Today is the first day of a new monthly blog-hop (2nd Wednesday of every month), hosted by The Indelibles.
Because being Indie doesn't have to mean going it alone.
I've been thinking of going indie for a while. I haven't jumped for a lot of reasons (most of them having to do with ignorance, and the rest is outright terror) but it's getting closer.
My writing occupies an odd niche. Sci-fi/Fantasy mix, adult, with both aliens and magic, the magic based (loosely) on science. I haven't managed to finish a straight sci-fi yet, and I have no interest in writing straight fantasy.
I've been querying, which will continue even when I take the leap into indie waters. I write, which will also continue.
Part of the reason that I continue to query is fear. It's that what if voice in the back of my head, that don't put all your eggs in one basket voice. The same voice, ironically, that tried to convince me that if I self-publish one book, even if it's only one copy, I can stop.
I stuck my tongue out at the voice and sent in something that wasn't ready just to shut it up. But as I move in the direction of Indie, it feels right. It feels like I'm at least moving in the correct direction.
For me. For some people, traditional is the only way to go.
In the last year I've designed my website, started learning about cover art (still got a long way to go on that) started learning how to convert documents into e-formats and basicallly got my feet wet. Don't know when I'll dare to dive, let alone swim, but it's coming.
I think it's good that you're learning about it as much as you can before diving in. Being educated allows you to make the best possible decision for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have a possible line on someone who has made a success at it (I have a meeting with her tomorrow) so hopefully I can get rid of more of that ignorance.
DeleteSounds like you're going about it in the right way. I learned somethings the hard way.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll learn a lot the hard way as well, but at least I won't stagnate!
DeleteBaby steps. You'll keep learning as you go and you'll be amazed at how much more you know a year from now.
ReplyDeleteAnd a year from now I'll probably be looking back at my first efforts and hitting myself in the head. :)
DeleteHard-to-categorize novels are often best suited for indie publishing. After getting several rejections for A Fine Likeness that all said essentially "we can't categorize this so our marketing department said no" I decided to go it alone. New York and London want books that fall into easy niches.
ReplyDeleteI basically write for myself (I EDIT for the market. Fine distinction) so everything I write comes out "hard to categorize." Like my sister, who writes paranormal-romantic-historical-fantasy Sc-fi. Wrote an interesting blog post at WritingSnippets that talked about that.
DeletePopped over here from the Indie Life group -- my first post has a nearly identical title as yours. Great minds! :-D Anyway, it's nice to meet you, and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
ReplyDeleteIf I can give any advice, it's this: Whatever path you choose, vow to see it through to the best of your ability. Don't go halfway. If you choose to be independent, jump in with both feet, and embrace all of the advantages and disadvantages that might come with it. (Same goes for trying the traditional route.)
You seem to have made your mind up, so go make it happen. :-)
And that title was SO hard to find! Darn!
DeleteThat it is an interesting genre blend - sci-fi with magic. Good luck to you whichever publishing route you go.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason every fantasy I write has sci-fi elements, and vice versa. Oh, well. I guess I write what I enjoy reading. :)
DeleteYou are so smart to be getting acclimated with the indie way of life, and building a support there, even before you "dive in". Way to go! Good luck with your choices!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Diving in without preparation just feels foolhardy.
DeleteWhatever path you choose I wish you the best. It's a good idea to query first and see if you get any interest from agents and publishers. I'm glad to hear you're doing that.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'll keep querying. Maybe someday they'll start responding. Actually my best "response rate" has been from sending directly to publishers.
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