It's one word. One push of a button. One second of my time after all I've done to prepare.
My finger wavers over the key. If I push the button, my book gets published. Self-published. I've written the cover blurb at least a hundred times. I've revised the cover over and over, seeking advice from other writers and friends. My story has been edited by Beta readers, critique partners, my ex-agent and a professional editor.
I should be ready.
But is any writer ever ready for what comes after they submit their work to the world?
The other day, I read a few nasty comments on Amazon about one woman's book. I endured a bad one myself on my first novel. But this is different. I don't have the backing of a publishing house. I have me. Only me.
The me who did my best to present the best product I can at this point in my writing career.
My husband reminded me how he bid jobs in construction for so many years. Some of his customers loved his work, others complained. He couldn't please 100 % of the people 100% of the time.
I won't either.
Yet still...
I've set the release date. My mother's birthday and the day my father died. Perhaps I chose that date so I can remember it but perhaps to remind me it's just a button. A push of the finger.
So much more in life is important.
7 comments:
You got this.
I can relate. I've recently (after 2-3 years) put my books back online to sell. After a few nasty reviews I panicked and took them all down to review and revise. During that time I read many, many books by very famous authors published by big houses. One series I even marked each page that had a mistake on it and you wouldn't believe the sticky notes sticking out of the series.. This got me to thinking that everyone is human and we can't always please everyone. Do what makes you happy and all will turn out well. I wish you luck with your writing.
Keep going Terri, keep going. A few years ago I decided to shift to self publishing my books. You still got to to all the work, as with traditional publishing, but the profit margin is higher :)
All best wishes on your new endeavor. No matter how good a book is, there will always be those who find fault. Just consider it a stepping stone and not a stumbling block.
Congratulations. I admire your courage, your dedication, your stick-to-itness. You go girl! I am happy for you. You are an inspiration no matter how you publish the book.
life is always a leap of faith and hope, learning more about ourself in the process...
I love your courage! It's inspiring.
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