn't come!! 

4 comments:

  1. Ughh, I typed this out and then blogger lost it. I have the first part saved, so let me try to recreate the second part:

    Hi Brandy,

    These are all good questions, and they are questions that I asked myself before I self-

    published. They are also all questions I'll be asking before once I complete something a bit

    longer than the projects I've worked on so far.

    So, anyway, here's my two cents...

    Big Decision #1: Since your book is a novel, it wouldn't hurt to shop it around a little bit.

    There are lots of editors on Twitter who are very approachable, and although i haven't tested

    those waters myself, I believe that networking may be a great way to find an "in" with a

    publisher. They always say it's not what you write but who you know. Well, Twitter evens that

    playing field some for the rest of us!

    If you don't have any luck there, then go ahead and self-publish. I definitely believe that if

    you work at it you can be successful publishing your own work.

    Big Decision #2: I didn't have many beta readers, but I did read my stories at writing workshops. I think it's possible to get into an endless loop of getting reader feedback, editing, getting more read feedback, wash, rinse, repeat. I finally decided that none of my stories would be finished until I published them!

    Bid Decision #3: I didn't see any covers displayed, although it looks like you have room for them in your post. I'd love to see them.

    One final thing you might enjoy. This is a video a coworker showed me today about writing from a local writer:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzIRgk1FK8M

    Take care, and good luck with your decisions!

    Scott

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  2. Hi, Since I am thinking seriously of rewriting a finished novel that I set aside for several years...I'll be following your progress. Found first comment very enlightening. Thanks.

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  3. Scott, thanks so much! I do have a Twitter, but I'll admit I'm not very active with it. I fear the same thing with the endless loop. I guess I'll just have to hide my ms from myself the next time I get the urge to send it out for yet ANOTHER critique. - I didn't display any of my cover projects yet because I'm still perfecting them. I may post them on here and take a poll. Asking people what they want to see just might be my ticket...

    Inchwormart, thanks for following. I would suggest stop thinking and start writing! I think a lot of writers could gain advantage by getting involved with other writers. Sticking together leads to inspiring ideas and the possibility of a reference to an editor, agent, or publisher in the future. I don't like the idea of competing as writers because I think each one has something different to offer. It's like judging on steak vs. cheesecake contest.

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  4. Decision #1 - why not try traditional first? You never know. Someone might snatch up your manuscript.

    Decision #2 - On proofreaders and beta readers, as many as you can find. On editors, make a list of all the editors/agents who take your genre. Work you way down the list. When you come to the bottom with no acceptances, research again to see if there are any new takers out there.

    Will you find things after years of editing that will irk you? Yes.

    Decision #3 - Well, I'm not seeing any pics, so I guess I can't help you there.

    Anyway, I appreciate your candid questions and wish you the best in your search for answers. Do keep us updated on any you find. We'll all benefit.

    And thanks for following my blog, too!

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