Mona Risk never thought that hazardous waste analysis would lead her to writing novels! When her Ph.D. and work in chemistry landed her international contracts to refurbish laboratories, she traveled to more than sixty countries on business or vacation. To relax from her hectic schedule, she avidly read romance novels and mentally plotted her own books. Eventually she left a successful scientific career to share with her readers the many stories brewing in her head. M. Risk likes to set her stories in the fascinating places she visited from exotic Belarus, and historical France, to the beaches of Greece, the monuments of Egypt and the mysterious Islands of Seychelles.
Mona speaks to us now on a trendy topic -
A new trend: Self-Publishing ebooks
by Mona Risk
Five years ago, the Romance Writers of America, RWA, refused to consider ebook- published authors on an equal foot with NY published authors. Two years ago, when Harlequin created its electronic-published book line, Carina Press, and then other NY publishers followed suit, RWA faced a monumental dilemma. They changed the wording of their regulations, declaring that they recognized ebooks providing they produced enough royalties to be taken seriously.
In the December 2011 issue of the Romance Writers Report, RWR, there is a whole survey dedicated to self-publishing ebooks. Now, RWA calls the new ebook revolution an exciting change in the industry.
Not only are ebooks invading the publishing market, but self-publishing is now very fashionable, with big names having a taste of it and publishing their backlist for prices as low as 99 cents.
I’ve uploaded two books on Smashwords and Amazon. Yes, it took time to thoroughly edit and format the manuscripts, and prepare book-covers that look attractive and professional, and finally upload text and pictures according to direction. But it’s all doable and I’m thrilled with the experience of self-publishing two romantic comedy novels, both offered at 99 cents.
The first one, NO MORE LIES, http://tinyurl.com/3lenmfd sold many more copies in two months than in two years at my publisher.
Tag line: A lie that brings a smile... or a truth drawing a tear?
The second one, RIGHT NAME, WRONG MAN, http://tinyurl.com/85o4wg7 was not published before and is doing well.
Tag line: What’s a girl to do when she whispers another man’s name in her fiancé’s arms?
To find a fantastic list of ebooks at 99cents, please visit the
99cent eBOOKS blog
Mona Risk
http://www.monarisk.com/
http://www.monarisk.blogspot.com/
Please welcome Mona and offer your own thoughts on this trendy topic.
30 comments:
Welcome to Acme Authors Link and Thanks for all the great info. on self-publishing, Mona.
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
It's a whole new world out there, and agents and publishers see it slipping through their fingers.
Norm
http://www.fangplace.blogspot.com
Hi Morgan, thank you for inviting me to talk about my experience in self-publishing: a new and wonderful experience shared by so many authors recently. The authors are taking control of their future.
Hi, Mona. I'm glad we have more choices in how we publish our stories. Good luck with yours.
It is a whole new world, and there are certain advantages to it - but it is a bit more work than just writing the book and putting it out there. But the rewards for writers prepared to self-pub are rewarding. (I should know - six HF books out there and counting, since 2005)
Congrats on your self-publishing venture, Mona! Both of these books look very attractive. Good job! They sound great, too, but what else could a reader expect from your talent but greatness, right?
The self-publishing industry is alive and well. I'm pleased that your books are doing well, and I commend you on the stunning covers. Those are quite eyecatching and that's at least half the bargain.
If you are new to the publishing world and choose to self publish, do your homework, or find a mentor.
Good blog, Mona. It's amazing what a few years can do to change perceptions!
Hi Norm, I think NY publishers rae holding to their big names and not taking many new comers, and agents are now asking authors to have them!
Hi Dawn, yes we still have a few choices, but now it's a challenge to make the right decision. Some authors are sticking with their publishers where they are doing great. Publishers are now asking for 5 years exclusivity before an author can take back her rights.
Celia, you are lucky to have started so early and built a solid readership. In 2005, not too many were self-publishing.
I started way back in 2003, long before it was cool. ;-) Nice to see the times catching up. There are still huge biases against it, though.
Mona--I'm still awed by you and others who can self-publish a book. Your two look as professional as anyone's and I know for a fact they're edited thoroughly and properly.
So far, I'm a voyeur in this new venture, but I'm learning so much. Maybe one day I'll bite the bullet. Celia Y.
There's no better time than the present to dip your toes into the self-publishing world. Once you've tried it, you'll be glad you did.
Glad to hear your books are doing so well, Mona.
Hi Mona,
E-publishing is sure a hot topic on many loops these days.
I give big kudos to those who have the time and talent to self-publish. I definitely don't have anything agaisnt it...I just don't have the time to delve into it myself.
Mona, congrats on your forays into this brave new world! I teach classes on writing and publishing, and when we explore the 3 paths (traditional, small press, and independent) my take is that no path is right or best. There's only what's right or best for a particular book, and a particular author, at a particular time. I have discovered gems that I am so happy were liberated from the bad old days of vanity publishing. I think indie publishing does come with some risks--one recent article asks, What happens when the whole world has to sift through the slush pile?--but quality independent works are a thrill to discover. As I'm sure yours is!! Best of luck.
Hi Calisa, thank you for the nice words. I'm glad you enjoyed my books.
Hi Maggie, creating the book covers is tremendous headache. I was crossedeyed after browsing through some thousand pictures.
Hi Mona,
Interesting blog. I have thought about Smashwords and Kindle too, but at the moment I don't feel my internet skills are advanced enough to attempt such a project.
Regards
Margaret
That's very true, SBJones. A newbie should definitely get a mentor AND do a lot of homework. With six books previously published by two editors and many stellar reviews, I wasn't new to the publishing world, and yet I did a lot of homework.
Hi Loraine, starting in 2003 makes you a pro in self-publishing. Things are easier now, although the competition is fierce.
Hi Nancy, oh yes things have changed. I was reading the RWR of November and December 2011. Their words are so different from two years ago. And their attitude, views and rules.
Celia, I know anything you start will turn into a successful project. Yes, even self-publishing.
Thanks for stopping by Carolyn. I have a lot of support from many friends. No one is an island. In this publishing business, we need all the support we can get.
Hi Debra, it's a matter of choice. I'm still publishing with Ellora's Cave Blush and with TWRP. Just experimenting with self-publishing.
Jenny, I agree with you. There's the bad and the good in indie books like in everything else. It's a risk readers have to take when they buy a book. But then I discovered great books among indie books. So I'm happy to give a chance to all these authors who had the gut to self-publish. When paying only 99 cents, I'm not losing much, and I may gain great books.
Hi Margaret, self-publishing is not a necessity. Enjoy the traditional publisher. I still do.
Mona: Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm still trying to figure out how to self-publish. It's a lot of work and time consuming!
DL Larson
Congratulations to you, Mona, for stepping out and taking a risk! Now you're ahead of the game, as is pretty much everyone who stepped out into the unknown regarding self-publishing before the masses followed suit. Here's wishing you many more happy sales, whatever your price!
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