Ever since starting this journey in writing and publishing my own books I have discovered that I constantly feel like I’m in a state of “hurry up and wait.”
It started this summer when I found my awesome editor and finally got serious about publishing my first book. First it was hurry up and wait through the various editing phases. And then it was hurry up and wait to publish the book itself. While waiting to publish, it was hurry up and set up all my social media. But a lot of things about that still had to wait for my first book to be released.
I finally got Blue Violet published and then it was hurry up and wait for readers. Every single reader is a gift. Then it was get going on the second book – Hyacinth. I just couldn’t get it on paper fast enough. And the third and forth books of the series are in my head now just itching to get out. But I can’t do a ton with those until I wrap up Hyacinth.
So I am still hurrying and still waiting. 2013 is going to be a big year for me and I can’t wait to get it started! So many things to finish, and do, and try. I thought I might share some of the things that I’m really looking forward to accomplishing this coming year…
Hyacinth Release (February!)
Right at the moment I’m in the editing phase for Hyacinth – my favorite phase of writing. I love working with Wendy, my editor, and getting through the final stages of making the book ready for publication. I plan to publish on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords all at the same time for this one, as well as in print. So we’ll see how the simultaneous release goes.
Writing Book #3
Believe it or not, I already have the third book of the Svatura series started. I’m chomping at the bit to get it on paper. But I can’t get too far into it on the off chance that something big changes in Hyacinth during editing that affects the following books.
Book #3 Release (August?)
I’m aiming at August for release of the third book of the series. Applying some backwards math, that means starting editing with Wendy around June. Which means writing the bulk of it in March through May. Tall order! Especially while I’m wrapping up my MBA at the same time.
Writing Book #4 or Book #1
As soon as book #3 is released, it’s time to start writing the next book. The question is, do I get started on the first book of a new series that I have floating around in my head? Or do I go ahead and wrap up the Svatura series with book #4 – the final book? Either way, I’ll aim to have another book released in early 2014.
Marketing My Books
In between all that writing, editing, and publishing is the marketing piece of being a self-publisher. I actually have a lot of fun coming up with different ways to interact with my readers and try to connect with more readers. I’m only four months into this self-publishing biz, so I continue to experiment with the marketing piece. In 2013 some of the things I’m thinking of trying out include:
– Having readers vote on the title for book #3.
– I’ll definitely set up another blog tour or two.
– I might try a book trailer, but only if I can make a good one.
– I’ll have some more give aways and contests.
– I might pick a minor character and blog an entire sub-story with just them.
– And I’ve noodled with the idea of entering one or both published books in contests.
– We’ll see what else I can come up with along the way.
Busy year right? I’ll be very curious to revisit my 2013 plans this time next year and see where I am, and if I managed to stay on track.
A huge thank you to all of my readers for a wonderful 2012!
Your responses to Blue Violet have inspired me to keep going with this endeavor. I am looking forward to every single second of 2013. This is living folks!
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