Wednesday, December 15, 2010

On The Hunt

I have been feeling much like a forager as of late. Roaming the internet for any information I can find, hoping for insight and advice where ever I can find it.  I have been successful to find bloggers with chronicled information, such as J.A. Konrath who writes about self-published writer Amanda Hocking, but I have yet to find a "community" of writers who support each other. I still feel that I have not been as lucky as I had hoped I would. I came into this with my heart on my sleeve, thinking that the world of indie writers and ebooks would be a lot more welcoming then the main stream. I have been snubbed by all the authors I have reached out to so far, but I won't let this hold me back. As frustrated as I am, I will push forward, but I promise that in the future, I will welcome any fellow author that is new to this realm of writing, with open arms.  I hope I can inspire more to do the same.

8 comments:

  1. Hang in there Megan, there are some of us out there looking for the same thing. If you haven't yet, please check out Kindle Boards (www.kindleboards.com) there are some helpful things and nice writers on there...and I'm just about to write you back via email...I"m always happy to help.

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  2. Thanks for the support, I will definitely check out the Kindle Boards tonight. :) Half way done with Into the Shadows!

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  3. Megan,

    I am just starting as well! Yeah, The Kindleboards seem to be very welcoming and great for networking with other indie authors. I have also been all over the internet soaking everything up like a sponge. How far along are you in your writing?

    Good luck! Keep us posted :)

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  4. I am almost done with my first book, I think I might trying putting it through beta, and I am working on an outline for a vampire book. I'm on the fence about my cover at the moment, not sure if I want to make it myself or hire someone. How about yourself?

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  5. Wow, Congrats on the first book! That is a huge accomplishment! How does the Beta process work? Do you just give out your book to people in a crit group, fans, or who are the beta testers?

    I hope to finish outlining and start writing my first book this weekend. It is an urban fantasy about Vampires and werewolves. It has been a challenge trying to come up with ideas that haven't been overdone in such a saturated market, but this is what I love and am the most familiar with and thought I would be more successful with for my first book. I have always wanted to write, but feared the publishing world. Now with the self publishing revolution there wasn't really anything holding me back anymore.

    I look forward to reading your first book!

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  6. So far as I have been able to figure out, the beta process is fairly easy. Beta readers don't go as far into detail as an actual editor would, but it's nice to have a new set of eyes on your novel. Lots of people use friends, or fellow writers to beta their book. You can also try the kindle boards to check for a beta reader. I have found that forum to be very helpful. Good luck on starting to write your first one as well, if you've finished writing the outline, then the hard part is over.

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  7. Hi Megan! I have found a lot of interesting authors through blogging. (Only started in April of last year.) I have also been a beta reader for quite a few people, found them through blogging or on a writers digest forum. It's nice to exchange with several different people, because they will have very different styles of reading. Right now, I am in the process of editing my first novel, writing a 2nd fantasy and now I am working on another series as well. The best advice I can give is to research everything, listen to what others have to say and enjoy the process. If you need any help with anything, don't hesitate to email me. DreamyCowgirl @ hotmail.com

    I am still debating on which direction I may take. I've never even tried the traditional path, but I may not want to. I am a perfectionist, so my books will be very well written prior to publication. I am leaning more toward self-publication and promotion at the moment. Good luck on your journey and I look forward to reading your posts.

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  8. Thank you for the kind words JL. I will definitely have to keep you in mind for a beta reader. If everything goes as scheduled, I am hoping to be done with writing at the end of the month. Now cover work, that's another story.

    I have tried the traditional path and it wasn't pretty, so I am eager to try the independent route. I really can't find any down side to it.

    Good luck on your journey as well.

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