How I Became an Award-Winning POD Author

by Dana Davis
(Arizona, USA)

The Mask of Tamirella

I am the author of the award-winning teen book The Mask of Tamirella. So, how did I write, publish and win awards for my self-published book? Well, I hope this article will explain that process and help you become a successful POD author too.

First of all, I made certain I had a writing education. I started out writing scripts for children's plays and a lot of really bad poetry and stories that will never see the light. I was working as a performer in Hollywood at the time and decided I was ready for a career change. Since I wanted to make the transition from scripts to fiction, I needed to really focus and get it right, so I went back to school for a degree in creative writing. That was only the first step to my new career. At university they teach you about writing but not about the publishing world. Luckily for me, there are some similarities between working with agents and casting directors in Hollywood and working with agents and publishers in the publishing world. I still fumbled about learning the rules of submissions, queries, synopses and the rest that the industry requires.

After graduation, I began writing my first novel, a test novel to make certain I had the rules down and didn't suck at it. Once finished, I put it away and began working on other projects. Most authors don't publish the first novel they ever wrote because it's usually not that good. And that's exactly how I felt. So, I kept practicing. A couple of years later, the idea for The Mask of Tamirella came to fruition and I began working on this new book. The idea came from a writing class I was attending to keep my creative juices flowing, since I was no longer in school. Writing is a lonely job. Fantastic, but lonely. And it helps to be around other writers. It took me about six months to finish the first draft.

After re-writing, editing, workshopping, and more editing, the book was finally ready for submission. I received some nice comments from traditional publishers but all refused to take on the project because they didn't think it would make enough money for them. At the time, J. K. Rowling had taken the publishing world by storm and everyone was looking for the next Harry Potter series. Since publishing is a business, I knew not to take any of it personally. But I'm not Rowling. And I don't write her books.

However, I knew I had a decent book that would interest teens and tweens, so I decided to look into a new venture at the time called print on demand or POD publishing. For a nominal fee, the POD company of your choice will handle the formatting, create a cover, an ISBN, get the book available at numerous online bookstores, and listed with Ingram Book Group so national chains can order it if they choose or if a customer requests it. All I had to do was format my manuscript to their specifications and stay in contact with my assigned assistant to make sure everything was done to my satisfaction. I am always getting compliments on the cover, which I came up with and my publisher's art department created. I can't stress enough how important it is to keep involved in all aspects of the project. This is your baby.

Once I okayed the final manuscript and cover, the finished product was mailed to my home in about 60 days, a fairly standard time back then, though I believe now it takes a bit longer. And very fast when compared to the 2-3 years it takes for traditional publishing. Submissions to traditional publishers alone can take years, sometimes decades. After that, I was able to order author copies of my book at a discounted rate. I used these copies as mail-outs for various book reviews and contests, as well as submission to my local bookstores. You can find contests in your genre just by doing a bit of online research.

Now, a downside with POD publishing is that your average bookstore, one of those nice national chains, isn't usually interested in putting your book in the store because copies they purchase are not returnable. Some publishers now offer a return option but it will cost you, and it's no guarantee the bookstores will put your book on their shelves. They have limited space and a lot of well-known authors' books. So, after getting rejected from several major chains, I decided to focus on my local independent bookstores. Most are very open to local authors and several agreed to put my book in their stores. They have told me they will carry my future books, as well, which thrills me, since I have another one in the works now. I'm sure winning several awards for my first one didn't hurt.

Because I took a chance and entered several contests, The Mask of Tamirella received two finalist awards and one honorable mention. So, enter those contests. They can be found online. They don't cost much and those shiny gold stickers will get attention at your local book fairs. And awards look great on all that free promotional material you will hand out. Bookmarks and business cards with your book information are great low-cost materials. I even hand out pencils with my website printed on them. People love free stuff. Especially if it has a function.

That leads me to book fairs and book signings. If you are an unknown POD author, I don't recommend doing a signing alone, unless you have a built-in audience guaranteed to purchase your book. A build-in audience usually applies to non-fiction authors. Fiction is a much tougher sell, especially if you're an unknown. But with work and networking, you can be successful with sales. What I suggest, is what I started out doing, which is joining a local author group/s that participates in book fairs. That way, you have several authors in one place and a lot more traffic around your table, thus more chances someone will buy your book. A local bookstore sold several copies of my book at my first festival and continues to sell a decent amount each year. I always sell more when I'm with other authors than when I'm doing a signing alone.

Another way to increase interest in your book, is to link your website to other writing and reader sites. There are a lot out there so research the ones that will work best for your book. Yes, authors in this day must have a domain, a website and email address. People want to know about you. I suggest having that website up and running before your book is available. On your site, be sure to put your book cover and a link to an online bookstore where readers can purchase it. I did my own website with FrontPage, which came free with my computer, and is a great way to start.

Since then, I've learned more about HTML formatting and can now personalize my site even more. If you don't have the know-how to create a website, then hire somebody. You don't have to spend a lot of money. My domain costs less than $10 per year plus hosting. And some hosting sites are free. Check with your publisher because they may offer an author website with certain publishing packages. You can also go to your local college and find someone to create and update your site for a minimal fee. Students are great for things like that. People are becoming more and more tech-savvy, especially kids, so get that website up and linked. Even if you don't write for kids, they will someday be adults and may come looking for you on the web. Make sure they can find you.

I have learned a lot about various aspects of publishing and marketing and continue to learn more every day. Currently, I have decided to focus my writing on my local market, which I hope will create even more reader interest for my work. I can't think of any other job I would love more than being a writer. And I'm thrilled when people get excited about my work. If you love writing and want people to enjoy the worlds you create, then get out there and publish.

Visit Dana Davis: Award-Winning Speculative Fiction.