Expressly Forbidden

I’ve been expressly forbidden by my beta readers to edit while they’re working on their notes, which gives me time to work on my other project, Dragon Soul. There’s also a book haul I just came home with yesterday to dive into. Yay for free time….

This forbidding me to meddle in my work also gives me time to research agents and those few publishers who take direct submissions. I’ve been thinking I’d like to try to traditionally publish before taking on the daunting task of becoming an expert marketer. Marketing seems more stressful to me than writing cover letters and waiting for months by the mailbox.

What really is it?

I started this idea of Stealing Shade Productions years ago, as a platform to keep me focused. It’s mostly been a failure, but I do maintain a soft spot in my heart for the idea of using it as a place where my work, and maybe even others, can rest on electronic bookshelves for others to stop by and read.  As my budget over the last few years has been measly, most of my reading has come in the guise of free books, and those under $3. I’ve found that there really are A LOT of fantastic things being done by independents. Some of them are even making a living writing! Can you imagine?!??!

As my budget over the last few years has been measly, most of my reading has come in the guise of free books, and those under $3. I’ve found that there really are A LOT of fantastic things being done by independents. Some of them are even making a living writing! Can you imagine?!??! Maybe that could even be me?!

But what is the “key?” What really is it that sets these success stories apart from the others?

I’ve been looking into self-marketing for years, and while I “know” a lot of the things everyone says, I’ve yet to implement anything successfully. I’ve also never been willing to put more than $20 into any marketing plan. I feel maybe there’s a correlation there?

Do I have a point here?

I don’t really have a point here. I’m trying to think through my thoughts on the matter. Maybe it’s time to hire an actual expert. But, is there an actual expert? There is never a guarantee in capitalism/marketing, right? All the things that worked for you, may not work for me. There, I think, is the crux. It’s that major point that shuts me down. If I knew I was on the right path, I feel I’d be good at following a plan. Since my plan comes from a place of unknowing, I just freeze-up.

At the end of the day, we all just need to decide to swim, or get out of the pool, yes?