On 1 January 2004, I received my very first writing contract. It was for Aislyn, a paranormal romance that is currently available from New Concepts Publishing. I remember the excitement, the pounding heart and trembling fingers, the shriek that rippled from my mouth and caused both my husband and Scotty to come running. Finally, I managed to babble coherently enough for hubby to understand I’d sold a book. I love writing, and each successive sale still holds the same excitement and thrill for me.
It took me six years to sell my first book. Most of my friends were targeting Harlequin, and I did too. At the time e-publishing was fairly new and unknown to most people. In hindsight, I wish I’d tried e-publishing a lot sooner, because I love the artistic freedom and the way everything happens so quickly in the e-world. The last year before I received my first contract was full of rejections. I had some requests for full manuscripts and did well in competitions, but ultimately received a rejection.
2004 started my journey as a published writer. Since then, I’ve received some great reviews, some not so great and enjoyed every moment. I’ve learned about promo and the fact a writer is only as good as their last book.
All along, at the back of my mind, I’ve wanted to sell to a New York publisher. Like many others I’d like to walk into a book store and see my book on the shelf, and the wider distribution wouldn’t hurt at all. During 2009, I worked hard with this goal in mind. Unfortunately, the rejections have poured in, and I have to admit I’m discouraged. My joy of writing left me during 2009 and for a lot of the time, it was just a hard slog. During the last week, I’ve come to a decision. I’m giving up submitting manuscripts to agents and New York publishers for the next year at least. I want to rediscover the pure joy of writing and creating characters without worrying about them being outside-the-box. I want to sit down and translate my ideas into writing, whatever genre they might be, without worrying if they’re marketable for New York publishers.
I don’t think either way of publishing is right or wrong. They’re different, that’s all. I’m giving my muse permission to fly free, and I’ll see what happens. I think as more and more people purchase e-readers, those who are e-published will find an audience, and I know from experience that a New York contract doesn’t necessarily equal big bucks. There are many authors who don’t earn out their advances. My Medallion titles certainly didn’t. Despite the problems with piracy, I’m probably still earning more than many authors who are traditionally published.
I’m actually happy with my decision. I’m bursting with ideas, plus I have three series underway with Ellora’s Cave and another starting with Samhain Publishing. I certainly have plenty to work on in the upcoming months. Each writer’s journey is different, and though I’m stepping outside the accepted normal path, I really am excited about what the upcoming year will bring.
Do you have writing goals for 2010? For my reader visitors – in the upcoming year, do you think you will buy more e-books or will you continue to purchase from a traditional bookshop? Do you purchase most of your books online or get them at your favorite bookstore?
