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I'm in control...or do I just tell myself that?
Today is I’m in Control Day. This is one of those amusing, made-up “holidays” like National PB & Jelly Day (April 2) or Blah, Blah Blah Day (April 17). The idea of “control” struck me as a timely blog topic, since I struggle with this concept when it comes to my writing career. Is control reality or myth? Let’s see…
Yes, I am in control
As an author, I control many factors: what I write, release dates, marketing strategies, price point, distribution, cover art, social media content, newsletter outreach and participation at reader/author events. I also have complete creative control.
No, I am not in control
When I sit at my desk and make decisions about my books and publishing career, it feels like I’m in control. I ponder and plan, carefully considering each factor for maximum success.
And then I release my book and realize I have zero control.
I cannot control who buys my books, what reviewers say about my books or if my books will be bestsellers. It’s daunting to realize how much control other people have when it comes to my books–readers, reviewers, bloggers, advertisers and booksellers.
It’s really a collaboration
Absolute control is never a good thing. Relationship experts encourage people to learn how to compromise so that everyone walks away from a negotiation with something that matters to them. I think collaboration might be a better approach than struggling to control everything.
If I collaborate with my publishing partners (readers, reviewers, bloggers, advertisers, booksellers, editors, agents, other authors), then we all stand to benefit. My publishing career will grow and expand. Readers will enjoy well-crafted romantic suspense stories. Reviewers can write honest, positive reviews. Advertisers can trust they are promoting a quality product.
The only bad part about this? I’m going to need a new mug for my Starbucks passion/green tea.
Indie Author Day 2016
I am pleased to be part of the special Indie Author Day event being hosted by the King County Library System on Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the KCLS Service Center in Issaquah. Readers and authors are encouraged to attend the free event, which will include workshops and panel discussions on a variety of topics, including:
- Pathways to publication
- Book marketing
- Industry information and resources
- Accessing Amazon services
- Self-e, a platform that connects libraries and indie authors
Several notable industry leaders will be participating in the event: Jon Fine, Robin Cutler, Kiera Parrott, Jim Blanton and L. Penelope.
There will also be 25 authors on hand to share their books and personal experiences: Ksenia Anske, Rachel Barnard, D.K. Cassidy, Kristine Cayne, Jennifer Conner, Deborah O’Neill Cordes, Jacki Delecki, Emily Dietrich, Toddie Downs, Susan Griner, Julianna Hinckley, SaraLynn Hoyt, Claire Luana, Sonya Rhen, Rebecca Ross, Sandy McCormack, Sibelle Stone, Susan Schreyer, Neal Starkman, Marcella Van Oel, Shawna Walls, Lisa Earl Wilson, Allen Wolf, Amy Wolf, Sabrina York.
If you’ve ever considered writing a book or simply enjoy meeting local authors, don’t miss Indie Author Day 2016. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with authors from all genres while learning about the exciting innovations in today’s publishing industry. Be sure to look for me and say hello!