04/08/2011
Self-pubbed Rhythm and Blue
a little over a month ago, and so far, I’ve sold enough copies to take my family out to McDonalds— twice if we order from the kid’s menu. I’ve had some great reviews from friends (thank you so much), and some from people I don’t know, yet that seems to have no effect.
I’m on my fourth cover, and while the latest cover has improved sample downloads, it has not improved sales. Additionally, I’ve played around with the sample percentage I offer to perspective readers. Nothing. I have now lowered the price to see if that has any effect. I’ll give it a few weeks at the new price and see if that makes a difference.
Meanwhile, I’ve been dragging my feet on the print release because I’m hoping to get some input from a carefully chosen professional editor to tighten the story. I think it’s a great story (of course I do), but I also think it could be much better, and I need some input as to how to go about that. Unfortunately, few good editors are willing to work pro bono- go figure! Although I haven’t tried offering a cut of any future sales, my gut tells me that wouldn’t fly either.
Anyone who has read it knows that the overall feel of the story changes dramatically from start to finish, and maybe that is my fatal flaw. I tried to give a glimpse of later parts of the book at the start, but maybe it’s not enough. Perhaps it’s just bad writing; at this point, I don’t know what to think, and I’m so tired of screwing around with it. Many of my writer friends tell me to just move on, but I can’t do that. Rhythm in Blue will always be my baby, no matter what I do from here on out.
I’m courting a couple of Indie rock bands in hopes of obtaining some musical rights for a book trailer. Can’t really see having a book trailer about a rock star using classical music; it just doesn’t fit. If anyone knows someone who wants to get some music out there in a new way, let me know!
On a brighter note, I will be having author Jenn Nixon do a guest blog on May 6th! I’m very excited about that, as I’ve never had a guest blogger before, and I’m curious to see how that goes. Might be something I’ll have to think about doing more often.
And so the odyssey continues…all a process of trial and error, but I knew that going in.
tfc Parks 
Don’t give up on it, Tammy. From a reader’s perspective, I can honestly say I think the novel has merit. It is also true what others say about moving on. I do the same thing with my own novel, having gone back at least another six times to post updates and edits. But, the best thing you can do at this point is to delve into a new project. Go with your gut, experiment. I’m currently trying my hand in the erotica genre (prompted by the success of another author) and am not sure if it is my cup of tea, but I’ll stick with it until I’ve published ten stories within that genre. If nothing else, the experience is teaching me more about writing to market and marketing my own work.
Bottom line is that this is your first novel and are still an unknown author. It will take some time, but I wholeheartedly believe your talent will be recognized. Until then, keep working and writing because I simply cannot wait to read more from you. I’ll be the first in line to buy your next story. (still dragging my feet on sending you my thoughts on the thing you sent me, BTW)
It’s almost funny, although not in a ha ha sort of way, that my first contemporary erotica piece (16K words) has sold more in four days than my more serious work sold in four months. Sad, really. I’m still an unknown author with the ability to have fun with writing, experimenting, and enjoying playing God with my characters.
Don’t ever lose faith in you own ability. You are tremendously talented, and I’m sure I’m not the only one to tell you. It’s just that the publishing world is cold, vindictive, and fickle. Remember, writers like you will make it through will and perserverance, writers like Stephanie Meyer made it because her story made a good movie – not through her talent as a writer.
Thanks Ellison, I appreciate your encouragement! As for that other thing I sent you, it’s off and running through the fields with a life of its own, lol.