Novel One

First Cover - Edition One

I am an author. That is the one thing I know for sure.
I have enjoyed writing since I was a child. So of course as a writer/author, you need a reader. That’s where my mom comes in. I encouraged her to read a chapter. (Okay, I begged.) I needed to see if my story could keep her engaged. My mom was an avid reader. Therefore I trusted her opinion. To my surprise when she finished the chapter, she asked when I would have the next one ready for her. She was my motivator to get the story written. Her request pushed me to complete my first full length novel as an adult.

Then as all moms are known for, she gave me her advice, I needed to publish it. Yeah, right. This was just something I was doing for fun, but she insisted in her motherly way. My mom handed me an article on a publishing service called Createspace. Well, Createspace was so new at the time, I was afraid to try their platform. I searched for another way to publish and found a somewhat traditional publishing company. Off my manuscript went to the acquisitions desk for their consideration. “Oh yes, we’d love to publish your novel,” they wrote back. I can’t even tell you how excited I was. I read through the contract several times before signing it. The publisher informed me they would handle everything from editing, to cover, to formatting. The experience was eye-opening, to say the least. A few months later my book baby was out to the world, and I was proud of her.

Fast forward five years when I had my second novel Following Sweet Dreams Home completed. I knew I was not going to use my first publisher. I learned a lot in those five years. I decided to self-publish after watching the growth in the Indie world. My real reason to publish in the first place was to have my books in print for my family, friends, and the few people that might stumble upon the story. Knowing my motivation and what I was now looking for I bought out the contract of my first novel Rise Above the Truth. I hired an editor and released the second edition of my first novel. My book baby had a new cover now, and I sent her off into the world through Createspace. I loved having control over the cover, the interior, everything. During this time my second novel, Following Sweet Dreams Home, was with my new editor and was moving closer to release day.

I had the second edition of Rise Above the Truth out for a few years when I discovered Grammarly. Did I mention I am horrible at grammar? I can tell a great story, but I need a grammar specialist. I now use Grammarly before my book ends up on an editor’s desk. Anyway, I went through the book Rise Above the Truth reviewing and cleaning it up yet again. I have now released the third edition, with a new cover. I am very proud of the story and love the characters. But then I should they were the friends in my head for a few years.

What I want you to get from this post is to do your research. Do you want a traditional publishing company, vanity press, indie? Only you will know which service meets your needs. Trust your gut and keep writing your story. For me, I like the control I have over the story from start to finish. Indie publishing works for me.
The first two editions of Rise Above the Truth are out of print now. I am considering auctioning the three novels on eBay as a set. I will keep you posted if I do put them up for sale.

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Cover Two - Second Edition

Third Cover - Edition Three