Learning the Hard Way

by Carla Trueheart
(Hamden, CT)

As soon as I finished my first book, I looked into every option. I was just so excited that I actually finished the book, I could not wait to see it in print. In my research, I came across the self-publishing industry, who pumped me full of stories about it being nearly impossible to get published by traditional means, and that even if I did, I couldn't do it my way, or I would have to wait years to see my book hit the shelves. I didn't even try to send out query letters, I just sent my book in to AuthorHouse, a wonderful self-publishing company, who, for the most part, did a great job with my first book.

Now I'm on book three in what grew into a series. I look back and realize I should have given traditional publishing a shot, because the first book is so poorly edited I can't even look at it anymore. I wasted a lot of money on that, and now am in the process of starting all over.

Book Three in my series, however, did come out well. I have to say that my experience was not a bad one, just a learning one. I can't market my book, so I'm limited to family members and friends being my only audience. I also would have liked an editor. On the plus side, AuthorHouse did a great job with my book covers and lay-outs. I had an excellent representative there who did give me deals as a return customer, so I would recommend that route if you truly cannot get a book agent or traditional book deal. As for now, I'm going to try to get my book series out there, I mean really out there, because I really write for other people to enjoy, not for money or fame. I would just like to see the books in the hands of teenagers who would appreciate it, and self-publishing, though a good experience, did not do that job for me.

Visit Carla's site.