I’ve always been curious about the self-publishing path. We craft our novels from the very first word to the complete product, so it’s only natural to want to keep an element of control over the marketing and distribution process that follows.
I had the pleasure of reading Fran’s debut novel, Disappearing in Plain Sight a few months back. Her latest novel, The Light Never Lies, is the next book in her Crater Lake series and she’s here to share her lesson’s learned publishing the second time around. Thanks Francis.
A big thank you to Gemma for inviting me to guest post on Top of the Slush Pile – naturally, the place we all want to be. Gemma asked the question – is it easier to self-publish a second novel? My answer is yes and no, different and the same! How is that for a fence-sitting? I’ll break down my response into three key areas – production (going from finished copy to book available for sale), anxiety, marketing and promotion.
Production:
Easier – no! I used an assisted self-publisher for my first novel and that meant paying out a chunk of money and letting someone else do the work. I sat at home and waited for them to tell me when the book was available.
Easier – yes! For my second novel, I controlled the entire process. I came up with and registered an imprint name – Huckleberry Haven Publishing. I got my own ISBN’s. I registered for exception from US tax holdback. I purchased a book cover program and my husband designed the cover for the novel. I did my own formatting for the softcover and found someone to do the ebook formatting. I created my accounts on Kindle and CreateSpace and loaded up my own files. It sounds like a lot of work but compared to the stress of having no say in the process, it was a breeze.
Anxiety:
Easier – no, just different! The first time out of the chute as a self-published author, I didn’t know what to expect. No such luxury, this time. Then there is the anxiety around hoping the second novel in the series won’t disappoint. I believe it is a much stronger book in terms of content and construction. After all, as a writer, if my craft isn’t improving then what is the point? But will others agree?
Easier – no, much the same! The anxiety about building momentum for early sales and reviews is oh so familiar. No matter how many books one publishes, I suspect this type of anxiety will always be a factor.
Promotion and Marketing:
Easier – absolutely! There isn’t any comparison and no fence-sitting on this one. With my first novel, I was starting from scratch. The only thing I had going for me was that I was already blogging and had established a presence in the blog world. I made more than a few missteps that cost me dollars I didn’t really have. With my second novel, I’m older and wiser and that makes everything so much easier.
I sell a good number of softcover books via my local market. It took a while to establish selling relationships with various stores but once that was in place, copies of Disappearing in Plain Sight made their way steadily off the shelves and into the hands of readers. With my second novel, those vendor relationships are firm because my first book was a tried and tested commodity. The Light Never Lies went out to stores within a week of arriving on our doorstep.
In terms of promoting e-sales, I have a year’s worth of experience managing my social media platforms and making them work for me. Plugging a new book into my routine is so much easier than it was to set everything up in the first place.
Final word:
Self-publishing the second time around puts me in mind of a question a pregnant woman, waiting for the birth of her second child, might ask of a friend who already has two kids. Is it easier the second time? I imagine the mom of two children might answer as I have – yes and no, it’s different and the same.
Author Francis Guenette
Francis Guenette has spent most of her life on the west coast of British Columbia. She lives with her husband and finds inspiration for writing in the beauty and drama of their lakeshore cabin and garden. She has a graduate degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She has worked as an educator, trauma counsellor and researcher. The Light Never Lies is her second novel. Francis blogs over at Disappearing In Plain Sight and maintains a Facebook author page. Please stop by and say hello.
As circumstances spiral out of control, Lisa-Marie is desperate to return to Crater Lake. The young girl’s resolve is strengthened when she learns that Justin Roberts is headed there for a summer job at the local sawmill. Her sudden appearance causes turmoil. The mere sight of Lisa-Marie upsets the relationship Liam Collins has with trauma counsellor, Izzy Montgomery. All he wants to do is love Izzy, potter in the garden and mind the chickens. Bethany struggles with her own issues as Beulah hits a brick wall in her efforts to keep the organic bakery and her own life running smoothly. A native elder and a young boy who possesses a rare gift show up seeking family. A mystery writer arrives to rent the guest cabin and a former client returns looking for Izzy’s help. Life is never dull for those who live on the secluded shores of Crater Lake. Set against the backdrop of Northern Vancouver Island, The Light Never Lies is a story of heartbreaking need and desperate measures. People grapple with the loss of cherished ideals to discover that love comes through the unique family ties they create as they go.
