August marks 2 years since I published my first novel, and I’ve put four out since then. I still have a couple more projects in the works on the written side of things, and I think I should have at least one out this year still. That's still a bit away, though.
Instead of looking forward today, I think it's reasonable to look back and share the things I’ve learned. Maybe it's stuff that will help any of you in a similar boat to where I was then.
Under Cover
Were I to do it over, I think I would have immediately commissioned covers for my books that are more professionally done. I went into the enterprise not realizing how important covers were, so to speak, and I also have both a stubborn streak and a reticence towards spending money
I still do, but I definitely am considering getting more professional and practiced help. This isn't to say I hate my covers (which were done with Canva, some help, and a lot of determination), but…I know my graphic design talents aren't anywhere near what they should have been.
I do want to do a new cover for at least my duology; I've been wanting to package the two halves into a single volume with maybe a couple additions. That's not a top priority, but I do regret not going the more professional route for that.
Mark to Market
My cheapness also has another issue: marketing is a major pain. I will fully admit that I am awful at it.
My social media presence is mostly cats and memes. Trying to sell both my book and me as an author has left a weird taste in my mouth and is quite tricky, picking out what I can use to pique interest. I’ve never liked selling myself, preferring to let my works speak for themselves and let others make up their minds that way.
Underpromise and overdeliver is my ethos. I don't like saying I’m a great writer whose works will change literature; I don't think I’m bad, but there's definitely a lack and f comfort in terms of saying “read my books they're great and I'm great”.
I am learning how to hit marketing, but it's still a long road and an inconsistent one.
I am better at all of the little things than I was, and I’m still improving as a presence and as a writer. That said, I am considering TikTok at some point, as well as more channels to share my works.
That said, when it's starting to near time to release my next thing, I’ll try to market it more aggressively and actively. Could be interesting to see how that works, and if it feels less weird.
Still, I do want to keep improving on all elements of the publishing enterprise, and maybe I can eventually do the graphic design how I want it.