Because "New York" Is Dragging Their Heels

My original title was "Because New York Will Never Want You" - harsh, I know.  But that's what I thought getting published by anything but a traditional publisher was not so long ago.  My goals were fairly specific, they still are - write the best story I can and make a career publishing.  But it's self-publishing that I'm speaking of and I cringe when I read that original title now, but it's what I thought - then.

Things have changed in the publishing world and by default that has all tumbled down to the lonely world of the writer - even to this writer currently propped on her couch at 6:50 a.m. doing what I do - type.  Yes, the publishing world has radically changed,  even though I've seen it changing around me it was like I woke up one morning to an all new world.  Kind of like that first snow, one minute you're having margaritas on the deck and the next you're foraging through your winter clothes and wading into a world of ear-nipping white.

So now that change is officially here I thought there must be some way it can work for me.  I've previously discounted any thoughts of self publishing except maybe for a dog food recipe book but that - really, is another story and one you may not want to hear.  I know Rourke, from his curled ball of red fur at my feet, is in no mood to hear that there's thought to sharing those delectable salmon crunch cookies with anyone but him - never mind his Breakfast Over Easy.

Seriously, I'm contemplating what self-publishing means - not as a career but as the path for one story.  I know it doesn't guarantee any level of success and marketing comes with its own set of challenges.  The self-publishing market is awash with books that should never have been published for one reason or another but its also populated by some excellent reads too.  The Saskatchewan Writers Guild seems to have a good number of authors who are creating careers as self published authors, or in some cases, a combination of traditional and self-published.  That opened my eyes to opportunities.  For me it's not a career route but it's definitely a possibility as part of the journey.

Besides, it's a new world and it might be nice to dive into that sea of change just - well, to test it out and because I have a story that's hit the reject button with every publisher it fit both medium and large.   I didn't go to small press - I considered it and then I rejected that idea.  I know what that entails - I've been there before. 

I'll always have a soft spot for the small press world and I can't say I won't visit again with another story suited more to that world than any other.  Small press is a great experience, totally hands on, that delivers a fantastic product - just take a look at those covers.  From acceptance to publication, I can't imagine a better experience.  And, of course, they were my first.  That OMG moment when you do the long awaited little jig and realize that someone has finally said yes, that moment when you realize you are going to be a published author, for me, that all belongs to the world of the small press.  I'd love to go there again - wait, I did.  But a third time, for all the joy of publication, of readers discovering you and continuing the journey with another book - there's downsides too.  And at this point in my career, maybe this is a chance to take matters into my own hands and take a different look at publication and marketing. 

But back to the story in question.  It's a tale of suspense and romance in the jungles of Borneo.  It's a good story, at least I think so - I sure fought to make it one of the best - one I want to share. Those that have read it enjoyed it, even called it a favourite - or at least they told me so.  One publisher hinted that it just wasn't marketable in this climate.  Okay, what does that mean?  Darn it - I want to give this story a chance.  Stories are meant to be read.  So while I still want the traditional route, maybe this time I'll consider an alternative. It's an experiment that is still under consideration. 

And BTW - should "New York" come calling, I have no qualms about dancing that jig once again.

Any thoughts of stepping out of your "norm" this week?
 

Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com