Dreaming the Dream
If you follow this blog, and others like it, chances are that, like me, you’re an avid reader of mystery novels. My love of the genre started early, thanks to my mom’s parttime job in the toy department of Zeller’s department store, where, in addition to toys, they also sold children’s books. Every week, when she received her paltry paycheck for the few hours worked, she’d buy me a new book. Nancy Drew was a favorite, but there was also Trixie Belden, and Robin someone (if anyone knows her last name, please tell me!), which I remember liking. Anyway, the point is, I was hooked on mystery from a very early age.
As a teen, I discovered Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh, and by my early twenties, I’d read every book in both series. That led to the discovery of Dick Francis, John D. MacDonald, PD James, Martha Grimes, Sue Grafton, and many more.
Like many avid readers, I’d always dreamed the dream of writing my own book, though I didn’t follow that dream for decades, instead following a path of corporate finance. It wasn’t until I attended Bloody Words in 2012, a now defunct mystery conference once held biannually in Toronto, that I thought, “I’d like to try that now.”
Fast forward 11 years and I’m the author of two mystery series consisting of seven books, a few short mystery stories, and three multi-author anthologies. But the path to publication, for me at least, had many ups and downs, and the one thing I’ve learned along the way is that the world of publishing can be even more mysterious than Agatha Christie at her best (which, I’d argue, is Murder on the Orient Express).
In May of this year, I published Finding Your Path to Publication, where I share what I’ve learned about that world. No hard sell here, but if you’ve ever dreamed the dream, I’d like to think it’s a good place to start. After all, your dreams can’t go anywhere without you and neither can your book.
The road to publishing is paved with good intentions…and horror stories of authors who had to learn the hard way.
For the emerging author, the publishing world can be overwhelming. You’ve written the book, and you’re ready to share it with the world, but don’t know where to start. Traditional, independent press, hybrid, self-publishing, and online social platforms—all are valid publishing paths. The question is, which one is right for you?
Finding Your Path to Publication is an introduction to an industry that remains a mystery to those on the outside. Learn how each publishing option works, what to expect from the process start to finish, how to identify red flags, and avoid common pitfalls. With statistics, examples, and helpful resources compiled by an industry insider who’s been down a few of these paths, this is your roadmap to decide which path you’d like to explore, and where to begin your author journey.
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4 comments:
Thanks for hosting me today Lois. Readers, I am happy to try to answer any question on publishing paths or related subjects. And if anyone knows Robin who....please let me know! It's become one of those ear worm kinda things.
Judy, you won my heart the moment you said that getting published is as much a mystery as any mystery book. I love it. My Mom read me and my little sister Nancy Drew. It is one of my fondest childhood memories. Thanks for this post's unique connecting of the dots. Your story is indeed winding, and in being so is also inspirational. Thank you.
Thank you Pamela! I appreciate you saying so.
Judy, you're always welcome at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers. Come back anytime!
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