Happy September, writers! Join our support group to vent and celebrate this wild writing journey at our founder’s blog, Alex Cavanaugh.
Thank you to this month’s courageous co-hosts: Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!
IWSG Day Question: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?
I never anticipated becoming a writer, much less an author, but now eight published novels sit on my shelf.
After writing a few stories, I wanted to publish my debut novel, With Good Behavior, in 2009. I bought a print book about publishing (remember print books?) and took a stab at writing synopses and queries for agents and publishers.
Rejections rolled in–disappointing then but not surprising now after I have learned more about the finicky publishing business.
Luckily, I discovered a new small publisher that specialized in romance novels like mine, and I was THRILLED when they accepted my novel!
Omnific Publishing taught me so much about editing and marketing, and we published four novels together.
In 2014, I sought more creative control for my New Adult romance trilogy, so I ventured into self-publishing. But the awesome author friends (including critique partner Nicki Elson), editor, and book designer I’ve met through my publisher have been instrumental in creating four novels.
I love self-publishing! Though it’s a challenge to spread the word about my books, I enjoy the speed and entrepreneurial spirit. And there are so many cool writers and readers like YOU I’ve met along the way.
Jennifer Lane Books 