Yeah, I think it's tough with publishing either way you slice it: Self-publishing, small indie press or traditional Big 5. It's always going to be a struggle, unless you're one of the .000001% lucky freaks like Emma Cline whose debut novel The Girls got a $3m advance right out of her MFA program when she was 25 or 27. Very rare. Often new writers don't even get an advance, or they get a very small one. Publishers generally don't pay for promo or book tours anymore. You're largely on your own. I've seen this as an author myself but also working for a literary agent and as a developmental book editor working with clients at Big 5 houses.
Hi Kate, thank you so much for writing this book and for making the trip across two rivers to Verona! After hearing you speak, I’m loving your practical and funny and empathetic voice
Hi Kate, I’m really enjoying your book. Your voice is humorous and real. Love the insider knowledge, too, and the acknowledgment of icky feelings. I’m a freelance editor, btw, not a writer, but I can still relate.
This was delightful to read and all of it was so familiar! I'm not surprised you have a good attitude about it all, you've coached so many through this process already. I'm excited for you to have had this published author experience at last and excited that you're already on to book two!
Thank you for writing this! I self published my debut novel 3 weeks ago - hit #1 new seller on family sagas today on Amazon! It’s very scary. NO ONE wanted my book. So I’ll just be over here in my little corner, reading yours!
I did very much enjoy the book, and left a 5 star and a review. I like how you write, and appreciate that you can back it up with experience on both sides of the fence.
Just got you on Audible. I'll be listening!
Yeah, I think it's tough with publishing either way you slice it: Self-publishing, small indie press or traditional Big 5. It's always going to be a struggle, unless you're one of the .000001% lucky freaks like Emma Cline whose debut novel The Girls got a $3m advance right out of her MFA program when she was 25 or 27. Very rare. Often new writers don't even get an advance, or they get a very small one. Publishers generally don't pay for promo or book tours anymore. You're largely on your own. I've seen this as an author myself but also working for a literary agent and as a developmental book editor working with clients at Big 5 houses.
I started a new podcast which covers some of this: https://michaelmohr.substack.com/p/podcast-episode-2-literary-agents
Remember the Breck commercial. If each reader tells two friends, and they tell two friends and so on and so on.
Hi Kate, thank you so much for writing this book and for making the trip across two rivers to Verona! After hearing you speak, I’m loving your practical and funny and empathetic voice
Thank you so much for coming out and for reading!!!!
Enjoying your book! Thank you.
This is so clever! I hope your book sells 1.8 million. Plus I want you to be my publicist, too, now:). Both can be true. (You are fabulous you know!)
Hi Kate, I’m really enjoying your book. Your voice is humorous and real. Love the insider knowledge, too, and the acknowledgment of icky feelings. I’m a freelance editor, btw, not a writer, but I can still relate.
Yes indeed--suggested to a fellow writer I met on Jami Attenburg's 1000 Words of Summer
This was delightful to read and all of it was so familiar! I'm not surprised you have a good attitude about it all, you've coached so many through this process already. I'm excited for you to have had this published author experience at last and excited that you're already on to book two!
Thank you for writing this! I self published my debut novel 3 weeks ago - hit #1 new seller on family sagas today on Amazon! It’s very scary. NO ONE wanted my book. So I’ll just be over here in my little corner, reading yours!
Excellent. I self-pubbed my novel in early 2024. You might like my new podcast: https://michaelmohr.substack.com/p/podcast-episode-2-literary-agents
I love the interview with yourself haha
I listened to the audiobook. I liked that you read it!
Thanks! It was so fun to record!
Hi Kate, thanks so much for flagging your Verona appearance--just rsvp'd and looking forward!
Thanks so much! See you there! (tell a friend. :) )
Kate — it’s a great book, and very helpful for me, a first time writer. Thanks so much!
I did very much enjoy the book, and left a 5 star and a review. I like how you write, and appreciate that you can back it up with experience on both sides of the fence.
Hey don't worry about Goodreads. It's better to have 5,000 reviews with a 3.8 average than 50 with 4.8