The Path to Publishing Can Be Anything but Dull! By Diane Bator

The Path to Publishing Can Be Anything but Dull!

By Diane Bator

I found my previous publisher through an agent I was introduced to by one of the agent’s readers. We happened to be in a critique group together and I asked her to read my book and give me some feedback. I had no idea who she worked for at the time! I signed with the late Dawn Dowdle who helped me get two different publishers. The one for my Wild Blue Mystery series was based in Canada, and the one who took my Gilda Wright Mystery series was based in California. I was thrilled! I was working with not only one traditional publisher, but two!

Due to having a Canadian author working with a Canadian publisher, Dawn stepped aside. From that point on, I worked directly with that publisher. 

What a thrill to be working with two publishers, small or not! I envisioned writing many books while they published and sold them. I figured with two series my royalties would climb and I could one day quit my job to write full time.

My eyes were quickly opened!

When the California publisher culled their list of authors, I was one of the first cut. I was upset for about ten minutes! Thankfully my Canadian publisher picked up the Gilda Wright Mysteries, then the next two series I wrote. Over the 10 years I was with them, we published 15 books together. And my royalties seemed stuck at less than $50 for every royalty payment – no matter how much marketing I did.

Was it me? Was it my writing? I struggled with my self-esteem over my books and avoided reading reviews for years! 

Still I was grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside the publisher and was responsible for setting up a Shopify store in the summer of 2023. It was taken down by the end of October without ever launching. After 10 years, 15 books, an agent, and two publishers, I was ready to move on and take control.

I’d depended on the publisher for editing, cover art, and uploading my books to markets. Now I had to learn for myself. Lucky I knew the right people to get in touch with! 

When I sent my resignation letter to my publisher for April 2024, she ended it January 31, 2024. Suddenly, my books were off the market.

I finished a book I’d worked on for years, then went through a list of writing friends I hoped would help. Out of eight, I got great feedback from six, while the other two sent me fabulous reviews.

Not in a position to spend much money, I crafted my own book cover and ended up with one I was happy with and proud to use.

On March 13, 2024, my first self-published book, Written in Stone, was launched. Not without a couple technical difficulties but seeing my name and my logo (designed by my daughter’s amazing friend!) on that book cover was a huge thrill!

Traditional publishing has been my dream since I was a kid. Some days, it still is! It earned me exposure in the industry and a hands-on education about my craft, my books. I also met a lot of amazing people. There are some great publishers out there. You just need to do your homework.

Be careful while querying and check out the types and quality of books the publisher produces. Read a few books they’ve published and find out things like:

• How many books do they put out per year?
• Do they have qualified editors and publishers?
• What are their credentials?
• What percentage do they pay in royalties?
• How long have they been around?
• What is the turnaround time once your book is turned in until it appears in print/e-book?
• What are their expectations of their authors?
• Do they ask for money upfront? (RUN!!! Some people have great experiences but most have a garage full of books years later!)
• Are they actually a traditional publisher or an indie publisher?

Keep in mind some of the biggest authors out there couldn’t get an agent or publisher either. Some ended up self-publishing. Nicholas Sparks is a great example. Several big authors have walked away from publishers as well. Having control of content, marketing, and cover art, is a big reason.

My biggest advice to all writers is to make friends with other writers! Find people like me who are happy to spread the news when your books launch or go on sale – and reciprocate.

Most of all, don’t give up!! If I was less determined, I could’ve given up at least once a year since 2010. If you love to write, write because you love to write. If you want your books in the hands of readers, build a thick skin and be resilient!

—

WRITTEN IN STONE

“What happens at Grandma’s house, stays at Grandma’s house.”

The problem is A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell can’t remember Grandma or her house.

Dreaming of becoming a best-selling romance novelist, Alison is invited to Beech Grove, British Columbia to be a Writer-in-Residence and reside at Thistlewood Manor for a month. When a resident of the manor is found dead, Alison is drawn into a mystery involving a grandmother she doesn’t remember, a father she thought was long dead, and a handsome firefighter who could be the link to solving the mystery.

Will someone be after her next?

Reviews:
“Written in Stone is author Diane Bator’s first novel in her latest mystery series. The book is fast paced and engaging, revealing layer after layer of mystery.” – Angela Van Breeman

“With pulse-pounding peril, sharply-plotted mystery, and a delicious touch of romance, Written in Stone is a deeply satisfying read.” — Kathleen Marple Kalb (Nikki Knight) Author of the Old Stuff, Ella Shane, Grace the Hit Mom and Vermont Radio Mysteries

BUY HERE

Diane Bator is a mystery, romance, and fantasy writer who started relaunching her many books under her own Escape With a Writer Publishing. She is also the host of Escape With a Writer, a blog to promote fellow authors of all genres. Diane is a member of many writing groups such as Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Crime Writers of Canada. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

Website: https://dianebator.ca/

Blog: https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Substack: https://dianebator.substack.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeBator

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Bator-Author/

https://www.facebook.com/escapewithawriter

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Bator/e/B009CGCPRE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing