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I decided to self publish because I'm a control freak. I am in control of the creative process from start to finish and while I use a development editor and beta readers, I make the final decision as to whether or not their suggestions are implemented in the manuscript.
I was a clothing and jewellery designer for many years and came to trust my own creative judgement. Ultimately, my name is on the cover, so I should be responsible for all the decisions, including the cover-I do them myself on photoshop.
The only disadvantage with self publishing is the lack of a support team and promotional budget. I have been gathering a team of people around me, including an editor, proof and beta readers and I also have Nas to do the final line edit, formatting and promotional side which is essential. Thank you, Nas.
When I receive notes from my developmental editor and beta readers, I consider them carefully. If there is more than one editor and/or beta reader, I look for 'trends' in their comments. If one person suggests a change that I'm not sure about, I check to see if anyone else has suggested the same change and then make a decision.
I've spent my working life as a designer, so my creative efforts have been judged by everyone from agents to shop owners to customers, plus I'm studying applied writing, so I'm used to tutors and fellow students critiquing my work.
I know not to be precious about my writing or take constructive criticism personally, I see it as an opportunity to learn and improve my craft. Anyone who reveals their creative efforts to the world must accept that everyone who sees their work will have an opinion about it. Some will be positive and some negative, but if you're happy with what you've produced, then that's all that matters.
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After a twenty-plus-year career in the applied arts industry, including owning her own fashion and jewellery labels, Kathy decided to turn her creative skills to writing fiction.
Her first novel, Peak Hill, was a finalist in the Romance Writers of New Zealand Pacific Hearts Full Manuscript contest in 2016.
Kathy now squeezes full-time study for an advanced diploma in applied writing in around writing novels and short stories, teaching sewing and pattern making and being a wife and mother.
K A Servian on the web:
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Grace is trying to come to terms with her mother's death and handle the unexpected arrival of her ex-boyfriend when a mystery document she finds in a box in the attic turns her life on its head and raises questions she is compelled to answer.
In her search for the truth, she stumbles into the middle of a missing person cold case in a small town where the inhabitants have kept a secret to protect one of their own for twenty-five years. Grace's investigation unearths long-held rivalries and opens old wounds, causing the past to collide with the present with terrifying results.
Buy on:
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In her search for the truth, she stumbles into the middle of a missing person cold case in a small town where the inhabitants have kept a secret to protect one of their own for twenty-five years. Grace's investigation unearths long-held rivalries and opens old wounds, causing the past to collide with the present with terrifying results.
Buy on:
Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback
Shame on Who? (Short Prequel to Throwing Light)
In 1979, fifteen-year-old Jane Smith announced to her parents that she was expecting a baby. Thirty-five years later, the repercussions of the decision made by her father on that day come home to roost in the romantic thriller 'Throwing Light.' 'Shame on Who?' is a short prequel to the book and provides insight into the dramatic events that changed Jane's life.
Enter this Goodreads Giveaway to win paperback copies of Throwing Light!
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Thanks K.A.! Being a control freak is a definite advantage if you're going to self-publish!
What about you? Any control freaks out there?
49 comments:
I do have my test readers and my critique partners, but I'm grateful for the support team with my publisher. I can handle whatever suggestions are thrown my way regarding my writing but doing everything else would overwhelm me. KA, that's great you can do it all yourself.
Being able to handle everything yourself is amazing, K.A. Congratulations on your release. The cover for Throwing Light is very catchy.
Plus there's the clout and all the business ties of a publisher. It's a lot more to tackle than most authors realize.
Best of luck with you on this latest book, K.A. I think an important aspect of this is to "know thyself." If you are the sort of person who can juggle all the jobs needed to self-publish, and like the freedom and control, then by all means, do so. I am not that sort of person!
Good luck with your new book! Great to meet you here. Waving to Jemi :)
I'm raising my hand for the control freak question. I so understand anyone who likes to see a project through from start to finish.
Thanks Alex. It's been a massive learning curve that's for sure.
Thank you, Mason. Must admit that doing the covers is one of my favourite jobs.
You're right. There are many times when I wish I had a great big budget and lots of helpers.
I've learned not to be a control freak about certain things. When my publisher offers me a contract for a novel, I let it go and leave it in her hands. I'm in awe of those who can do it all and self-publish.
Hi Jemi! Hi K.A. Good for you. I've self published and love how you can re-work your novel and re-do the cover if you want.
Not a control freak (much) plus, doing it all is a TON of work and I'd rather have more time for writing. Congrats to K.A. on being able to do it all!
Hi Jemi and Kathy!
Yes, control is everything when you self publish. It is one of the best advantage there is!
All the best!
Thank you, Jeff.
Thank you, Carol.
It's a blessing and a curse. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you, Susan.
Thanks Denise. There's a lot to be said for control of the creative process.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Good luck with the book, Kathy!
Being in charge from beginning to final product means that there's nobody else to hold responsible for the outcomes.
The cover of Throwing Light is very atmospheric.
Hello Jemi!
I find the idea of self-publishing totally overwhelming. Congratulations to you for being able to do it all.
It sounds like you totally know what you're doing. Good luck with the book. It sounds great!
Yep, control freak here too. I so admire anyone who takes on self-publishing. *applause*
Thanks Kathy for dropping by to share your experience!
And thanks to everyone else for visiting!
Thank you Michelle, I appreciate your support.
Thank you.
Smoke and mirrors. I'm learning on the job.
Thank you, Leslie.
Thank you, Jemi. I really appreciate your support.
I didn't realize that you did your own covers, Kathy! I have seen the books around and love the covers. Great job! Sounds like you are organized and know what you want to accomplish. Wishing you all the best. :)
~Jess
Thank you, Jess, that's very kind.
Hi Jemi! Thanks for hosting Kathy here. This is a great post about Self Publishing. It gives so many tips we need to do.
Thank you Kathy for the mention. I love working with you as you are a wonder to work with! Congratulations and all the best!
I'm only a control freak when it comes to perfecting my writing. I'm usually more than happy to leave the design questions to someone else!
I tend to be a control freak for my projects, too. Self-publishing is definitely a good fit for that!
Being a control freak is probably one of the main reasons I'll be self-publishing too. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't farm out stuff like covers to people who know what they're doing, but at least I'll have the final say.
I'm a control freak too! But I don't think I could take on the cost and responsibility for self publishing. Wow, these covers are fantastic! Clearly your control is paying off!
Yes, if you're happy with your writing and publishing efforts (after taking some time to revise - which you mentioned), then it's good. Way to go!
Awesome. Here's the thing: if done right, you can make more money as an Indie anyway, so why not? My hat's off to you.
Yes, indie is the way to go!
Thank you Jemi for featuring me and thank you Nas, you're the best.
Hi Beth, I wish I could say the same, but I seem to feel the need to control all aspects of the process. Must admit that I do love creating my covers. If I need a break from writing I'll often just design covers for the hell of it.
Hi Heather. Yup self publishing is the way to be in control. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Ken, that's right, as long as you get the final say that's the most important bit.
Thank you Theresa, maybe if the writing doesn't pan out for me I'll go into cover design. 😀
Thanks Tyrean.
Thank you Crystal. I'm still waiting for the big money, but I'm forever the optomist.
Thanks Olivia.
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