Advice to Writers: Do not burn your bridges.

Advice to Writers: Do not burn your bridges. And try to be kind...always.

For self-published authors and entrepreneurs, one of the hardest things to find are freelancers and independent contractors who perform exactly as they claim. The tendency for us when we look for service providers is to put them on blast when they do not meet our expectations. But the funny thing about the Self-published Indie Author is this: we are our company in the flesh...and more often than not, the entire entity. Our entire enterprise might be on our laptops with us praying for a strong mind, perfect health, and reliable Antivirus software.

This past Summer, I had set a deadline for me to release Graffiti Mural by June and had even done some advertising to that effect. It had already been edited, I reached out to a couple proofreaders. Unfortunately (and fortunately you'll soon find out why) for me, the corrected copy was not ready by my anticipated release date. To make matters worse, it so happened that in the midst of all of that preparation and waiting, my computer crashed, taking my Graffiti Mural with it...along with all my other writing. 

I spent the Summer still doing what I could to recover those documents, hoping they could be salvaged. Nonetheless, the file of Graffiti Mural that I was able to upload and release was the file that had been forwarded to me from the proofreader who had been a month late! She was late proofreading the draft but right on time with the only updated edited copy.

So be kind. You never know how kindness will return to you.

Another blessing: my friend and a colleague, a tech expert, somehow recovered all my files. Thanks again, Open Choice IT!

HOW VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN AUTHORS BUILD A FOLLOWING

HOW DOES WORD GET AROUND ABOUT UNKNOWN AUTHORS NOWADAYS?

Years ago, the assumption was that by doing the very best writing, books would just fly off the shelf. I know I had the very best intentions and was motivated. I soon learned to fully understand terms that had once only been concepts defined to me in a college business class: buzz, demand, brand recognition, differentiation, quality assurance, dependability, deliverables, and how advances in technology can alter an industry at large. 

For authors, our customers are readers. Nowadays, with an industry steeped with FREE options, we have to do everything in our power, via the social media dance however awkward, to emerge to the forefront of their decision and let sample and assess for them. They need to see for themselves why and how an unknown can deliver something special.

FREE KINDLE (November 25th; 26th)

LINK: http://ow.ly/OSGrS

 

Writing is art. Book Publishing is a business. Many of the errors I have made along my self-publishing journey arise out of my passion for the art. But at the end of the day, I have to remember...no, I have to constantly remind myself (as an artist) that the Book Publishing business too...is bean counting. Cause and effect. Observing trends, changing approach, and tabulating results.

One decision I am proud to have made, though, is not taking short cuts. Doing everything in connection with this project with integrity. I had always felt writing was my gift, my blessing, and as such, I needed to be responsible with my gift so that God could continue to bless my endeavors. I wasn't just responsible, I was extra careful, turning down many opportunities that could have paid my bills quick. But I trust and stand firm.

I know what I am up against. But now, and yeassss, it has taken me almost this long to finally get it, I am NO ARMY of one. Again, I blame my do-it-yourself/if-you-want-something-done-right mentality on Lonely-Only Child Syndrome (a completely self-diagnosed condition and one whose name I coined myself, but other only children will definitely 'get it'). Growing up without siblings, there were long stretches of childhood where my whole world consisted of me and my own active imagination, finding the answers to satisfy my advanced curiosity. But, as smart as I think I am, I've learned that I don't have ALL the answers. 

There are others who are passionate and gifted in those areas that have challenged me. There are others who notice things that I don't notice and care enough to alert me to dangers. There are others who may not know me personally, but respect what I have been doing or how I've been doing it. There are those who are willing to extend their energy, generosity, advice, kindness, network. There are those who believe in me and what I am doing. There are those who love my work. There are those who love me....just because. There are those who love me...in spite of. I am not alone.

And if, by some chance, I were to ascribe every instance of generosity and attach it with a debt, I would spend the rest of my life returning favors and still owing. But today, I humbly accept the blessings that come my way and recognize them as such. Blessings.