Mark Dawson says "There's never ben a better time to be a writer." That is true as far as getting a book published. Indie publishing allows anyone to publish a book, good or bad and the good are mixed in with the bad books.
One of my friends who does not write books, but is an avid reader told me he has purchased so many trashy books, he no longer orders books. He checks them out at the library. Another friend who is also an avid reader but not a writer, only acquires a book if it is free. He doesn't care whether or not it is a good book. If it's bad, he tosses it.
Ninety-nine cent and free books, make it impossible for me as an author. I've been traditionally published, small press published, and indie published. Regardless of which way I've been published, promoting my book is up to me. Author Lori Corsentino, author of paranormal adventure books, agrees completely and it is expensive. I can spend a huge amount each month on Facebook Ads and Amazon Ads. True, it helps sell books, but in my case not enough to recoup the amount I spend. I need two jobs - one for living expenses and one for marketing. I can't afford to be an author.
As Dawn Annis who writes an historical Scotch Highland series said, "I cannot afford to market. How do I market with 69 cents, my royalty last month? I'm tired of marketing and not getting a thing out of it."
I've taken workshops on marketing, newsletters, writing blurbs and learned along the way. No sooner do I learn one thing and it changes so I need to take another class. Some classes are free. Others are expensive - Email Marketing Unplugged-
Class of 2021 - just $197. Mark Dawson offers several courses from writing a good book to selling that book - lots of output for my money. Book Launch $997, Blurb Deals - $12.95 per month, Newsletter -$10.00 per month and so it goes. Add to the expense of the workshops, money I spend to buy programs such as key words and categories.
With all the workshop offerings and the time it takes to market, I no longer have time to write.
"I'm tired of comparing myself and coming up short. It has taken the fun out of writing a book," Dawn Annis said. I couldn't agree more.
It is true, some authors are doing well. I hear about them. I don't read about the ones who are struggling like me. I realize I will never sell many books so I should give up writing. Since I do not enjoy writing anymore, it should be easy but it isn't. Stories are in my mind before I finish a book and I can't wait to get started on a new one. Series are the in books right now. I don't like series. I get bored with them. Still, I'm giving it a try. Although I can't afford to be an author, it's hard to give up writing. Maybe I should write for the fun of seeing my characters come to life, how they solve and overcome their problems, the dark moment, and the glorious ending. But, I can't afford to be a published author.
One of my friends who does not write books, but is an avid reader told me he has purchased so many trashy books, he no longer orders books. He checks them out at the library. Another friend who is also an avid reader but not a writer, only acquires a book if it is free. He doesn't care whether or not it is a good book. If it's bad, he tosses it.
Ninety-nine cent and free books, make it impossible for me as an author. I've been traditionally published, small press published, and indie published. Regardless of which way I've been published, promoting my book is up to me. Author Lori Corsentino, author of paranormal adventure books, agrees completely and it is expensive. I can spend a huge amount each month on Facebook Ads and Amazon Ads. True, it helps sell books, but in my case not enough to recoup the amount I spend. I need two jobs - one for living expenses and one for marketing. I can't afford to be an author.
As Dawn Annis who writes an historical Scotch Highland series said, "I cannot afford to market. How do I market with 69 cents, my royalty last month? I'm tired of marketing and not getting a thing out of it."
I've taken workshops on marketing, newsletters, writing blurbs and learned along the way. No sooner do I learn one thing and it changes so I need to take another class. Some classes are free. Others are expensive - Email Marketing Unplugged-
Class of 2021 - just $197. Mark Dawson offers several courses from writing a good book to selling that book - lots of output for my money. Book Launch $997, Blurb Deals - $12.95 per month, Newsletter -$10.00 per month and so it goes. Add to the expense of the workshops, money I spend to buy programs such as key words and categories.
With all the workshop offerings and the time it takes to market, I no longer have time to write.
"I'm tired of comparing myself and coming up short. It has taken the fun out of writing a book," Dawn Annis said. I couldn't agree more.
It is true, some authors are doing well. I hear about them. I don't read about the ones who are struggling like me. I realize I will never sell many books so I should give up writing. Since I do not enjoy writing anymore, it should be easy but it isn't. Stories are in my mind before I finish a book and I can't wait to get started on a new one. Series are the in books right now. I don't like series. I get bored with them. Still, I'm giving it a try. Although I can't afford to be an author, it's hard to give up writing. Maybe I should write for the fun of seeing my characters come to life, how they solve and overcome their problems, the dark moment, and the glorious ending. But, I can't afford to be a published author.
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