Hello, readers and writers!

Okay, so about a month ago I released my second novel to the world. This novel took me twice as long to write and edit as my first novel did, and that’s great because I learned a lot, even now after publishing. I’m going to share some of those lessons here with you all.

This post was split into two separate parts that will be releasing over the next month, so keep on the lookout for more shared experiences in the self-publishing and indie romance author world!

Time and Effort

My first novel was like a gift from heaven as it only took me two weeks to write and eight months of editing. I believe No Expectations is a great first novel for me, and I do feel that I poured my heart and soul into it before publishing. My second novel, Escape, did not come out as easily, and I learned so much more about the publishing and writing process than I had my first time around.

Beta-Reading

Beta-readers can be both helpful and not helpful. I had a few who gave me some good pointers and pointed out some flaws in my writing while others had acted as if their word was God or that I suddenly owed them an arm and a leg to read my story when they had volunteered.

I will say that I believe beta-reading is an important part of the process, and I want to continue doing it, but I will have to search for better readers next time. I will also have to have the time and energy to repay them in some way (i.e. read their work in return). I’m fine with all of that, and now I know what to expect in the future.

Editors

Searching for an editor took a while since I don’t have much money to give. Some editors seemed to let me know that if I didn’t have $1,000+ to spend on an editor, that I just shouldn’t publish, and I don’t believe in my work enough. I think those rules are incredibly limiting to writers and editors.

There are wonderful editors out there who don’t charge an arm and a leg for their services, simply because they are in similar shoes. Not everyone starts off as the best, and if you’re an indie author self-publishing for the first time, I would look for an editor who has just started off and is willing to work for a lower price or work out some sort of payment plan. Finding someone who fits that criteria was a little difficult, but they’re out there!

Making Yourself Write

There were so many reasons not to write over the last year. I had a lot going on in my personal life, and I was incredibly busy. There were medical problems, issues with family members, and a whole lot more kept me from working on my manuscript, but I did it. I made the time and I finished it. I was months behind on my schedule, but I did it, and you can too!

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Thank you for reading!

Next Part:

• Expectations vs. Reality

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