- Joined
- Apr 25, 2016
- Messages
- 33
- Reaction score
- 1
My recent entry to the ranks of those who self-publish was partly driven by the fear that (procreation apart) I would go to my grave having created the sum total of zero so far as originality is concerned. I don't expect to sell millions of books, just writing them is the ego boosting experience I look for. Joining AW has opened my eyes to the fact that I am not alone in my efforts to produce something from nothing that I value even if it may not appeal to anyone else.
For myself the creative process encompasses not just the production of several hundred pages of story but also the time and effort of knocking it into shape when I self-edit and choosing the cover picture and layout.
I have followed with great interest some of the discussions about the importance of cover art, the power of a good editor, and the holy grail of an honest and supportive publisher. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that I will remain in a happier, more motivated frame of mind by doing it all myself. At least for good or bad the end product is entirely my own.
I am very happy to receive well-intentioned advice and via AW this has to date been extremely constructive and useful.
Maybe I have a deep-seated fear of criticism which stops me from spending money I could easily afford on editors, designers etc and so preserves an almost 'amateur status' that salves my ego when my books don't race to the top of the bestseller lists.
One thing (among many) I have discovered since joining AW is the huge diversity existing within the writing fraternity so far as modus operandi and opinion is concerned. So as I paddle my own canoe through the fictional world I have created I wonder if many of you out there have a similar mindset?
Do you really care that much whether you achieve large sales or is knowing that one stranger has bought your book and read it sufficient reward?
For myself the creative process encompasses not just the production of several hundred pages of story but also the time and effort of knocking it into shape when I self-edit and choosing the cover picture and layout.
I have followed with great interest some of the discussions about the importance of cover art, the power of a good editor, and the holy grail of an honest and supportive publisher. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that I will remain in a happier, more motivated frame of mind by doing it all myself. At least for good or bad the end product is entirely my own.
I am very happy to receive well-intentioned advice and via AW this has to date been extremely constructive and useful.
Maybe I have a deep-seated fear of criticism which stops me from spending money I could easily afford on editors, designers etc and so preserves an almost 'amateur status' that salves my ego when my books don't race to the top of the bestseller lists.
One thing (among many) I have discovered since joining AW is the huge diversity existing within the writing fraternity so far as modus operandi and opinion is concerned. So as I paddle my own canoe through the fictional world I have created I wonder if many of you out there have a similar mindset?
Do you really care that much whether you achieve large sales or is knowing that one stranger has bought your book and read it sufficient reward?