Thursday, December 29, 2011

Decision Made! Work Yet to be Done.

Thanks for bearing with me as I've struggled with publishing Room 1515. Today, I've made that decision. Before I tell you what it is, let me tell you what I've done. First, I've researched. If you go on the net and type in the critical keys words, you can spend days reading about the pros and cons of traditional publishing, self-publishing, and the pay-to-publish houses. I will not say anything bad about any of them. The decision must be yours based on your individual circumstances.

Second, I've tested Room 1515 by submitting it to critique partners and to OWFI's Mystery, Suspense, Thriller Competition where it won 1st. place. The third step was and is the hardest--continuous proofreading and layering. I'm lucky to have a friend who is a great line-by-line editor. I also have a program on my wife's computer called Zoom Text, that is a text to speech reader. I'm using this as my last copy correction, and I'm finding a few errors, even after many revisions. But I will honestly be able to say I've submitted the best work I can.

Fourth, I've built a website using Word Press which I will link to my blog, my Facebook page, and the YouTube trailer I'm in the process of developing. I'm adding pages to website as I go and will open the site to the public a few weeks before Room 1515 comes out. I have many ideas on marketing, but not for this blog entry.

Now, Ta da, I've decided to publish with Book Country, a Division of Penguin Publishing. Room 1515 will come out as an ebook and a paperback approximately seven weeks after I submit the manuscript. The cost to me will be between $500 and $700, depending on what I let them do and what I decide to do myself. I've decide to submit Room 1515 January 9th.

I wish to thank Chuck Sasser, Gloria Teague, Amy Shojai, John Biggs, Lela Davidson, and Carla Stewart for their comments and support. And if I forgot someone. Thank you as well. I'll let you know how things progress.  If you have other suggestions of things I can do before submitting my manuscript, please let me know.

4 comments:

Gloria Teague said...

Congratulations on reaching a decision, Bill. I know it's not been an easy row to hoe. (How 'bout them cliches?) I'm looking forward to purchasing the finished product because you're a very talented writer. This is so exciting! You're starting a brand new adventure. Thanks for allowing us to be a small part of it. Good luck, my friend!

carla stewart said...

Congrats, Bill, on your decision. Your research and honing your craft will serve you well. I'm looking forward to hearing about your success!

Chipper Muse said...

Best of luck on the whole process, Bill. I agree with Gloria; it's a great adventure. Have fun with it!

John Biggs said...

I think you are making the right decision. If I had your marketing skills, this is exactly what I would do. I've read some of this book, but I've been left hanging about half way through. Now I can own it.