Seeing a dream fulfilled is worth more than money. Way more,
in my estimation.
I could have waited the rest of my life, hoping for a nod
from an agent, and never published my book. That’s the road I was headed down.
I’d already given up a couple of times.
Now, six weeks after independently publishing my book,
family and friends and new acquaintances are reading Winter’s Past and sharing their feelings about this story of 2nd
chances. Holding my book in my hands would not have happened had I waited for
more years to pass, just hoping for an open door (or window) in the publishing world.
Instead, I’ve joined
the ranks of Indie writers around the world who can say they’ve taken matters
into their own hands and their books are now published. And, I’m happy to say,
the journey wasn’t that difficult.
After I published Winter’s
Past, it seemed like people all around me were talking about the books they
wanted to have published. Friends have been working on ideas for years, hoping
for their someday-chance, but, so far, they haven’t seen their hopes fulfilled.
And time is passing. Could they still get their book of short stories or
devotions published? Is marketing possible beyond close family and friends?
YES! By all means.
But it all starts with making a decision. Should you go the
indie publishing route? It really comes down to what your goals are. If you
hope to make loads of money, writing may not be the best choice. Not that there
isn’t money in writing, but it will take time and a lot of diligence. For me,
getting my book into the hands of readers has been the biggest thrill. Knowing
that tonight someone is reading my book and perhaps the story is touching his or her life means everything.
Has writing a book been in your heart for as long as you can
remember? Do you still long to hold your story in your hands? If so, don’t let
anything—money included—stand in your way.
If you’re not adverse to hard work, and you have the time to
put into it, why not start today?
Of course, it would be a lot easier if you could snag the attention
of an agent. And maybe, you should go down that road first. Just so that
somewhere along life’s path, you never regret “not” having tried the big time.
On the other hand, you could make a decision to be an indie
writer and purposefully pursue that dream, doing the work yourself, and within a
planned time (like three months to a year) you could be holding your book in
your hands and selling books to friends, family, and new acquaintances through
social media and word-of-mouth marketing. The only limit is yourself.
So, if you’re thinking seriously about becoming a published
author, what’s the next step?
Dig that old manuscript out of the drawer and start editing
with a fresh viewpoint and a new fervor. If you haven’t written the story that’s played over and
over in your mind, start writing tonight. What’s to stop you? Nothing! That’s
what.
Today's a new day with brand new opportunities. You can make your dream of writing a book come true. I did!
Check out Winter’s
Past at http://www.maryehanks.com
A great website for practical advice about indie publishing
is www.self-publishing-coach.com
