I wouldn't consider myself an "expert" at anything. I have children, but that doesn't make me an expert on parenting, quite the opposite actually, the more kids I have, the less it appears I know. I love to watch DIY shows, but I'm never going to be able to convert wood pallets into the Taj Mahal. And although I have authored blogs and published a few essays, I most certainly am NOT an expert on writing, editing, publishing or any, and everything that entails. So, when it comes to navigating the often lonely and cut-throat business end of writing, I have looked to those who have gone before me for advice, encouragement, a reality check, my sanity. There is far more involved in the process of getting your work from written stage into the hands of readers than one might think. So many moving parts all intertwined like the cogs of a clock. Each one has its purpose, its own job that when properly aligned and assembled can create a masterpiece. Once wound ...
The Self-publishing Route has Exploded as a Platform for Writers to Become Authors, and get Their Written Work into the World, Without Waiting for an Agent to Pick up Their Book and Decide it’s Worthy Here you are, one way or another you have arrived at the conclusion to write a book. You're pretty proud of yourself. Your friends and family are so excited for you and can't wait to read it once it's published, which of course it will be. Right? Of course, you've thought of that detail, right? The part where agents and editors are clamoring to get their hands on your novel, the next Great American Novel. Oh God, Agents? Editors? Now you're sweating. All of a sudden writing has become much more than writing, hasn't it? Deep breaths. You take a few days, and you talk with your friends and your spouse, and you're reminded that first and foremost writing is for you. Not for anyone but you. And you're really good at it. You have a talent that you sho...