It’s been a long time coming that I share this blog post with you, my devoted readers, but I’m excited to share this with you. A lot has gone on since November, and posted this, which I titled “Why I’ve Decided To Self-Publish”.
There is nothing I want more than to be an author. It’s important to me because while I’m interested in a lot of other things, writing is the one thing I see myself doing for the rest of my life. It’s the only thing I want to do.
Here’s what I have done to achieve the goals of being an author:
- Written a book, (2 of them, actually)
- Worked with 2 AMAZING editors
- Have given my second book, THE RIGHT DESIGN, to beta readers — (you know who you three are and I love y’all!)
- And have had TRD professionally critiqued by two brilliant ladies — (you two ladies are pure gems!)
- **Currently, I’m still trying to fine-tune my first MS, REDEFINED DREAMS
As you can see, I’m missing the main part of becoming an author…BEING PUBLISHED! With the love and support of my family they encouraged me to give the traditional route a try first, so I did. I have sent queries and chapters of my MS to several publishing companies, but have had, so far, been rejected six times. I’m okay with being rejected, after all, it’s part of the business. At first, I kept my rejection to myself (and still haven’t told most people) because I really didn’t know how to feel about it, but as each rejection came my way it led me to think more seriously about the modern way about being published, which is to self-publish. I’m proud of myself for even trying because sending querying my MS was a huge step for a shy woman like me.
Years have passed since I’ve written my two books and I have a lot of ideas in mind, so in order to write them and continue on as an author, here’s what I need a plan, so here’s the announcement: I will be self-publishing THE RIGHT DESIGN. If you read my blog post that I linked above, then you know a few reason why I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge (from writer to author).
Whew! It feels so good to share the adventure and path I’ll be taking! Out with the stress of waiting and rejection, and bring on the stress of a self-published author – ;)!
Here’s what I’ll be working on now, along with the fine-tuning I mentioned above:
- Looking through beta readers advice and comments
- Writing yet another draft of TRD, thanks to the help of my critique ladies
- Reading “The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing“!
And, to share some inspiring words from author have been rejected, click HERE!
Tracie Banister (@traciebanister) says
Congrats on your decision to self-pub and for embracing that path, Isabella! Like you, it took me years to come to the conclusion that the indie route was the right one for me. I was terrified, but in the end it has been the BEST decision I ever made. I’m sure it will be the same for you. You know you’ve got an amazing support group in the Goddesses! We’ll be throwing you a big cyber party when you finally release “The Right Design.” Wishing you lots of luck and an amazing journey!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
You’re too sweet, Tracie! Thank you! 🙂
Shani Struthers says
Fantastic news Isabella and you’ve definitely got a reader in me when it’s out there. Although I’m not self-published, I kind of envy those who are, the complete control you have from start to finish, the much better percentage you’ll earn from each book sold!!! Even those published by publishers have to do tons of their own promotion so in the end there’s not much difference anyway. Kudos to you (and others) for taking this path, you are all leading by example. xxx
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you so much, Shani! I’m very excited! 🙂
Francine LaSala's Clippings In The Shed says
Congrats on your decision, Isabella! The right decision for The Right Design. You know you have me and Sam to help–plus hundreds of other goddesses ready to celebrate with you, and Promote! Promote! Promote!! xo
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you, Francine! I couldn’t have made the decision without your help! 🙂
meredithgschorr says
Congratulations on making your decision! I’ll be rooting for you all the way 🙂
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, thank you, Meredith! 🙂
icequeen9955 says
Bravissimo Isabella! It’s time to share your work with the world. Let us laugh and cry with the characters or let us be transformed into that beautiful woman who is loved by so many men and travels everywhere. Let us read your wonderful words! I can’t wait.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
AWw, thank you so much! Love you! 🙂
Nicky Wells says
Totally awesome decision! Have fun along the way and keep us posted. I’ll be cheering you on very step of the way!!! Rock on, and congrats!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you, Nicky! 🙂
Lucie Simone (@LucieSimone) says
Congrats! It’s a roller coaster ride, but definitely with it!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you so much, Lucie! 🙂
Jackie Bouchard says
Congrats on making a decision! I just made the same decision for my book #2 so I’ll be right there with you!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Awesome, Jackie! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Shelly Hickman says
Congrats on your decision to move forward, Isabella! So excited for you! 🙂
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you so much, Shelly! 🙂
Jan Brigden says
Thrilled for you, Isabella. A big decision and one, I’m sure, will bring you all the success you deserve, plus plenty of support & encouragement from everyone on here. Best of luck! I can’t wait to read it 🙂 xx
Isabella Louise Anderson says
You’re too sweet, Jan! Thank you! 🙂
Kristina Knight says
this is WONDERFUL, Isabella! Congratulations – and I can’t wait to grab a copy!!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you, Kristina! 🙂
janetjosselyn100 says
Self-pub is the future of the industry! Welcome aboard!
Sent from my iPhone
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Agreed, Janet! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
judyteel says
Go Isabella, go! You’ll do great and you’ll love it.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thanks so much, Judy! 😄
Cat Lavoie says
That is great news, Isabella!! You’ve already got a an awesome cheerleading team ready and waiting for The Right Design to be released! Can’t wait!! xo
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you, Cat! 😄
Mimi Jarone says
Awesome, you’ll do great, and your already so good at promos and building a following, I think you’ll really enjoy yourself. Can’t wait to read The Right Design.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, thank you! 🙂
madisonjohns says
Congrats on finding your way. Just because those other publishers rejected you books doesn’t mean the readers will. Good luck on your journey.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thanks, Madison! 🙂
writeoncindy says
YEAH! Welcome to the world of self-pub! There’s a lot of work ahead but it’ll be worth it, and you’re part of an amazing group of peeps! xo cindy
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww! Thank you! I’m ready for the challenge! 😊
Randy Squibb says
I am so proud of you. Trying to do it the traditional route first was great because you now know what to expect. When you become a booming success, and you will , people will be knocking your door down. Go get em girl.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww! You are too kind! Love you! 😊
Libby Mercer says
Fabulous news, Isabella! I think self-publishing is an excellent way to go. I was scared to death before I did it, but I have absolutely no regrets. Congrats and best of luck!!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you so much! 😄
Sheryl Browne (@SherylBrowne) says
It’s true, Isabella. As Shani says, ALL authors (even those with bigger houses) have to be really active in promotion. You have a wonderfully supportive group of friends here, who will help you ‘pressing those buttons’. You go, girl! 🙂 xx
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, thank you, Sheryl! 🙂
Patricia Mann says
Congratulations, Isabella! I love being self-published and I know you will too! You have so many fans already and we’re all anxiously awaiting reading your books! 🙂 I understand exactly what you mean about how it feels so much better to have made the decision too. It’s torture to be going back and forth about something. So, good for you and enjoy the game tonight!!!
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, thank you so much! 😊
Jessica Gordon says
Congratulations! Can’t wait to check it out! Keep up the good work!
🙂 Jessica
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Thank you, Jessica! 😊
Lizzie Lamb says
Sorry, Isabel that I wasn’t able to reply to your blog post earlier. Good luck with your new(ish) venture.
Taking the self-publishing route is no easy decision, but it was the right one for me. It gave me the freedom to write what I as a reader would like to read in a rom com, I can choose my own time frame and set my price. I probably work harder for myself knowing that if I don;t do something them no one else will. I’m amazed at how my novel Tall, Dark and Kilted is finally taking off – it has to be a slow burn, I guess, because we don’t have the big guns belonging to publishers to launch us. One downside is that we can’t get our novels reviewed in any of the major women’s mags in the UK. But I sense that is changing. I kept changing and altering my ms to please publishers and agents and reviewers and got no where. I self published in October last year and haven;t looked back. What I would say, however, is that if anyone’s contemplating self-pubbing and isn’t prepared to embrace social media in all its many forms then they’re finished before they’ve even started. This is my take on SP as a UK indie author, it might well be totally different in the US. Good luck with it, all the goddesses are right behind you,.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, thank you so much, Lizzie! 🙂
Michelle Rattigan says
Congrats Isabella! Reaching a life changing decision like that is never easy.But, I have to say I think it’s a great one! Self published authors are an independent, strong, talented bunch(who I also hope to join someday soon.) The industry has changed so much in the last ten years and new, exciting self pubbed authors are coming up through the ranks and taking best sellers lists by storm. I personally will not even attempt the trad route I love the freedom that self publishing gives an author. I love your blogs and cannot wait to buy your books! You’re a talented, funny girl with lots of readers at your disposal, go work it;)
Much love,
Michelle.x Co. Clare, Ireland.
Isabella Louise Anderson says
Aww, Thank you so much!!!