My first book contract offer landed in my email inbox in 2009. I jumped around the house like my pants were on fire. Seeing an offer, the thrill of putting your creation out for others to enjoy, never gets old. I stuck with my publisher for eleven years. There is a comfort level in dealing with the same entity, especially if there are excellent editors and a friendly staff with which to work. They listened to me when I wanted my series handled differently. I chose a cover artist and was able to establish a rapport with her. The editor I had for my first book was wonderful but was also a writer and left soon after my book was published. The next editor saw me through the subsequent ten years. She helped me like a mentor and improved my writing skills. I’ll forever be thankful for the years we worked together. One of the things that changed in my life was she moved on to another career and quit editing for my publisher.
Twelve books and eleven years later, I’m embarked on a new adventure in the publishing world.
Many authors have self-published for years. I stuck with traditional publishing for various reasons. Designing a cover, getting the book edited, formatting a book and then uploading onto Amazon seemed daunting. I was scared. My author friends who have self-published and wouldn’t have it any other way, encouraged me. More control over your own path they told me.
In the last two years, some events transpired and a few things happened in my life that made me rethink my career path. I needed a change. I’m now an editor as well as an author. In addition to editing for a publisher, I have a good freelance editing business. Helping authors shape their stories and polish their books gives me immense satisfaction. And for some reason, that gave me the impetus to consider self-publishing a new series. Also taken into account…a friend has gone into the book designing business. How convenient. An editor I know was available to edit for me, not to mention my critique partners are multi-published and excellent proofers. I could get my book polished. I would never, ever publish a book without an editor. And then the biggest thing—I sucked up my fear.
I’m still on the learning curve even though two books in this series are out in the world, but I’m confident The Mackenzie Chronicles book 1 and 2 are polished products. Secrets of The Ravine released on September 15, 2020. Mystery on Spirit Mountain released September 15, 2021. Yet again, on both days, I jumped around the house like my pants were on fire. Publishing a book is exciting no matter how I do it.
The lies can haunt.
The truth can kill.
When a ringer for her long-dead love walks into her life the same day skeletal remains are unearthed, Magpie MacKenzie can’t ignore the universe’s warning…solve the mystery or become the next victim.
After Lawyer Zack Peartree visits purportedly haunted Joshua, Arizona, he’s instantly drawn to the free-wheeling shopkeeper. His attraction thrusts him into a dangerous present embroiled in her past.
Using clues from her father’s life and Zack’s déjà vu moments, the couple plunge into a treacherous race to save love and avoid a murderous fate.
The past never sleeps.
The truth never dies.
Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled
history of the Big Purple House. When he’s hired to restore the historical
mansion, he doesn’t foresee the secrets—secrets that entangle his family in
deceit and murder.
Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her
family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan
escalates, she puts her values on the line and chances losing him.
After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are thrown on a dangerous path, not only risking love but possibly their lives.
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Self-publishing was scary at first. But after working with both a small publisher and a large publisher, I'm happiest having control of my own books. And it's actually been far more profitable. Everyone has to take their own journey in their own time. I really hope you find satisfaction in your new venture, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteSo far so good, Jannine. And you might guess you are one of those "author friends" mentioned. Thanks!
DeleteThank you for the excellent perspective Brenda!
ReplyDeleteGlad you thought so, V.
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