Dylan didn’t believe in spirits, vampires or zombies, but if the undead were stalking the planet, they couldn’t feel any worse than he did right now.
Dead Silent by Shirley Wells
Now before we get going, who is going to control the pouring of the wine.... laugh!
"Controlling? Moi? Why, Yes!
Who doesn’t like a little bit of control? There’s nothing more heady than having the power to make your own choices; steer your destiny. Many writers I know (myself included) are Type A personalities. And that’s what makes the publishing industry so difficult to handle. So much is out of the author’s control – the editor you’re assigned, the cover design, the amount of sales and marketing your book receives. And that’s just if you’ve made it to the publishing stage! Let’s not forget the query-go-round, being on submission, the endless waiting . . . it’s all enough to drive a writer to drink (more).
So, when I decided to self-publish my next novel, Build a Man, I felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Now I had control of my novel’s destiny – well, as much control as one can have when it comes to selling to the public. I could hire an editor I respected, ensure it had the cover I wanted, and use my skills to promote the book to the best of my ability. Not only that, but if I self-publish in the future, I can control my timeline and output. If I want to release three novels a year, the only thing stopping me is me.
The control freak inside couldn’t be happier! Is striking out on my own after having two novels traditionally published a risk? Sure, but any new venture in business is risky, and I’m confident I have the skills and knowledge now to create a quality product. That doesn’t mean I’m doing everything alone – just like my previous novels, I’ve had a bevy of beta readers, an editor, a cover designer . . . it’s still a collaborative effort, but it’s one that I’m directing.
I’m excited about holding my future in my hands. It’s a brave new world out there for authors, and I can’t wait to get started!"
Talli Roland has three loves in her life: chick lit, coffee and wine. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine). Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories – complete with happy endings. Her first novel, The Hating Game, was an Amazon UK best-seller and was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read at the UK’s Festival of Romance awards.
Talli has just released her second novel, Watching Willow Watts. Her next novel, Build a Man, will be out in December. Talli blogs here and can be found on Twitter here.
30 comments:
Hello Talli and Pauline! First of all, thanks to Pauline for bringing us the lovely Talli on your blog. And secondly... Talli, what an inspirational take on self-publishing. Thank you so much for sharing your views and experience, and for giving the self-publishing route the credit and kudos it deserves. Rock on! XX
Hello, ladies! I love Talli's take on self-publishing and fully understand the need to be in control. The thing that puts me off is all the businessy stuff that would take me away from what I love most which is actually writing the stories. I know Talli's book will be a huge success. I just know it.
I shall raise a glass to you both, Pauline and Talli, for being mistresses of self-publishing!
(And thank you, Pauline, for using my first sentence. :))
Hello Nicky, Talli is an amazing lady and will succeed in everything she does incuding being a great success with book 3 self published. Thanks for stopping by. x
Hi Shirley, it's tough doing all the businessy stuff, but then look at all the fabby peeps I've met by doing this. You and the lovely Talli.... can't complain! xx
Pauline, thank so much for hosting me!
Nicky, thank you. I'm really excited about taking this step.
Shirley, I know - those fiddly bits can put you off. But to be honest, I don't think NOT doing those fiddly things is worth the amount my publisher was taking from my profits, as wonderful and supportive as they were.
Congrats on your decision to go Indie. I know it's very hard to do. I was scared to death when I left my publisher, but quickly found out that no one knows where I want my career to go other than me. Soooo....now my career is in my hands and it's up to me and only me to make it exactly the way I want it! Cheers!! Can't wait to read it!
I am so an A type personality. You want to self-pub, I totally understand. I've been considering it as well. The control! I love the first two books and can't wait for the third. As long as you find a good editor, the self-pub option is great.
Thank you, Tonya! You're so right - no one knows your career better than you. And a big thanks for all your help, too!
Clarissa, it's great. And yes, I agree on the editor. You still need someone who can be objective, not to mention typos and such!
Hi Talli & Pauline!
Talli has voiced so well the benefits of indie-publishing and I wish her every success with Build A Man - I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Janice! :)
So much of what you say is true, Talli, and strikes a chord with many of us. Now that I'm actually seeing traditionally published authors jump to self-publishing, I have a sneaking suspicion you are on to a growing and exciting trend.
Go for it, Tall! I self-published my first book, and though I've been traditionally published, I would definitely go indie again. Best of luck!
Yeah! Go Talli! I'm self publishing too :)
Thank you, Joanne. I've seen quite a few traditionally published authors make the leap, too.
Jane, thank you! I'm excited about taking this step.
Suz, yay! :)
Good luck, Talli and Shirley. Two wonderful writers who deserve to do very well. x
What a great blog Pauline.
I think what you are doing Talli is a wonderful thing. I've tweeted many a time about not dismissing self published work, as in my opinion, there are some amazing books out there that are... can't wait to read Build a Man.. looks great!
Well done both x
Thank you so much, Debs! :P
Lou, you're right -- I've read some real crackers. Hope you like Build a Man!
Pauline, thanks for hosting Talli!
Talli, after careful consideration, you made an excellent choice and it must feel like a tremendous accomplishment to be the "master of your domain!" Julie
Bravo, Talli!!!
You know I'm just over the moon to be sharing this Indie Epub Journey with you!
And wow am I excited about our Christmas Anthology MADNESS UNDER THE MISTLETOE, which will release next month!!!
Cheers to you and your new adventure, and thanks sooo much for introducing me to Pauline's world too!!!
Great interview! I was recently offered a contract and now that my feet have touched the ground... frankly, it scares the hell out of me. So many controls over what they can do and for how long vs what wee bits I can but even more that I can't do.
Self-publishing looks better and better every day.
Best of luck moving into the driving seat, Talli!
AND don't forget you have an established fanbase who will read your books no matter who publishes it! Wishing you all the best in this exciting new venture!
J.C.
Join me in the Trick or Treat Spooktacular! Could you help make the Grand Prize a brand new Kindle Touch?
I can relate to the Type A! I'm also hyperactive, not a good combination.
Congrats, Talli!
Wishing you all the best, Talli.
Great interview ladies, thank you. And good luck Talli with Build a Man!
Great interview. Best of luck Talli.
I really enjoyed reading Watching Willow Watts so can't wait to read Build a Man x
Thanks everyone for stopping by, Talli we know you will be a fab success, you are already and we self published authors are so pleased you are joying us. As you see I'm reading Watching Willow Watts.... fab! Can't wait to read Build a Man. A zillion thanks for sitting around my pool. Hugs to everyone! xx
Thank you so much for hosting me, Pauline, and thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments!
Talli, i like the way you did it. By going traditional the first two times you know all the steps involved, you also have built a readership.
Love hearing more about Talli's adventures. I'm taking notes. :) Thanks, Pauline, for hosting her today.
Hi Pauline .. thanks for hosting Talli .. she's a powerhouse of action .. and the thing I love is how she shares and cares .. great interview - I think I might try the Lanzarote and wine route .. cheers Hilary
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