A few years ago, I had two books traditionally published and the results were mixed. The sales for my debut were great, which is why I was confused when my publisher did nothing to promote my second book. Writers tend not to discuss their experience once they get published, which can make it even more mysterious to those who are trying to make it. It's hard to pass along what you've learned if you're worried about pissing off those in power.
I'll do my best to walk the line.
I did things backwards- finding a publisher before I had an agent. I paid an agent to look over my contract, but going forward I didn't have an advocate to make sure the contract was enforced. In the future, I will not work with a publisher unagented. It isn't that the publisher is evil, but it isn't their job to look out for your best interests.
Getting that agent to help negotiate the contract may have been the best $100 I ever spent. Instead of allowing my publisher to hold the rights for my book for ten years, I get them back in two. This means I can rerelease A Long Thaw, the book my publisher didn't promote, and see if I can do a better job.
The book has already been professionally edited and the interior Kindle files were already formatted, so putting it up on Amazon has been a cinch. Tomorrow, I'll share more about the process of getting a new cover. And I'll have a link to the book!
If Amazon disappoints you as much as they did me, try B&N or, better yet, Smashwords. You have to do all your own promotion, but Amazon is far worse, in my case, than expected. They also want you to give them far too much in the way of rights. They want all rights and leave you none. Read their contract very carefully.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! - CD Moulton
thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteDraft 2 Digital has done more for me in 3 months than Smashwords in 3 years.
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