Teddy Swims lovers unite!! <3 Thank you for making this valuable information available to us. As a wanna-be author, your words demystify the fog of publishing.
I am a long-in-the-tooth writer of creative non-fiction, once traditionally published by good publishers and now all books self-published. You would do a lot of writers a wonderful service by putting some attention to self-publishing, which includes a large number of excellent writers (as well as at least the same number - if not more - execrable ones). The future may well lie with this sector, but you probably know more than I do about that.
I might add that feeling younger than you are is a common experience. I am about to be 82 and if you woke me up in the middle of the night and asked my age, I would probably say 45. Impossible as my daughter is 55.
I work with quite a few self-published authors and have been collecting information so I can write a thorough piece for self-published writers. I never write about topics until I am fully schooled in them because I don't want to give bad or incomplete information. A piece is coming!
Delighted to hear that. I have been a subscriber ever since someone pointed out one of your thoughtful pieces and I wouldn't expect you to toss anything off lightly. If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend that you get in touch with the Alliance of Independent Authors, an organisation whose purpose is self-explanatory but whose competence is an example to us all. I am an active member but do not hold any formal position with them. Orna Ross, the founder and head (can't remember her formal title), would be the perfect place to start. It wouldn't surprise me at all if you hadn't found that out already, but I would be remiss in not mentioning it just in case.
Hi Kathleen! I was pointed to this post by Ann Richardson (below). If you're wanting to research quality self-publishing, perhaps I can help. I've been traditionally published as a ghostwriter, I've run an imprint as an editor, I edit freelance, I've self-published novels (including one that was longlisted for a mainstream international award), I've self-published a travel journal that got wide coverage on BBC local radio stations, and I've self-published a series of books for writers that got me a gig teaching creative writing masterclasses for The Guardian. And I edit the magazine of the Alliance of Independent Authors!
This is great to know and more Substackers should do this. Your background in publicity shows! Good job. Former Skyhorse (Yucca imprint) author here btw.
Seems like the DNF and one stars I read said there was a very thin plot for Come and Get It, but most even the 1 stars still liked how well-written the book is (and the main character). Is this the famed sophomore book "curse?"
The cover didn't get mentioned from what I read -- it reminds me of a 90s zine and design aesthetic. I think it's not the best, but definitely better than generic book designs trying to look like the previous book that sold well...but that could just be me! :-)
Hi. I've been a free subscriber for a while, and I've found your content both interesting and enlightening. However, like many authors now, I'm moving from being trad published (in my case in the UK) to being an indie author. Do you think you will be writing/advising about this side of publishing or is it too far outside your experience?
Hi Kathleen! I'm a healthcare marketing & communications writer as well as a memoirist (on submission currently), freelance journalist, and writer of CNF, humor and occasional flash fiction. I live in the Philly area but also have a place at the shore, where I'm looking to downsize and live full-time in the next few years. I'd love to connect with other writers down the shore. Maybe we can connect via LinkedIn or FB (not sure if Substack lets people DM). Anyway, I enjoy your newsletter and look forward to your Writers' Bridge appearance this week.
Thanks for this insight into you. I've sent my recommendation to all (LI and FB)- can we connect on LinkedIn so I can promote you with a ink? LI won't let me connect unless I upgrade. Boo!
Grew up in eastern PA., Penn State, eventually to Charlotte NC. Love the shore (versus the beach in the south).
I loved "getting to know you" like this. What a great idea. This is why I love doing interviews with people I read on here. I am always so curious about their backgrounds and what brought them to this point where they are writing fiction, non-fiction, humour or history etc. I love the back story of people. I owned my own PR company for almost 20 years, so I totally get what you're saying when you talk about disliking having to defend your work. It's hard when everything is measured in numbers as opposed to the time it takes to nurture and build relationships. I feel you on this one.
I'm loving the music tastes!! This is a great idea for a newsletter, too. ;)
Teddy Swims lovers unite!! <3 Thank you for making this valuable information available to us. As a wanna-be author, your words demystify the fog of publishing.
Thank you!
I am a long-in-the-tooth writer of creative non-fiction, once traditionally published by good publishers and now all books self-published. You would do a lot of writers a wonderful service by putting some attention to self-publishing, which includes a large number of excellent writers (as well as at least the same number - if not more - execrable ones). The future may well lie with this sector, but you probably know more than I do about that.
I might add that feeling younger than you are is a common experience. I am about to be 82 and if you woke me up in the middle of the night and asked my age, I would probably say 45. Impossible as my daughter is 55.
I work with quite a few self-published authors and have been collecting information so I can write a thorough piece for self-published writers. I never write about topics until I am fully schooled in them because I don't want to give bad or incomplete information. A piece is coming!
Delighted to hear that. I have been a subscriber ever since someone pointed out one of your thoughtful pieces and I wouldn't expect you to toss anything off lightly. If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend that you get in touch with the Alliance of Independent Authors, an organisation whose purpose is self-explanatory but whose competence is an example to us all. I am an active member but do not hold any formal position with them. Orna Ross, the founder and head (can't remember her formal title), would be the perfect place to start. It wouldn't surprise me at all if you hadn't found that out already, but I would be remiss in not mentioning it just in case.
Hi Kathleen! I was pointed to this post by Ann Richardson (below). If you're wanting to research quality self-publishing, perhaps I can help. I've been traditionally published as a ghostwriter, I've run an imprint as an editor, I edit freelance, I've self-published novels (including one that was longlisted for a mainstream international award), I've self-published a travel journal that got wide coverage on BBC local radio stations, and I've self-published a series of books for writers that got me a gig teaching creative writing masterclasses for The Guardian. And I edit the magazine of the Alliance of Independent Authors!
Would you be open to an interview with me for the newsletter?
Absolutely honoured, Kathleen! Here's my email - rozmorriswriter at gmail dotcom.
I'm going to email you from kathleen@kmspr.com--thank you so much.
This is great to know and more Substackers should do this. Your background in publicity shows! Good job. Former Skyhorse (Yucca imprint) author here btw.
Most excellent music picks all across the board. I too love Foo Fighters but haven’t had a chance to see them live yet :’(
You must go see them live. I went in September and I am going again in June!
Seems like the DNF and one stars I read said there was a very thin plot for Come and Get It, but most even the 1 stars still liked how well-written the book is (and the main character). Is this the famed sophomore book "curse?"
The cover didn't get mentioned from what I read -- it reminds me of a 90s zine and design aesthetic. I think it's not the best, but definitely better than generic book designs trying to look like the previous book that sold well...but that could just be me! :-)
Nice to 'meet' you! Thanks for sharing since I'm new here.
Also Irish-Italian. Spent summers on the Jersey Shore. Also 51. Love every band you mentioned. Twinsies.
Very cool!
Congratulations on completing your MBA this spring! 🎈
Nice taste in music ;)
Thank you!
Been going down the shore since I was a kid--Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood Crest, Ocean City. Love it!
Hi. I've been a free subscriber for a while, and I've found your content both interesting and enlightening. However, like many authors now, I'm moving from being trad published (in my case in the UK) to being an indie author. Do you think you will be writing/advising about this side of publishing or is it too far outside your experience?
Yes, 100%. I’ve been working on a piece.
Hi Kathleen! I'm a healthcare marketing & communications writer as well as a memoirist (on submission currently), freelance journalist, and writer of CNF, humor and occasional flash fiction. I live in the Philly area but also have a place at the shore, where I'm looking to downsize and live full-time in the next few years. I'd love to connect with other writers down the shore. Maybe we can connect via LinkedIn or FB (not sure if Substack lets people DM). Anyway, I enjoy your newsletter and look forward to your Writers' Bridge appearance this week.
Only been here a while; already learning!
Thanks for this insight into you. I've sent my recommendation to all (LI and FB)- can we connect on LinkedIn so I can promote you with a ink? LI won't let me connect unless I upgrade. Boo!
Grew up in eastern PA., Penn State, eventually to Charlotte NC. Love the shore (versus the beach in the south).
Sure.
I loved "getting to know you" like this. What a great idea. This is why I love doing interviews with people I read on here. I am always so curious about their backgrounds and what brought them to this point where they are writing fiction, non-fiction, humour or history etc. I love the back story of people. I owned my own PR company for almost 20 years, so I totally get what you're saying when you talk about disliking having to defend your work. It's hard when everything is measured in numbers as opposed to the time it takes to nurture and build relationships. I feel you on this one.
Thank you so much!
Fleetwood Mac! 🙌🏻 Love the form of this post.
Thank you!