Book Publishing Secrets
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book.
Karen: I have always been amazed by the experiences and events people are unexpectedly thrown into. They inspire me with their strength and courage, facing daunting circumstances. My career in education required a great deal of professional writing. I always wanted to take my love of thrillers and weave real-life narratives into a tapestry of suspense and intrigue.
I witnessed firsthand the tumult and recovery of the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. These events were not just historical footnotes but lived experiences that profoundly affected individuals and communities. The courage, solidarity, and determination I saw inspired me to capture these moments in a way that honors the real-life heroes who navigated through them.
Is this your first book?
Karen: This is my fourth published book. I’ve written a children’s book and three thrillers.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Karen: I self-published Blazing Upheaval through Bookbaby Publishing.
I chose to self-publish in order to maintain complete control over my work, from the content to the cover design. I can earn a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing. Self-publishing is a much faster process, allowing me to get my books to market quickly. I retain all rights to my work, allowing me to decide how my books are distributed and promoted. It provides me flexibility in pricing, marketing strategies, and the ability to update content as needed.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Karen: The pros of my publishing journey have been total creative freedom, higher earnings, speed, ownership, and a closer connection with my readers, building a personal brand.
The cons of my journey have been covering my costs of editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. I have limited access to brick-and-mortar bookstores. I am responsible for all marketing and promotional efforts. There is also the fact that some readers and reviewers may still perceive self-published books as lower quality. Bookbaby has been a great support, ensuring my books meet professional standards.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Karen: I have learned that there are more pathways to publication than ever before, allowing authors to choose what works best for them. Digital technology has transformed the industry, making it easier for authors to reach global audiences. Traditional publishers need to adapt to remain competitive. Traditional publishers still play a crucial role in curating content and maintaining quality standards. Self-publishing has empowered countless authors to share their stories and reach audiences without gatekeepers. There’s a growing sense of community among authors, publishers, and readers, fostering collaboration and support within the industry. It’s an evolving and changing market.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Karen: Absolutely!
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Karen: Don’t let anything hold you back. Start writing!!
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