From Pre-Published to Published Part 2: Publication

The previous post was a discussion about launching an author’s platform. Next I want to address the ultimate goal: publication. On the surface this seems like a simple goal, especially when taking the self-publication route. However, there are drawbacks where cost is concerned.

To produce a quality novel requires editing even when traditionally published. When self-publishing, editing and other elements of a book – such as cover art – are costly. This begs the question: if I am starting the platform inexpensively how do I pay for editing?

Answer: crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding, for those not familiar with the term, is a way of raising money for creative projects in order to launch them. To read more in depth about how this works see Kickstarter or Indiegogo among others. There are also tips about which other people have blogged which are good resources such as Lee Moyer’s post-Kickstarter campaign insights (very helpful).

Other authors have successfully completed crowdfunding campaigns, one such being Michael J. Sullivan for Hollow World. For a look at an ongoing campaign check out Daniel Adorno’s for his book: The Blade Heir on Prefundia. I must admit that I am intrigued by the possibilities and have begun seriously considering this option in order to bring my own series to publication. Yet crowdfunding is no walk in the park as noted by M. K. Hobson’s observations on a successfully completed campaign. Crowdfunding is daunting to consider and requires lots of work throughout the length of the project (and after) – but the rewards are the funds needed to accomplish the goal of publication.

I’m increasingly willing to take the plunge on this concept. Why? Regarding cover art, I have neither the skill nor the time to learn it. But the reader might ask, “Why not do your own editing if you are a writer?” It’s a fair question. The answer is that no matter how much editing a writer does another pair of eyes are good – and necessary – to have in order to produce a piece of novel-length fiction that is both structurally sound and as error-free as possible.

My conclusion tends to be if I’m willing to build an author platform then I must do what I can to push the WIP into publication.

What are your thoughts on crowdfunding? Have you ever tried it? What service do you prefer and why? Please leave comments with your opinions and certainly sign-up to follow my blog through email.

Thanks for reading,

PHS

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Planning and executing a publishing plan is no small feat. As my readers, you get to ride along with me as I grow from a pre-published author into one who is published. You get to see my plans bear fruit as well as the mistakes along the way. Part of the plan with this blog is to give the fans a transparent view of the ups and downs of transforming into a published author.

In this first series of post is where I discuss my plans. I want to address the nuts and bolts behind the platform while the next post(s) will deal with book development to publication and the path I choose.

As you may have noticed, this website is under construction and this blog still has that new blog smell. I’ve started my author platform as part of the plan of travelling to published-land. These days an author needs exposure on the internet in a variety of ways. It takes developing your name like a brand which means consistency across several web formats. To that end, I have purchased my web-domain registration at minimal cost. This allows me to use a consistent web presence between my web site, email and social media.

However, as a pre-published author, my funds are limited so I have chosen the path of least expense – for the short-term. As this endeavor grows so will my internet infrastructure – especially this website. It’s no secret were my site is hosted by the logo appearing in the upper left of this page. Right now, I am running the site under the free offering from WordPress. This means that my choices for themes, etc. are limited unless I pay for them or upgrade my account. I’m willing to live with what I have for the near-term and grown when I can.

When I do grow my web presence I will then have greater control over themes so there will be greater consistency between the website and various forms of social media. Getting there will be a milestone for my brand and a major step toward publication.

Likewise, my site and email hosting will likely change too. At that point I will have complete control of my web presence. I hope this will occur before the initial release of my first book so I can incorporate cover art into themes for both my website and social media accounts.

For now less is more but I have every hope of growing and those who follow along get to live the changes with me. Feel free to provide feedback and subscribe to my email list for updates. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions on growing and author platform.

See you at the next post!

PHS

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