I wrote my first novel and it's self published.
And that was refreshing to say, 'cause MAN, it's been a long time coming!
I wanted to create this blog post for anyone and everyone who's either at the beginning of their writing journey, or somewhere swirled in the middle with unfinished work and uncertainties about what you want or will do with your work of writing.
I Know. I Get It.
And if you're anything else like me and considered Self Publishing then I'm sure you have questions for daaaayyyyys. I still have them, and always learning.
The resources are there. The Google Gods become best friends in the late hours, and YouTube's cool too, but there's nothing like being able to ask someone who's been there and done that, and open to share their experiences. Lucky for me I was able to meet some amazing writers who have self published. I'm always interested in their journey, and there's been a lot of great take-aways that I've used in my own self publishing journeys.
One of those writers happens to be Self Published Author, Shyla Miles. Thanks to the power of social media I was able to connect with her via Instagram a few years ago when her first novel debuted. Ya'll, she really could have charged me consultation fees for picking her brain the way I did! 'Cause I had questions, and those questions had questions, and then sometimes I just wanted to know: How did YOU do it. I definitely appreciate her time, and her share of experiences.
I put together a Q&A with a few of the questions I had that I'm sure some of you may have.
See How I Got You Covered? lol.
Shyla Miles...
Q. Being an aspiring author, one of the many either or situations we come across is whether to self-publish or take the traditional route. Why did you decide to self-publish?
A. For me, I didn’t really think there was another option. I mean, of course I “knew” the traditional route was there, but I also knew deep down that option was just not for me. I guess you could blame my entrepreneurial spirit for taking a shot in the dark on myself to self-publish.
Q. Did you know anyone at the time who had self-published? Is there a lot of research involved?
A. I actually didn’t know anyone personally who’d self-published, at least at the beginning. Research helped tremendously though, not just to find others who’ve done what I was trying to do, but to decide if their way would also work for me. The more I researched, the more informed I was to make pertinent decisions.
Q. How long ago was it that you self-published? Is there anything you would change or do differently?
A. I self-published Broken Promises in January of 2014. I don’t know that I would’ve done anything differently per se; maybe I would’ve been more patient with myself and the process? Then again, any writer (perfectionist) will always think their work is never complete, so …
Q. Would you say the process is fairly easy? How much time would one need to devote to doing this on their own?
A. The process can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. What I’ve found is that the pressure of completion can cause more angst than publishing itself. The same goes with time spent, because so many factors are involved. Are you single, but always on the go? Are you a mother and wife? A student? What type of writing environment works for you? Some people can multi-task, others like myself, need complete quiet and zero distractions.
Basically, after getting over the hump of actually penning the story (assuming your budget is also worked out), it’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. In theory, a person could spend years trying to release a perfect project (none are EVER perfect, by the way), or they could spend a few months. Every writer’s process is different, but when you’re ready, you’ll know. For that reason alone, there’s no way to slap a universal timeframe on how much time is necessary.
Q. What’s your writing process like? Do you just write, edit, and then publish?
A. My writing process is summed up in a phrase I borrowed from a friend: Hocus Pocus Focus. What that means is, I’m typically all over the place, at least as far as writing goes. If you want to shop for an editor in advance for budgeting reasons, that’s okay. However, I didn’t until my story was written. This way, I was able to obtain an honest quote from potential editors specifically to my manuscript’s needs and my writing style. Whatever the case, do NOT publish without having your manuscript edited. Just don’t. Aside from the story itself and cover, editing is the best investment an author can make for their book.
Q. Did you come across any obstacles with writing and/or publishing? If any, how did you overcome them?
A. There are always, always obstacles. No matter what the agenda, my goal is to always outdo myself while at the same time not breaking what isn’t broken. In other words, what worked last time that I know for sure will work again? What didn’t, and how can I fix that this go round? That applies to cover designs, editing, marketing, and so forth.
Believe it or not, my biggest obstacle was and is the ability to write regularly. Life comes at you fast, and as a writer, you have to make time—time that you seemingly do not have. I’ve learned not to force the words out of me, but to create a space for them to flow freely; similar to when you want a baby to fall asleep. You don’t put them in a room full of toys or loud noises. You ride them in the car or turn the lights off to let them know it’s not playtime. It is the same with writing. I had to condition myself to understand when and how to turn off my distractions (i.e. hanging with friends, social media, TV) and get down to business.
Q. What services did you use for publishing? Would you recommend to anyone else?
A. I try not to disclose what service(s) I’ve used, because I don’t like to influence anyone one way or another. I would recommend research. I know I’ve said it so many times already, but it really is important. What worked for me, might not work for you and vice versa. For example, some platforms are for eBooks only, others are for print. Figure out the goals for your project/brand, and find a publishing route that aligns with them.
Q. Did you design your own cover? Are designers easy to find?
A. I definitely did not design my own covers, lol. The Lord only knows what they would’ve looked like if I did, because I am totally not about THAT life. Designers are everywhere, literally; freelance and mainstream. This is another benefit of research. Looks at reviews of the designers’ work. Make sure they’ve actually designed books before, and don’t ever be afraid to ask to see their portfolio and/or to provide examples of your own vision to assure what you want is within their expertise.
Q. What advice would you give on finding a good editor?
A. You have to find an editor you trust. I can’t stress that enough. Maybe not with your baby, but kind of, because your book is basically your baby. Would you leave your child at any daycare? Of course you wouldn’t. The same applies with your editor. When they butcher your manuscript, because they will butcher your manuscript, it’ll sting at first, but trusting they have your “baby’s” best interest in mind lessens the blow.
There are many “qualified” editors, meaning they look good on paper and might even offer you a more affordable rate. However, if they don’t understand your writing voice and prose, or your reason for intentionally misspelling words, all their “qualifications” have gone out of the window. That’s not to say a good editor doesn’t need to be an English guru, just that there are more factors to consider when deciding which is best for you.
You find an editor you trust by the rapport you build in communicating with them, and by completely respecting their conglomerate. Again, send them a sample of your manuscript and ask them to edit the first page or so (most will ask you to send a sample of your manuscript for this very reason). You’ll probably spend quite a few coins, whoever you decide to hire, so make sure they’re worth your while. Keyword: Your.
Q. Generally how long does editing take? Do you edit yourself before the editor?
A. The type of editing an author receives can play a part in how long the overall editing process takes. Some authors only require (pay for) entry-level editing, or even proofreading, and that may take a few weeks. If they opt for more intense editing (again, trust your editor to help you decide what level you require), which may subsequently require several rounds of revisions, it could take months. In this instance, the ability for the author to turnaround the revisions can also prolong or speed up the process.
I always edit my manuscript before submitting to my editor. After all, your work, at any state, is a reflection of you.
Q. Do you have any upcoming projects or new material?
A. I will actually be releasing my second novel and first nonfiction project entitled Me Versus Me;, on October 7th of this year.
Q. How can I stay connected and find out more about your work?
You may find me as well as updates about my work at www.ShylaMiles.com. You may also follow me on InstaGram @ShylaMiles, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorShylaMiles/.
Q. What single advice would you give to any aspiring author looking to self-publish?
Take. Your. Time.
There is a reason your story is YOUR story; only you can tell it, so do yourself, readers, and story justice by making sure you tell it right. Self-publishing can be a pleasurable experience or your biggest headache. It will require hard work. However, if you do your research and make informed decisions, half the battle is already won.
Welp, you've read it for yourself!
I hope this helps. I hope this inspires!
Be sure to check out Shyla's upcoming memoir, and her previous work.
Stay tuned for updates on my self published novel "Twenty One Weaks!" Subscribe, so you don't have to remind yourself, and comment below!