Running a One-Author Circus (Send Snacks)
Mercy! I want to applaud every independent writer out there.
You are not a joke. You are a master. You have skills. And wow! Thanks for your help as I embark on this journey without a publisher. No Dreamspinner Press. No Extasy (though I'll always love them). It's just me, and wow, am I tired.
Let's talk about it.
The Cover
Ya'll, a lot went into making this cover. I had to decide what to use. Luckily, I'm good with Canva. I'm not a wizard, but because I'm in education, I've used it for presentations. As a writer, I use Canva to promote, making videos for TikTok and social media posts. Turns out, I can also use it to make book covers, too, or at least the wording and image placement.
Now I really needed an image. After sending out the question of what to use to my fellow writers on Facebook, I decided on Depositphotos.com. It's a great source for photos and reasonably priced. Once you buy the image, it's yours—no copyright issues. No AI. I did try to make a Griffin using AI but quickly learned that's an absolute no-no. My Griffin image near the book title is a stock image from Depositphotos, which means my cover is completely AI-free.
KDP or Kindle Direct Publishing
I decided to publish with Kindle Direct Publishing. I looked at the pros and cons. What are they? Let me find them.
For me, I like the built-in audience.
It's hard figuring things out on your own. I like that Amazon has guidelines and opportunities. I still have to promote, which I'm used to. It doesn't mean I'm an expert. I'm not, but I really feel like I'm flying solo, and I need some direction. I think KDP works for me until I either find something else or determine this is the right place for me.
To publish with KDP, I had to download Kindle Create. You use Kindle Create to format your manuscript. It's definitely a learning curve, but you can do it. I definitely did a lot of Googling to figure it out, but I have it now.
You will, too.
Book Promotion Without a Publisher
If you've been in the m/m writing world for any time, you know Dreamspinner and Extasy Books. I edited for Dreamspinner before I became a writer. Later, they decided to let me go. My books didn't fit their plan. It's okay; I found a new home with Extasy Books. Eventually, they closed their doors to a select few. But instead of giving up, I decided to get out there. It wasn't like I didn't have people, resources, and tools, for which I am beyond grateful.
Is it easy? Absolutely not, but it is doable. I need to write. It's a part of me. I need others to know my guys and read their stories. I have readers who follow me. I don't want to stop.
So I'm still writing, navigating these learning curves. One of those curves is book promotion. For this, I need honest book reviews, social media posts across different platforms, and to stay visible. For the first part of this, I rely on the services of Gay Romance Book Reviews.
Operated by Leslie Copeland, they are efficient, professional, and reasonably priced for the options you need and/or desire. I always start with them before I post or do anything myself. People who know people know people, and Leslie Copeland, with her amazing team, knows people and how to find your reading audience. She'll also include you in a newsletter, which is huge.
You can't do it alone. Give Gay Romance a try. Oh, you'll need an EPUB version of your book. Definitely use Calibre. It's free and works super well!
Next, it's Facebook groups and Instagram, places where readers are looking for their next book. And my blog. This one. I don't do a newsletter myself, but I've heard good things; they work. For me? I don't believe I'll give it the time it needs. Oh, and I forgot about TikTok, which I started a little while ago. I've put up videos. Here are my latest ones.
Binge-worthy BLs
I will forever compare any new BL show I watch to the amazing Kinn Porsche,
but I have finished a few great ones recently.
Such a cute show with all the feels. Love the chemistry of the main characters.
This one is amazing. I was frustrated, angry, and scared. The ending was worth every moment.
On the Home Front
Happy Birthday to my now fifteen-year-old. She wants a job and to drive now. I'm so not ready.
My eighteen-year-old is working to be a fireman, avoiding anything that looks like a regular job, and creating websites so he can be a millionaire.
Don't mind us. My hubby and I are just along for the ride.
Keep us in mind.
Love,
Deja
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