Good morning, all, and a belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in Canada. Later today I’ll be winging my way across the Atlantic on my way back to London, stuffed full of turkey and apple pie. Yum.
There’s nothing quite like a a vacation to give you perspective on things, and over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on the past year. This time last October, I was getting everything ready for the launch of my first self-published novel, Build A Man, anxiously wondering if I’d done the right thing leaving my publisher or if I’d look back and regret it.
Would my novel crash and burn amidst the still-prevailing stigma of self-publishing in the UK, or would it be able to stand on its own merit and gain new readers? Should I have tried harder to get an agent and perhaps a larger publishing deal for it, despite the lengthy wait-times and uncertainties abounding?
One year on, I can say with confidence that self-publishing was definitely the right move to make at that moment in time, and it continues to be the way forward for me. Yes, it’s a lot of hard work (as we all know!) and it’s beyond stressful at times, but there is something so rewarding about being in control.
Nothing is ever guaranteed – some novels might fare better than others – but the same is true in the traditional world of publishing. Through the course of the year, I’ve learned to be pragmatic about the ups and downs of sales figures and rankings. I’ve now sold almost eighty thousand copies of my self-published novels and novellas, and for the first time in four years, I’ve made a living wage. I’m immensely proud of that fact! Will next year be the same? Who knows? The market is changing at the speed of light, but self-publishers can move quickly to adapt.
And recently, I signed with Raimondi & Campbell literary agency to sell my translation rights in foreign markets, while I retain the English rights. This time last year, I didn’t even realise that was possible. I’m excited for the potential that lies ahead.
Speaking on self-publishing at several events and writing festivals over the course of the year has let me see that many writers are frustrated at the current state of traditional publishing. While self-publishing may not be for everyone, it’s certainly been a brilliant route for me – and I wouldn’t change the past year for anything.
(Well, maybe a £3 million book deal…) :)
What are some highlights from your past year? Are you happy with your chosen route?
Wow, Talli you are such an inspiration. Congratulations on your book sales and your signing for foreign rights, you are doing so incredibly well.
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer lady. I am so thrilled for you, your hard work is paying off.
Thank you so much, Rebecca! What a lovely comment.
I love your post, Talli and you’ve had the most fantastic year. You are a bright beacon for self-published authors!
As you know I decided to sign with Sapphire Star this year and become traditionally published but it wasn’t an easy decision because of the ‘control’ thing! I like being in control too and I think it very much depends on the publishing company and their outlook. Sapphire Star are completely up there with how things are working right now in the industry and they are such a fantastic team to work with. Selling books is all about reader/author, author/author relationships and supporting each other and I think some traditional publishers haven’t made that connection yet.
There are so many great opportunities out there for indie authors too and it really has become a level playing field. My thoughts are, if you write, get it out there in whatever way is best for you! Writers are very much in control of their own destiny right now and that’s a great thing!
I couldn’t agree more, Mandy! It’s all about options, as you say, and writers can now choose the best route for them. There are some wonderful, savvy publishing companies out there who ARE adapting to the market, as well. The more choices we all have, the better the chance we can make it work for us.
Wow! Congratulations, Talli! You are an inspiration to us all! I’ve just started my self-publishing journey and if I could be even a fraction as successful as you, it would be beyond my wildest dreams!
*blush* Thank you, Jaimie! Nothing is ever guaranteed and who knows what next year looks like, but I’m really happy with how the past year has gone.
Brilliant post as always Talli. And congratulations on your successes in the year!
This time last year I was only toying with the idea of self publishing an ebook and not really taking it seriously. Now, one year on, I’ve got two novels on Amazon and I’ve been able to give up my day job to be a full time writer. What a difference a year makes!
Congrats to you, Anna! Being able to give up a day job to write full time is brilliant!
Congrats to you, Talli! I’m over the moon thrilled for everything you’ve accomplished and thrilled too that because you set out on this journey, our stars aligned!
And WooHooo on signing for foreign translations representation. U Go, Girl!!!
For me, the highlights are when I get Facebook posts (tweets, emails and Pins too) from a reader saying something like this…***Note: I received this one this past Saturday, the morning after my new release (STUCK WITH A SPELL) hit cyber shelves around the world:
“…after cleaning my house last night I thought i’d lay down and take a lil peek at your new book…I finished it at 2 this morning…… I had to read chapter 7 twice because it was sooo dang funny! Another FABULOUS book!” — Gina Maples Mashai
What a wonderful comment, DD! I love it when readers respond so positively – those are definitely amongst my highlights, too. And yes, I’m so pleased I was able to connect with you.
Congratulations! You are an inspiration. This time last year I made the commitment to go indie. My first novel was released in late summer. Sales are steadily growing, but the best part is learning about the word-of-mouth recommendations. It seems that every day, I get an email or Facebook post telling me that someone recommended my book to them and they love it.
This site has been my go-to place for information. I’m so glad I found it a year ago, and that you are all so willing to share your experiences.
We’re pleased to have people like you drop by, Janice, and share your own experience! There’s really nothing better than hearing from readers, is there? I love that warm glow of knowing someone else has enjoyed your work.
Well done, Talli. It is almost a year that I began my self-publishing journey and there is one main thing that I have found out – I love the feeling of having control of my own publishing journey and can go at my own pace, esp if I feel unwell or not able to write for any reason. I am still thinking about querying epublishers with future romance mss, but we shall see. I like the idea of being a full member of the RNA. I will also be bloggin cum November about my year of self-epublishing.
The feeling of control is fantastic, Julie, I couldn’t agree more! I can’t wait to hear about your year of self-publishing.
Well done Talli for your bravery. It gives us all food for thought. Having control gives you such power. I always love your posts wherever they are and no matter what they are about.
Sounds like you had a fab break. Next the patter of little feet.
Good luck as always
Lynda
xx
Great to hear from you, Lynda – you’re an inspiration yourself! Best of luck to you in everything, too!
Great inspiration, Talli! I’m anxiously awaiting my “launch” in January. I hope my journey is even a portion as successful as yours!
Thank you, Michelle – and best of luck for your upcoming launch. Exciting!
Congratulations, Talli! I hope next year will be even better and that you will continue to climb the charts
Thank you so much, Kristine! And here’s to your continued success, as well.
That’s brilliant news about your sales, Talli. A huge congratulations and well done! After hearing your story at the Festival of Writing last month I am now working on a collection of short stories that I hope to self-publish next year. Inspired by you and David Gaughran
Oh, wow, Amanda! What an honour for David and I – that’s fantastic! Please keep us posted on your progress.
HUGE congratulations, Talli, what an amazing and noteworthy achievement. I’m so happy for you and your success speaks for itself. You are totally an inspiration for any aspiring author and I like your attitude: get writing, get yourself out there in whatever way works for you.
I wish you every success for the coming years, nay decades, and look forward to following your journey. Golly, am overcome all emotional here–it’s just so wonderful to read such a well-deserved success story. Right, I’ll be off before I really get gushing. Rock on, Talli!
I’m glad you’re happy with your decision, Talli. I always download your books the day they come out.
From a purely selfish standpoint, I’m glad you decided to self-publish because I realize your books probably wouldn’t release as quickly if you’d stayed with your publisher.
To answer your question, I stated self-publishing 15 months ago, so we’re on a similar timeline. It was definitely the right decision for me. Next month marks the one year anniversary of when I quit my old job to write full time.
Congrats, Talli! You’re awesome. Wishing you much continued success!
Wow, a year already. Congratulations, and on the agent too! Let me know if you get into the Turkish market
An amazing year for you Talli! Super congrats to you. Here’s to many more
Congratulations, Talli, and may the coming year see you fly ever higher!
Congrats, Talli! It’s not been a year yet for me, and my numbers are nowhere near yours, but they’re steadily marching forward. I am so happy I chose this route. I love the level of control and the near-instant insight into what’s working in terms of getting the word out. The best part is hearing from readers who can’t wait for the next book. Writing had been a dream of mine for so long, I can hardly believe I’m actually doing it and getting paid for it.
Dana, I recognize you! Revenge is the book selection for the Goodreads indie group, right? You’re doing just fine. What I’m noticing is that readers review indie books right alongside books from traditional publishers without remarking or blinking an eye. It’s just another book to them, and that’s good news for lowering the ‘stigma’ of indie publishing.
congratulations talli, love the info and progress
nice to hear about the translation rights deal too, best wishes
Brava, Talli, & mega-congratulations, too! BUILD A MAN is a delight & I’m looking forward to your next one.
Please let us know how your translation rights deal works out.
Wow – I too never realised that sort of thing could happen and how exciting! I can only imagine how hard you are working, but as they say, nothing worthwhile ever comes easily. You’ve earned the success you are getting and what a trailblazer!!! Congrats.
Wow! That’s impressive! And it came at a good time for me. While I am NO where in your category sales wise, I have seen an increase over the year. I wouldn’t go any other route (unless of course, like you it was a huge, huge deal)! I love being in charge!
The other thing that I find odd – in talking to fellow authors about literary agents – the majority of them say they wouldn’t have one – they’d do it themselves, but at the first offer that blows in they jump on board.
Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!
Congratulations, Talli! I can’t wait to see what you do in year two!
What an amazing year! Congrats to you, and thanks for sharing with us.
Congrats, Talli, and thanks for the post. Wishing you another year of fantastic growth and abundant opportunities!
Thanks for the information and inspiration. I’m on the verge of going indie and this site gives me practical information and the guts to take the leap.
Huge congrats on signing with an agency for your foreign rights! I just blogged yesterday about the importance of having a great agent, even if you self-publish–because of the foreign rights, etc. Hope your next year is even better than this one.
Congratulations, Talli, on your tremendous success!
Congratulations on your success! I’m just starting my journey and find stories like yours so inspirational and motivating. I can’t wait to see where I am this time next year!