 | 16 Jul 10 |
I’d like to welcome my very dear friend, fabulous crit partner, and very talented author, Edie Ramer to the MSW House!
Huge thanks to Karin for inviting me here today. In her invite, she suggested I write about my journey to being an indie author. The thing is, www.edieramer.com/books/cattitude won’t be on Kindle, Smashwords, etc. for a few weeks yet, and I thought maybe I should wait until it’s out. Then I came to my senses and emailed her back and said “Yes, thank you, Goddess Karin.” (I didn’t really call her a goddess, but she is.) This is a great opportunity and I’m not saying no to opportunities.
That’s kind of how my journey started six years ago, with an opportunity to join a critique group, and Karin and I became CPs. I was published in mystery short stories, but I’d switched from mysteries to romance. I was writing my second romance, CATTITUDE. Not long after it was done, I found an agent. She shopped it to all the NY houses but couldn’t sell it. Within a year, she quit the business and I was working on a different book. And another book. And another.
My goal was to sell to a print pub. When friends were giving up on print and selling to e-pubs, I wouldn’t do it. It’s not that I disdain e-books, but it wasn’t my dream. Along the way, I won contests with 4 different books and was an American Title V finalist. I’ve come close to selling. I get rejection letters telling me to send the next book. I must be one of the most stubborn people in the world, because I kept slogging onward, thinking if I just wrote a better book with a better hook it would happen.
That’s like skipping along the same street each day and falling down the hole. Knowledge changed me. I write the Industry News column for the <a href=”http://www.rwa-wf.com/”>RWA-WF chapter</a>, so I was searching for any news about the business. The biggest thing in the publishing industry lately is digital books and independent publishing. I’m not talking about e-pubs (though there’s nothing wrong with that), but about self-publishing.
I started reading Dean Wesley Smith’s <a href=”http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?page_id=860″>Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing</a> posts. They aren’t about indie publishing, but about taking control of your career. I also kept running into <a href=”http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/”>J.A. Konrath’s blogs</a>, in which he talks about making more money with his self-pubbed Kindle books than his traditionally published books.
I can remember writing in one of the Industry News posts that Konrath does so well because he’s already published and people know his name and reputation. But then he interviewed <a href=”http://www.karenmcquestion.com/”>Karen McQuestion</a>. She was an unpublished writer who put her books on Kindle about a year previously. In that one year, she outsold Konrath and she’s the first self-published writer to have a book optioned for film.
That blew away my excuses. As soon as I read that blog, I decided to self-publish CATTITUDE. Of all the books on my website, that’s the one people ask about. It’s another opportunity I’m saying, yes to. I’m not walking down that same street with the big hole in it anymore, I’m skipping down a new street.
Because I don’t have an editor, I asked writer friends to look at my book. My first beta reader said she could see why my agent had a hard time placing it. “It’s too sweet for a ‘true’ RS, and too romancy for a mystery, and not dark enough to call it ‘paranormal’. It’s too in-between and different to fit most genres.”
She’s right, and I feel such relief that I made this decision. For good or bad, I’m taking control of my own career. I’m being proactive, and it’s energizing and exciting. The market for print books seems to be shrinking. So are advances. Self-publishing is an opportunity I can’t say, no to.
Since I’ve announced what I’m doing, other writers have told me they’re considering self-publishing or they’re going to watch to see how it works out for me. Published writers as well as unpublished. I’m curious whether any of you are thinking of self-publishing, even if it’s out-of-print books. Has your opinion of indie publishing changed recently?
<a href=”http://edieramer.com”>Edie Ramer http://edieramer.com</a>
Karin here, I read CATTITUDE many years ago, I loved it then, I love it now. I can’t wait for it to go live! Edie, thank you!
© 2010 Karin Tabke. All rights reserved.
A Cop’s Wife Writes the Cop’s Life:
Award winning author, Karin Tabke isn’t just another author with steamy stories to tell, but a cop’s wife who has “seen it all and heard it all.” Some of the hottest stories come from behind the blue wall of law enforcement rather than from in front. Married to a street cop, now retired, Karin is intimate with both and proves it with her sizzling tales and hot cops. Not only are her cops hot, but so are her sexy knights. Karin’s Blood Sword Legacy series is a must read for anyone who loves tales of yore when men were men and women were women, and love did conqueror all!
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This is a great example of “taking charge” and “being proactive” and recognizing the value in one’s own work! Congrats on publishing Cattitude, Edie. It sounds wonderful!
by Virna July 16th, 2010 at 2:31 amWow! Edie, what an awesome journey you’ve had! Congratulations!
by Debra Webb July 16th, 2010 at 6:38 amVirna, that’s how I feel. I think there are slots in the industry and I kept falling through them. Now I’m making my own thoughts.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 6:54 amDebra, thanks! The new part of my journey is just about to begin.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 6:55 amKarin, thank you for having me as a guest at MSW. You’re my role model!
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 7:00 amSeriously, pre-order Cattitude NOW. I loved the story. It’s fun, it’s fresh and it’s cat-agist (okay, sorry attempt at humor.. . coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)
by Margaret A. Golla July 16th, 2010 at 7:17 amMargaret
beta reader
[...] Murder She Writes is Friday, and she asked if I would guest. So I said yes, thank you. My blog on Saying Yes to Opportunity is up now. I’m talking about my journey into indie publishing. Stop off and say hi if you get [...]
by The Cat Cave » Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 7:56 amMargaret, SMOOCH! You’re a fabulous friend and beta reader.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 7:57 amEdie, as a friend who has followed along your journey with you, I am so excited. You have been so close so many times. Finding a home for this story (that sounds wonderful, BTW,) is awesome. As writers, we have to do what is best for our careers, and I believe publishing in any market is a step in the right direction.
Kudos for having the courage to be one of the first (at least the first I know) to go this route in today’s market. A lot of us will be watching…and cheering for what I know is the beginning of a long and successful career.
by Liz Lipperman July 16th, 2010 at 8:30 amLiz, a friend, Zoe Winters, went indie 2 years ago, and she’s doing pretty good. So she’s been a role model on this for me. That’s a huge help.
And I’m looking forward to your casserole murders in print! Though I have a kindle and like it, I think I’ll always prefer print.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:59 amGood for you, Edie, for stepping out with confidence into this ever-changing world of publishing. From what I’ve read and heard, you have a winner with Cattitude. I can’t wait for its release.
by Sylvia Rochester July 16th, 2010 at 8:09 amSylvia, thanks! I hope you’re right. I do feel confident, partly because of the feedback I’ve gotten from my beta readers. I’m enjoying this a lot. It’s a great trip.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:52 amWelcome to Murder She Writes, Edie! I think so many writers fall into this dilemma of being between genres. It can be quite frustrating, especially if you are simply trying to write your best story and not adhere to expectations. Thanks for sharing your experience. Best of luck with CATTITUDE!!
by Laura Griffin July 16th, 2010 at 8:30 amI can’t wait for the book either, Edie. Woohoo! I love how you’re taking charge of your career. Your attitude (or is that “cattitude”? lol) has made me look at things differently and consider putting some of my older titles, one’s I’ve pulled b/c the e-publishing house changed its focus, out with Smashwords/Amazon, too. I’m waiting to see how it works for you, and I have to admit that the formatting issue is daunting to me. I hope you sell bunches.
by Melanie Atkins July 16th, 2010 at 9:12 amI blend genre’s too so my paranormal cozy mysteries didn’t exactly fit anywhere except in ebooks. Now my series is on Kindle along with my Urban Fantasy. Congratulations.
by Carol Shenold July 16th, 2010 at 9:15 amCarol, I’m going to check our your books! I got my Kindle a couple weeks ago, and I’ve been deep into revisions. So far I’ve only bought one book on it!
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:33 amWelcome Edie!! And congratulations on the book. I hear that so often, the tale of someone who’s written a square peg in an industry of round holes. I too am a square peg writer – my books aren’t quite this and not quite that – and I can’t imagine writing any other way – i don’t think i have it in me. Hang in there…it sounds like you hvae an audience just waiting for your special book!
by sophie littlefield July 16th, 2010 at 9:16 amSophie, I’ve tried to write what I think is commercial, and it doesn’t turn out well. My voice has a bit of quirk, and I guess that’s the way I roll.
There are a lot of cat lovers out there, so I’m hoping that will help me.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:36 amEdie, I’m so happy you’re making your own way! I can feel how excited you are, and that’s sooo important. As a Magical gal too, the one thing we all have is common is our perseverance. lol And to me, that’s more than half the journey. I’m sending you warm light, and can’t wait to read this story. And you’re right, Karin is a Goddess.
by LaDonna July 16th, 2010 at 9:21 amLaD, perseverance and determination. I’m glad I’m taking this plunge. It’s freeing to know I don’t need to rely on an agent and editor.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:40 amLaura, you’re right and I’m not the only one. With more writers going Indie, I think we’re giving readers more of a choice. So far I’m loving my experience–and I’m not even live yet. Thanks!
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:22 amMelanie, thanks! Natasha Fondren has formatting guides on her blog. I’d love to see you join me. We can smash words together.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 9:31 amHuge congrats on going for it. I’ve considered this option a few times for one of my books but have chickened out. I’m going to give it some serious thought now.
Here’s hoping your book soars!
by HollyD July 16th, 2010 at 10:46 amHollyD, go for it! If you haven’t read J.A. Konrath’s blogs, you should. His figures are enlightening.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 10:47 amEdie, thank you so much for guesting for me today and for blazing a trail for us all!
by Karin Tabke July 16th, 2010 at 10:47 amKarin, thanks for asking me! I don’t feel that I’m blazing the trail. Konrath and Zoe and others were in the first wave. I think of myself as being in the 2nd wave.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 10:50 amCongrats on taking charge of your career, Edie! May you have much success. I went with a small publisher who offers longer works in print and everything in epub. So far I’ve been happy with the decision, though I’m still waiting for my first royalty statement. I should have a better idea of things in August.
I know a well-loved Harlequin category author who is now putting her backlist out on Amazon, as the rights have reverted to her. I haven’t talked to Merline lately so I don’t know how her sales are going. Things are changing so much (and so quickly) in the publishing industry. We’re all in for a whirlwind ride, I think.
by Silver James July 16th, 2010 at 11:03 amSilver, good for you! I hope your book is a huge success. And good for the Harl category writer. Why leave her old books languish, with no one to read them, when she can get 70% of the price for each book sold on Kindle?
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 11:11 amWelcome to MSW – and a big high five for taking charge of your career, Edie, and I wish you the very best of luck!
My Lorelei James Rough Rider books are available first as ebooks, and then in trade paperback 11 months later, so I embraced the ebook revolution years ago and I’m watching as the rest of the world catches up….
by Lori G. Armstrong July 16th, 2010 at 11:13 amLori, very cool. I’ll check out your Lorelei books. Zoe Winters started with digital and went to trade too. Right now I’m not sure if I want to go that route, but I seem to always be a step behind Zoe. I’ll be interested to see how you and she and the others do with the trade books.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 11:19 amEdie, you’re probably the most talented unpublished writer I know–I’ve been stunned at how close you’ve gotten then not sell, because you are such a strong writer. I totally remember the opening of CATTITUDE from our old days! It was fabulous then, and I’m sure it’s terrific now and may in fact be one of the first self-published books I buy and read on my iPad. I think you are amazing, and talented, and you helped ME tremendously with THE HUNT which I am forever grateful.
(And, Karin makes me call her “Goddess” I don’t think it’s fair that you don’t have to!!!!)
by Allison Brennan July 16th, 2010 at 11:44 amAllison, I’m tearing up! Coming from you, that’s high praise. When it’s out, I’ll send you the book!
LOL about Karin making you call her a goddess. She’s got Karintude.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 12:19 pmEdie -
by Jody July 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pmYES! I have been told the same thing. What I write is very similar to what you write, and it’s very difficult to place as far as ‘genre.’ I always figured self-publishing was going to be my ONLY route. THanks for blazing the trail, I will most likely be following in your footsteps (or paw prints) in the near future…..
Jody, very cool. Let me know when your book is out. I’ll definitely check it out.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 12:21 pmGood luck with Cattitude! Never would have thought Kindle would have this benefit to authors, a way to self publish which gets the opportunity for so much exposure to the reading public. Kudos to Amazon (though it’s taking it’s slice of the pie, I’m sure).
by Anne July 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pmAnne, Kindle is the first to offer 70% to writers, though there are conditions, but reasonable, IMO. Even at 40% (I think that’s what it was before July), it’s more than most writers are getting.
Thanks for the good luck!
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 12:24 pmEdie, I can’t tell you enough how much I admire the way you’ve taken charge of your career. Because of your willingness to share your journey, I feel I’m gaining insight from the front row. It seems your Beta readers can’t say enough good things about Cattitude. I can’t wait to read it!
by June Love July 16th, 2010 at 12:16 pmJune, thanks! I’m guessing I won’t be the first of our group to do this. Melanie might even beat me.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 4:19 pmThe publishing world is changing so fast now, I’m thrilled for you that you’ve made this opportunity! I hope it finds the *huge* audience that it deserves, Edie! Good for you to not give up!
by toni mcgee causey July 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pmToni, thanks! Cattitude was inspired by my cat. I couldn’t give up on that one. And I haven’t given up on writing. Of all the things I’ve done, it gives me the most satisfaction.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 4:24 pmEdie, Welcome to MSWs! I love your take-charge attitude. I believe in hunting down opportunities and making things happen. Success doesn’t come knocking at our doors, we have to go and out find it!
I hope Cattitude (love the title!) finds a huge audience!
by Jen Lyon July 16th, 2010 at 2:06 pmSuccess doesn’t come knocking at our doors, we have to go and out find it!
Jen, yes! I have great role models. Karin has said that she stalked Hilary Sares. I don’t think she exactly stalked her, but she wasn’t shy. If I want something and I see an opportunity, I’m going for it.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 4:28 pmEdie: terrific post and wonderful cover! And Karin Tabke is a goddess. I am saluting you because you have always been the most forward thinker I know. You are a student of the market; what’s more you stay updated.
Ya know, the first publishing house did exactly what you’re doing. Said why don’t we sell books, and when another company saw what they were doing, they hopped on too. It became NY, and it continues to evolve.
That’s Edie Ramer, continually evolving. Can’t wait to see your process.
by Donnell July 16th, 2010 at 3:25 pmDonnell, I don’t feel that forward of a thinker or a student of the market, but I do try to evolve. I think we have to keep getting better and keep learning or we get stuck.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 4:32 pmWith the changing world of publishing, going after your dream is the smart thing to do, Edie. I know you’re going to have a huge success with Cattitude.
1. Its a great book;
by Liz Kreger July 16th, 2010 at 4:50 pm2. You’re in the right place at the right time.
3. You’re determined
Liz, there’s at #4, too:
I have great CPs, and you’re one of them.
by Edie Ramer July 16th, 2010 at 5:13 pmEdie,
by Bonnie Dodge July 16th, 2010 at 8:55 pmI am so proud of you for following your dreams and instincts. The world of publishing is changing so fast, it’s hard to keep up. But you’re doing it, and I wish you much success with Cattitude!
Edie, I admire your stick-to-it-iveness, and also your pragmatism. Lots of published and unpublished authors are seeing how things are changing and are putting their books up on iPad, Kindle, etc. We just put up two of my out-of-print books on Kindle, and plan to add the third book in the Laura Cardinal series this week.
Things are changing, whether we like it or not.
I love your cover, too! Hope you get tons of readers.
by M.J. Hawk July 17th, 2010 at 8:41 amM.j., I’m looking forward to reading your books and following your career. I hope you sell many books!
by Edie Ramer July 18th, 2010 at 4:31 pmHi Edie!
Great post. Since I’m still considered new to this game and I believe that is exactly what it is. Only this game is just as full of luck as it is talent and strategy. Maybe even more so.
I too have the dream of being published in print. I’m hoping that once I start submitting, one of the smaller houses will pick me up. That being said, I have nothing against nor have I ruled out self publishing.
My main goal is not money, although I wouldn’t say no to a little or a lot. My goal is to have readers who enjoy my characters and the story they are telling.
Please let me know when Catitude is available. I will be one of the first in line!
by Elle J Rossi July 17th, 2010 at 2:54 pmElle, for sure I’ll let you know. And I’m eager to see what you’ll do with your book. I loved the excerpt that I read.
by Edie Ramer July 18th, 2010 at 4:29 pmThese folks get some cool guests, Edie. You are one of the coolest!
by Mary Marvella July 18th, 2010 at 1:44 pmMary, you’re a sweetheart! Thanks!
by Edie Ramer July 18th, 2010 at 2:40 pmEdie, congratulations on going for your dream. Karin talks about you all the time. It will be very exciting to read about your publishing adventure.
by Jill James July 18th, 2010 at 3:36 pmJill, thanks! Karin is the best. She talks about you too, and only good things.
by Edie Ramer July 18th, 2010 at 4:05 pmBonnie, thanks! The support from other writers like you warms my heart.
by Edie Ramer July 18th, 2010 at 4:33 pm