Publishing Cursed Blood, my first book
by Amber Rigby Grosjean
(Indianapolis, Indiana, USA)
Both Titles Published
Genre: Horror with Supernatural Romance
I had been writing for 18 years before my first book was published. At this point, I really knew nothing and had been going to all the wrong places with another book. I decided to let that one rest and work on a new title to see if I would have better luck. I tried all the traditional publishers first because I wanted to be paid. Rejections were all I got so I looked into self-publishing. I couldn't afford those. Then I found Publish America which is a POD publisher.
Publish America claims to be a traditional publisher who only pays royalties with a $1 advance pay. I thought, at least I wasn't paying them and sent my manuscript in to be evaluated. Well, it was accepted. I was more than excited. They gave me 3 choices.
1. Skip editing and go straight to making the book.
2. Fast editing, only make spelling changes and some grammar changes. Which means wait for a couple months before going to print.
3. Complete editing and wait up to a year.
Well I was over anxious to see my book so I opted for the first choice. I felt my book was perfect, don't we all? The cover design was great so I thought the rest of the book would be too. When I saw it for the first time, I read it finding mistake after mistake. I had been telling all my friends about the publishing of the book during the whole process but that was as far as the marketing went up to that point.
Once I had my book, I joined the forum on the website and began learning that marketing was the key tool of selling books. I had no idea so I began learning and putting what I learned to action, a little late. My friends were the key buyers and some people I didn't know were buying copies so it was working but not as good if I had started before the book came out. Now I have a second book out and I began marketing this one long before it came out, even before the cover was finished.
The main thing I've learned in this experience is that you have to control yourself. Don't be over-anxious to see your book. Start marketing as soon as you sign the contract. Set up a web presense now, not later. Once you get a copy of your cover, post it. Keep your readers up-to-date as you are. Let them experience it with you. Ask your friends to help too. If you're lucky enough to get a real tradional publisher, they will give you around 10 free copies. Offer a free copy to the friends who help. Go places where your audience will be and talk about your book, pass out business cards, flyers, bookmarks. Mail out postcards with the big release date if you know it. Never pass a chance to promote your book, all before its released! Once it is released, keep going. The sales of your book solely depends on how well you market it so keep it going. Its a long hard job but so worth it when you recieve your royalty check! Set up booksignings now, not later and keep them coming. Don't just have one, have several!
I hope my experience teaches you something or two. Remember, don't expect someone to do something you can do better. You know your book inside and out.
Amber Rigby Grosjean
