Sunday, September 5, 2010

My Publisher


I wanted to be published for so long—not just with short stories, but with “a real book.” And now I’m going to be. Well, my “real book” is a science fiction mystery e-book that's 20,000 words long. But still.

There’s something special about knowing my story has a home, and I have a publisher who not only treats people kindly, is patient, and provides lots of marketing help, but also has made it clear that I’m welcome to send more stuff whenever I want—or not. I’ve been waiting for now—being cautious with my time and energy, making sure I don’t bite off more than I can chew. But I keep thinking of things I want to send them, or write for them.

For me, there’s a very different feeling about sending something out when you know the publisher is not going to scorn you, where even a rejection will be personal and appropriate—with editor’s notes, no less! It makes me feel like someone in the publishing industry actually…cares.

I don’t want to become overly Muse-dependent. I know some of my works might not fit there, and I need to pursue publishing elsewhere, too. But it is so comfortable to feel this way.

I have lots to learn and much to experience in the publishing process, even if my story is ‘only’ a 20,000 word novella. But I’m looking forward to it, and I hope I don’t let my publisher down.

“My publisher.” I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying that.

Well, if you’re a bit jealous, (and I’m really not trying to make anyone jealous, just tasting this good feeling), you can always check out my publisher, Muse It Up Publishing, and see what you think. Maybe you have (or can write) something that fits their guidelines.

Maybe soon you’ll be able to say “my publisher” too. :)




~Alice M. Roelke~ The Space Station Murders, May 2011

3 comments:

MuseItUp Publishing said...

Okay, you're way too cute. "My publisher." GRIN

Your book was good, what can we say?

And you are right about submitting elsewhere too. As you know being a part of our authors group that I always recommend to submit works that don't fit our lines to other publishers. Also, some authors churn out books like there's no tomorrow, so instead of waiting two years to have it published because you have other books in the queue, why not try another publisher? Authors are not possessions of publishers but free agents to go wherever they want.

But there's a warning or rather a tip to go with this:

always make sure you can handle the promo and marketing of all your books. So a wise thing is to make sure to space them out and give each book its own individual love and care.

Cellophane Queen said...

I'm pretty happy having MIU as "My Publisher" so I don't blame you at all for giving Lea and the gang a virtual pat on the back.

Yay MIU!

Lum said...

Thank you, Lea and Marva for commenting! :D Lea, you always have such great advice!!