This is a first for my Epubbing.com: a guest blogger.
Today, I’m jazzed to introduce Leanne Dyck, another West Coast islander and a talented, determined and gutsy BC author.
Leanne made the difficult but ultimately positive decision to self-publish her novels. Today, in the first of two posts, she’ll begin explaining how and why.
Self-Publishing a Book
Mark Twain did. Why would you? Why did I self-publish?
My reasons were two-fold: to retain control and for educational purposes.
1999 was a tremulous year for me. The death of my mom sent me into a deep depression. Seeking a place to heal, my husband and I moved to Mayne Island. It was on this magical island that I began to rebuild my life. I longed to learn more about my new home and found Marie Elliot’s writing. Her article “The Japanese of Mayne Island” seeded my imagination and I began to write Maynely A Mystery.
As I wrote, my vision for this book grew clear. I knew who my target reader was and I felt I knew how to reach them.
I grew wary of involving someone else in my plans. Would they love this book as much as I do? Would I have to compromise my vision? Fearing the worse, I felt self-publishing was the only solution.
The longer I considered this route the more benefits I saw. I’d never written or published a book. Self-publishing would educate me on all aspects of the industry from designing the cover to marketing.
Maynely a Mystery
In June 2009, I self-published Maynely A Mystery. My target readers did find me.
Here’s a review:
“Rumours of gold, a secret lover, ghosts and other mysteries create a labyrinth of intrigue as Maynely A Mystery traces the lives of the story’s animated eccentric characters. Author Leanne Dyck knows her craft, her audience, and her setting. Her novel provides a voyeuristic glimpse into human character and island life.’” Terrill Welch (Leading Raspberry Jam Visions: Women’s Way)
Maynely A Mystery is sold in bookstores on Mayne Island, Salt Spring Island, and McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
I’m thrilled at the success my cozy mystery has achieved.
Would I self-publish again? Yes, but…
It’s expensive. It costs approximately seven dollars to print each copy.
There is, of course, a solution to print: ebooks. Ebook publishers, such as Smashwords, take a percentage of sales.
The other problem I encountered in self-publishing was marketing. I didn’t hesitate to think outside the box. I organized a book launch/party. I contacted magazines, radio stations, ezines, and book reviewers. I visited bookstores. However, with my limited resources and sales skills I meet roadblock after roadblock.
Frustrated, I sought an alternative. Where did this search take me? Please read my next post, to be published soon.
The Sweater Curse
Leanne’s next book, The Sweater Curse, will be released by Decadent Publishing on November 12th.
It explores the birth, life, death and possible redemption of kick-ass knitwear designer Gwen Bjarnson.
Bet those knitting needles stitch some intriguing tangles! Drop that ball of wool and check out Leanne’s work.
