The Perfect Storm
It’s official. I’m sitting at the center of a perfect meeting between great fortune and very encouraging benefactors. As a result, an original short story I wrote has been put up for sale. As in money.
Me. Darla. My story.
In the words of the wonderful mentor who made this happen, for the very first time my material has been given “professional book packaging services”. He said he was tickled pink the first time and I couldn’t say it better. The e-book is beautiful! A part of me could die happy right this minute.
However, I know that this success is an illusion. I’m in print, but not for personal aggrandizement. The month-long charity sale in which I’m participating means I may not see a dime. And that’s fine, except this also means that I have no signed contract. There is no publisher. And at the end of March the ownership of the story reverts back to me.
Wisely, kind souls who’ve gone this route already have advised me to shop for the right fit. I understand the logic. What does this mean? It means I need to get off my behind and do some research.
Sure, my tremulous heart would love for somebody in the business to see my contribution and fall in love with me at first read. Yet I don’t dare hold my breath and be a wallflower. I can’t expect some awed publicist to find my work on that website and show up in my inbox with an e-card and bouquet of digital roses. This is the time to be practical.
For the first step, I’ve been emailing people with whom I have shared even the briefest interactions. You never know who might know who in this industry. The genre in which I’ve written might attract folks who tend to have extensively networked communities.
You never know. At the very least, I’m making another positive step to get out of my reclusive shell.
So far, I’ve spread the news across four continents. We’ll see what happens. You never know. Right?
The important part now is to quiet the self-doubting inner critic and keep my momentum going. I could easily let this fizzle out and turn to ashes. The characters in my head have other ideas. They want their stories to be heard.
Wish us luck! Uh, I mean me.
I love it! Best of luck in this, and remember, publishing is different than writing. Never doubt you have a great story, even if it gets rejected from some dum goy. Keep at it, and you'll make it! 🙂
Good luck. I'm sure you'll find a publisher, especially since this'll get your name out there.
Noony, you know you got the ball rolling. Otherwise I'd still be hiding my words. Thank you!
Lucius, I appreciate the positive waves. And I'm hearing Japanese from the current image you're using (trees on the hill), "Kiwa oca no uenni adimasu" – yikes – I'm on a limb here but I'm learning. Thanks for your calm, low-key inspiration on that front.
How wonderful for you, Darla! I'm so excited. And as someone who did fall in love with your writing at first read–let me say that you deserve it.
Kick the inner critic to the curb and keep doing what you love, telling your characters stories.
You did mention there was a sequel coming, didn't you? Here's hoping we see it sooner rather than later.
Nice job on Miya, Darla. I know getting published is the next step for you and the right fit will come.
Tess, Nikki, you are very kind! I appreciate the boost and the great, ongoing support. And thanks again for the private tutelage, Lucius. My Romaji stinks, though the software does cover that aspect of the language to some degree. I'll call that "d" a typo. O_o Riiight.