Self Publishing Advisor

‘Tis A NEW SEASON.

With our families surrounded with tattered snowflake wrapping paper and empty boxes, there are now moments—fleeting though they may be—when we can take a collective breath and look into the future.  We are writers; people filled with scenes and scenarios; storylines of mystery and intrigue; characters who live and breathe!  We are the writers who can (as Carl Sagan said) write books proving “that humans are capable of working magic.”  If that seems too big a plan for you in 2014, remember there is a whole team of marvelous people in the self-publishing realm who are ready, willing and excited to help you!

One of my favorite authors Madeline L’Engle (A Wrinkle In Time) counsels writers saying, “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”  Words of wisdom I hope to put into action in 2014 and beyond!

My 2014 plan looks like this:

1. Acknowledge that not every genre fits me!  Over the years that I’ve been placing words on paper to create stories; I’ve weeded out the genres of satire, most romances, political, horror and comedy—and, of course, the x-rated stuff.  I know that my ability to write is a gift and from that gift the foundation of all that I write will be built—and built well—if I respect and honor it.
2. Acknowledge my responsibility to nurture this writing gift.  A very dear writing friend of mine (who will be 101 years young this January and is still writing) has strongly encouraged me to “never quit learning.”  The world of writing dwells in a state of conundrum that “remains the same yet is ever-changing.”  It is up to me to hone my writing abilities while learning about the new technologies that are out there in the publishing world.
3. Acknowledge that I am the steward of my writing talents, abilities and materials.  Remembering the mantra of journalism is a good way to help with this: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.  Answering these questions for myself—about what I’m writing—keeps me on track.
   1. Who is my audience?
   2. Why am I writing this story (my motive)?
   3. What are the motives of the characters in this story?
   4. When is the best time/season to release this story?
   5. Where will I publish/self-publish it?
   6. How will the Readers benefit from reading this story?

Anne Frank has also left an inspiring message for us.  “I can shake off everything as I write;” she said, “my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”  So as this year of 2014 approaches, may your courage in writing be reborn, and may you rejoice when holding your book(s) in your hands!  The right self-publishing team is waiting to assist you.

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.