When I decided to write a novel, I also decided to follow a well-worn path. The path of do-it-yourself. It’s the way I’ve always done things, and so it seemed the most obvious route. In discussing my plans with others I’ve found that they don’t always see the obviousness of my choice. Did you know Walt Whitman self-published Leaves of Grass? I might say, but that, like most examples doesn’t necessarily apply. He was after all Walt Whitman, and I am newly started H.D.Knightley.
I could spend the next few months or years trying to sell my book to an agent and a publisher and hope against hope that they would help fling it into the wind. I could brush my manuscript up (even more than the 15 re-writes with the patient help of my editor). I could take suggestions, criticism, rejection, with the possibility of a contract. Or I could release the story into the world and let the readers decide.
Through Kickstarter my book was released into the hands of 75 gracious readers, many of whom have loved the book. Now I’m watching as the book, slowly, slowly migrates out to the greater world. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. If you have Bright in your hands and loved it, please tell a friend, and then pass it to the left ;o)
Just after I published Bright, this story hit the presses and I thought I’d share it with you. Brenna Aubrey was offered a publishing contract with a large advance. She turned it down after doing the risk assessment. Now she’s posted the math and it looks like she’s made a good choice.
My choice hasn’t been so spectacularly proven by the math, yet, but I’ll let you know as the path becomes clear.