Look at all them tags up there. Anyone would think I’ve got something to say. I guess I do. Finally.
If you’ve stuck around the last few years, thank you. You’ll also know they haven’t been easy for me. The dream of publishing coupled with some scary mental health issues have meant that, well, things got a bit dicky for a while. It was a bit of a nightmare.
But I have news.
I got the rights back for my books. That means: I own them again. By now, they should have all been removed from sales channels. And I guess that makes the original (second?) paperback versions now ... limited editions? I’ll crayon in them. You can sell them on eBay. It’ll pay for a Happy Meal.
That these books will no longer be on sale is not a bad thing. Honestly, it’s fab. Let me explain a few things - and I’ll try and be as magnanimous as possible.
My books weren’t selling. I can already hear you shouting at your screen: ‘Nobody has to buy them’. I agree with you. I’m incredibly self conscious about the whole marketing thing. I hate the idea of pushing my books onto people - even though needs must. It feels like screaming into the void - but I hate even more that I was getting no support in that area. I’d rather be a failure off my own back than be hogtied by a Corporate Ghost (hello, Uncle Rupert) - and that was the rub.
There was a clause in my contract that specified once my books were earning ‘not enough’ and available for a certain period of time, I could apply to have my rights reverted. That means: no more publisher, lots more self-publishing. Instead of being terrified at the prospect of being un-contracted, I’m excited.
The last few weeks have seen an absolute outback onion bloom of ideas springing forth. There are book titles, concepts, series ideas, and not enough to get it all out at once. So, let me share some stuff with you. Here’s where I’m hoping to change things up.
A revamped newsletter:
I’m sure nobody needs to hear from me every month. That, and I really don’t have enough exciting stories to fill a monthly edict. I’ll be going down to quarterly newsletters. Hopefully we both enjoy them more. If you’re not already signed up, check out my homepage and drop your details in there.
A free story:
You heard it here first. I’m bundling up Tom and Isobel’s Christmas story I did on Insta in collaboration with Erin Pollock a few years back. I’ll probably even tweak it too, make it a bit more interesting.
Rewrites:
I’m going to spend a few months sitting on my titles. I’ve read your feedback - the good and the bad - and there were a stack of valid points from all angles. I’m going to use those to polish up my stories where I think I can make them stronger. It’s going to be amazing.
Partners:
Being an author is hard work. I love it, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s not easy. A lot of our time is spent behind the scenes. The months of writing, editing, proofing ... for a book that can be read in a day. I need help. So here’s the team I’m using to help me achieve amazing things.
Get in touch with them if they meet your needs, too.
Bookish Bear Services
Not only is Cheryl my bestie, she’s an amazing champion of indie authors. Services include: review screening, social media and newsletter support, and high-end admin for when you don’t have the time.
Pilcrow Design
Haven’t met Ben at Pilcrow yet? A brilliant graphic designer, he’s my first stop for book covers, teasers, bookmarks, and logos. I’ve never met anyone I can throw ‘vibes’ at, only to get the perfect cover first time around.
Element Editing Services
You won’t find a better editor than Kat Betts. I worked for her for a period as a beta reader. She’s highly skilled and respected. I learned so much from her, and can’t wait to send my work to her for that editing pull apart.
