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Okay, fine. Let's talk about self-publishing. 

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Responding to several comments about why I shelved a novel that didn't sell on submission despite my previous books in the same genre selling nearly half a million copies.
In addition to a regular newsletter, I run an Ask the Editor series over on Substack! Check it out if you want to submit your question, query, pages, or anything for review! michelleschusterman.substack.com
Check out my writing courses...
How to pitch to trends: writingblueprints.com/p/how-to-get-published-by-pitching-to-trends?coupon_code=MSFRIENDS
Intro to Fiction: writingworkshops.com/products/1584107
Planning a novel without plotting: skl.sh/3G60GNM
Character transformation: skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a killer book description: skl.sh/356PtLg
More about my books, courses, coaching stuff, etc: www.michelleschusterman.com/
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Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
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Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/3soroc2
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Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
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Ninja coffee maker. amzn.to/31533Nu
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Zulay milk frother. amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
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MY BOOKS
www.goodreads.com/author/list/6522087.Michelle_Schusterman
www.goodreads.com/author/show/17086515.M_Shelley_Coats?from_search=true
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27 май 2024

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Комментарии : 141   
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Authors of serialized fiction! Tell me what you know. :) And here's my Substack for anyone interested in following along: michelleschusterman.substack.com
@jalentellisofficial
@jalentellisofficial Месяц назад
As a self-publish author, I want to surround myself with authors who truly love the quality and art of storytelling. do not make it about only business, but love the thrill and excitement of telling various stories. Those people I love to be around and with are interesting. People who don't see themselves as business people don't see their novels as products. The people who truly love storytelling.
@schlumbl84
@schlumbl84 Месяц назад
Yep. Same here. I really dont want to get into traditional publishing. I dont want to junp through hoops and become a brand. And I certainly dont want a publisher to erase everything that "doesnt fit" their idea of a book that sells. I want to make my stories available to people who may be interested in them. I know that it takes a shitload full of dedication to self publish and as a pantser, hell, you have to have a lot of discipline when it comes to editing. proofreading and all that. But Im willing and dedicated to do that. Its my freedom as an artist I want to protect and have control of. Without someone who wants to prune my work. I know that I HAVE to take care of a lot of stuff when self publishing, but its worth the effort.
@jalentellisofficial
@jalentellisofficial Месяц назад
@@schlumbl84 That's amazing!! Getting into the trad industry sounds tiring, and once I sign those papers, my book will become nothing but a money-grab product. That's why I'm creating my own brand but with a different approach so I can write what I want and still hold the artistic value with my novels.
@RootedandtheWingedBook
@RootedandtheWingedBook Месяц назад
Yes, thank you! I really wrestled with the decision until I decided it is more about the quality than the prestige. We need more books that are just amazing stories, regardless of how marketable they are! I'm subscribing to your channel to follow your author journey. I'll check out your books!
@angelawesneski5029
@angelawesneski5029 Месяц назад
School librarian here! Friends, she is completely right. Since I have to purchase books from approved vendors, I literally could not buy her book for my library if she self published. Her reader base is not one for which self publishing is currently very viable. Also, I love the semi-graphic-novel format you described. I'm really sad it didn't get picked up. I hope your serialized fiction endeavors are fun and successful for you! 😊
@PublishingwithJemima
@PublishingwithJemima 11 дней назад
This is the truth! More people need to talk about the realities of gatekeeping in the indusry
@sejensen92
@sejensen92 Месяц назад
I gave up on traditional publishing when I realized just how many hoops you're expected to jump through while still having little to no control over your project. It's probably a good thing I write YA. I'd be in trouble with a middle grade book since the big publishers basically dominate that market. After spending a crap ton (a.k.a. a loan) on editing, art, and a bunch of other book stuff, I'll be publishing my book this November. Here's to hoping I earn out my investment. 😅 Otherwise, I'll be making regular payments for the next five years for that. Let's just hope my marketing plan works.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Hey, that's awesome!!! Good for you. I'm sure your marketing plan is great!
@teasthesis
@teasthesis Месяц назад
Good Luck! I'm stuck right now between self-publishing and trying to find an agent for my new novel. I haven't done a great job marketing my last book, so I'm just kind of up in the air about how to move forward. I did, however, just receive my first form rejection letter, so that's something to stew on while I consider avenues.
@Techno-Tanuki
@Techno-Tanuki Месяц назад
I would love to see authors just openly talk about different points in their novels while in the writing process sort of like an open recorded brainstorming to see what happens and see if maybe others might be able to provide a better way of getting the same results perhaps? I just wish writing wasnt so expensive overall.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Same here! That's what I think I want to go for with this.
@jlolson53
@jlolson53 Месяц назад
A big problem with self-publishing is the amateurish attitudes of many self-publishers. They don't push themselves to create a polished, professional product - the kind of polishing you're forced into by an agent. :) Having worked with an agent and "thrown my book out there," I see a night and day difference between the two versions. You have to be extremely dedicated and disciplined to polish a manuscript. And virtually all manuscripts need polishing!!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Absolutely! I dislike the term 'gatekeepers' because agents and editors truly are just trying to help authors put the most polished product out there. Self-published books still need editors!
@jpchoueiry4056
@jpchoueiry4056 Месяц назад
I agree fully. Almost every self-published book I was recommended was unreadable and full of pacing issues and horrid prose.
@reginaduke7451
@reginaduke7451 Месяц назад
@@jpchoueiry4056 (tongue in cheek) You need reader friends with better taste. 😄
@jlolson53
@jlolson53 Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Thanks, Michelle. I would add one of those secrets that hide in plain sight: you can't polish a dud. Your story has to be good before you start that painful editing process.
@saxbend
@saxbend Месяц назад
I think that's really a symptom of the biggest problem of self publishing, which is that it requires you to do all of the work a traditional publishing team would do for an author, but will allow authors to self-publish their books completely unaware of this. I think the majority of self-published authors would have chosen to persist with the traditional route had they known this before self-publishing. The minority of authors who are at least as good at publishing and marketing and all of the rest as they are at writing deserve all the respect and money they get. I certainly couldn't do it!
@ramonarobot
@ramonarobot Месяц назад
Ughh Michelle… seeing even you struggle is such a reality check. This is a realistic case study the rest of us millions of amateur writers around the world (yes, including me in buttnowhere Malaysia) to use to set our expectations on.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
The good news is, there's always an ebb and flow. The industry might be in a 'down' moment for certain genres (incl MG) at the moment, but it won't last forever.
@rofernk4837
@rofernk4837 Месяц назад
This is just a season in your career. You'll get through this, and the next time you get published, you'll sell more than half a million from a single book.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Well heck, I love your attitude!!! :D
@reginaduke7451
@reginaduke7451 Месяц назад
"throw it out there" 🤣🤣🤣 Yes, you are building a business, finding a readership, marketing, doing public events (but not after the hips, sorry)... No, I don't just throw it out there, either. Hundreds spent on editing and covers and formatting. Working very hard for several years, although I have slowed down b/c of physical stuff...I have to laugh. But those who haven't approached indie publishing like a business wouldn't know those things. 😂😂
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Right??? Gosh, what a way to put it!
@katendress6142
@katendress6142 Месяц назад
I put away money for years to self-publish and I'm going into it realizing I'm probably not going to earn that back for at least a few years. Really at this stage I'm looking at it as creating a backlist. I want to write a lot of genres, but I'm self-publishing queer romance, because that does well in self-pub but traditional publishers aren't interested. I might try to traditionally publish other genres later.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Sounds like you're really being smart about this! I think "backlist" is the magic word when it comes to self-publishing successfully (or so I hear)
@LauraNettles
@LauraNettles Месяц назад
Been really enjoying the substack. Thank you for critiquing my pages! Kindle Vella is the platform for serialized fiction. KDP is for ebooks and physical books. I’m back in the query trenches again and am hoping for a positive result this time. I would love to see your mental process while writing a middle grade horror!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thank you for submitting such great pages, Laura! :) Vella - duly noted. I'm so excited that you're querying!!
@reginaduke7451
@reginaduke7451 Месяц назад
Laura!!! The Queen of Horror hardly needs critiquing. 😁
@LauraNettles
@LauraNettles Месяц назад
@@reginaduke7451 You’re too sweet!
@hermanphunter_theloreforge
@hermanphunter_theloreforge Месяц назад
"It's something like saying, 'I really like baking cupcakes...you know, I can't give them away.' Well, why don't you open a bakery?" After some 50+ rejections this time around, I decided to self-publish. I stopped writing the book I was working on, to write THE REVENANT AND THE TOMB, which I was going to give away as a loss leader to build an e-mail list. I had 20 takers, tops. I then put THE REVENANT AND THE TOMB out on Amazon / B&N / Apple / etc. My first year, I sold over 200 copies. The following year I sold more than 200 copies. Of the three books I have, it's the one that sells the best, thus far. I literally had followers and fans after that book. And my audience is growing, so long as I keep producing. All this from the book I couldn't give away for free. The first thing you need to come to grips with is that traditional publishers aren't interested in selling marketable fiction. They are interested in selling personalities, pushing an agenda, following trends that are hot *now*, and totally disinterested in cultivating writers, growing genres, and long-haul business practices.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
That's amazing!!! So happy it worked out for you - sounds like you went in with a solid plan. As for what trad pubs are interested in, I do see your point and a lot of that is true. But also, most editors really do have their hands tied when it comes to taking risks and acquiring titles they're passionate about but which aren't attached to celebrities/influencers. The problem comes from the top. (Which is essentially what you're saying - just wanted to add clarification for anyone else reading this!)
@pietruszkapietruszkowa9713
@pietruszkapietruszkowa9713 Месяц назад
Hi Michelle, always good to see you :) And I truly mean that, not politeness :) And your idea about author sharing their process, I'd love that absolutely, 100%, 10/10 :) I love to talk about writing, I love to read about writing and I love to listen about writing :) I still remember fondly your vlogs from writing previous projects so yeah, I'm in! :) Not sure if you meant here on YT or Substack for subcribers but the idea deffinitely sounds so cool :)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Wow, thank you so much!! I really appreciate all of that. I think my idea right now is I'd be talking about that project on both platforms :)
@Dolores_Madil
@Dolores_Madil Месяц назад
I have one sterilized story. What I did to try and make sure i didn’t get overwhelmed. I wrote 15 chapters first then planned to write the rest as the first part went out. I publish once a month which is not what people recommend but its what i can do. I am using Kindle Vella but i don't really love it. Also Kofi for out of state readers. I habe been looking into Ream as my story is Erotica Paranormal Romance. Good look on the journey if your going to try serialized fiction
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
That's so helpful, thank you!!! I'm definitely going to look into Ream!
@MrRedblood101
@MrRedblood101 Месяц назад
You had a really great point about self publishing being entrepreneurship. I am self publishing my first novel and have around 8 years of digital marketing experience to utilise. That being said I am still terrified. It's scary putting out a product that contains your heart and soul.
@PaulRWorthington
@PaulRWorthington Месяц назад
Ah, the Palace of Fine Arts! I got married in the Rotunda. Yes to self-publishing, just for the immediacy. That's the primary appeal for me - the control over my content, after decades as a journalist answering to publishers, and the immediacy: I finished a draft in October, revised it, and I'm putting it out there this month. (Not quite 'just throwing it out there,' but pretty bare bones to start. It's the first in the series, the rest are written, and when they are all up for sale, then I will focus on the marketing.) I like the idea of trying Kindle Vella very much. I have two story ideas set in the same series, but with different characters, the might fit that pacing.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Wow, really? We saw bridal photos going on there! Such a gorgeous spot. I totally get the appeal of the control. I wish it didn't freak me out so much! Is it Vella that does serialized stories?
@PaulRWorthington
@PaulRWorthington Месяц назад
It was three decades ago, but yeah, back then you could reserve the whole space for several hours, which was all we needed for the ceremony and reception. Yes, Vella is Amazon's serial service. When someone experienced like yourself express trepidation about self-publishing... it makes me think I might be in blissful ignorance! : ) But I'm following the advice of the 20booksto50k facebook group, and Craig Martell on Successful Indie Author. He provides near-daily youtube advice, a FB group, and free books with self-pub tutorials. At least, that's the plan!
@AnnaRobbinsWrites
@AnnaRobbinsWrites Месяц назад
Thanks as always Michelle! I would be super interested to hear what you find out about serial platforms. I wrote a story that I originally intended for Vella, but then began hearing that there isn’t a ton of readership there, and got scared off. But, I do still love the format itself and hope there is a place somewhere where readers are enjoying serial stuff.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thanks Anna! Several folks have mentioned Ream, which I know nothing about but sounds worth looking into!
@kearra.fortune
@kearra.fortune Месяц назад
You've probably found it after, but the serialized Amazon Publishing is called Kinda Vella. Always liked the idea of serialized published. It feels almost like going back to livejournal days. Kith itself, I think, is a very cool idea. No matter how it's brought about, I'd love it to see sunlight! (So to speak)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Vella! Right. And yeah, there's a lot to love about serialized fiction. I mean, that's basically fan fiction, and goodness knows those get a ton of eyes. (Also - thank you!)
@kanashiiookami6537
@kanashiiookami6537 Месяц назад
Finally got to finish this video (thank you for posting btw!) But i've lost the spellcheck and autocorrect function on youtube, plus typing on my phone sucks, so i'll try and keep this short. I'll be interested in seeing what you do with serialising Kith vs vlogging the behind the scenes info on it, because i'm curious how that will work (like tandem release of segments? Spoilers in video, or catch up to the story? It sounds neat either way.) I'm glad to see you're doing well, and i hope the book you have on submission isn't permanently shelved. I hope everything else is going well with your work. And i hope you're still loving vanlife. Good luck with everything, and stay safe. ❤
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thanks so much, K!! I'm not sure how it will go yet, but I'm excited about it. :) Hope you're doing well too!!
@Neonblackbatz
@Neonblackbatz Месяц назад
❤ Oregonian here! Excited to see you talking about serial fiction! I recently decided with no following and all to try to jump into it! And it’s nice too see another talking about it! I’m mostly gonna start posting on web novel, see how it goes, it’s been a bit of work trying to go from longer chapters to episodes ranging 1-1.5k but as I’ve been drafting the episodes working on a buffer (would highly recommend considering, as it gives you time if you have a personal situation or come across plot issues that may need some extra time to rework.) it’s great to here you talking about serial fiction as there seems to be controversy. And I have been split on the idea. But with little to know following this seems to be the best solution just starting out! Have a great day!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thanks so much!! Yes, I'd definitely build a buffer in - the idea of actually writing/publishing a chapter every week gives me a panic attack lol.
@claricesmyth
@claricesmyth Месяц назад
Independent publishing is being an entrepreneur. Traditional publishing is a partnership. IMO
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Well put!
@andreannelavoie660
@andreannelavoie660 Месяц назад
I think publisheing serialized work on substack is a great idea! It also might provide you a structure to dedicate more time to your own work (which you've mentionned wanted to do in several vlogs)
@ghostchick5275
@ghostchick5275 Месяц назад
It's crazy to me that you had such a hard time getting this latest book published despite your past success. It is a bit demoralizing, to be honest. :(
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
I'm really doing my best to not see it that way - but yup! It's not great! :/
@AuthorADHay
@AuthorADHay Месяц назад
You're thinking of Kindle Vella. I write mysteries, but I haven't done serialised fiction. By listening to podcasts, I've learned that you need to end the chapters or instalments with a cliffhanger of some kind, but I suspect you know that already. The six-week horror fiction idea sounds perfect for serialised fiction.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yes, Vella! And absolutely yes to cliffhangers. Love that. Thank you!!
@janmorrison4141
@janmorrison4141 Месяц назад
As always, an engaging post. I'm traditionally published and uninterested in self-publishing for all the reasons you state. I'm breaking up with the publisher for various reasons but have nothing but respect for how they edited my novel. I'm really hoping that my second in the series will be picked up by a small but vigorous publisher. I wite essays on my Substack "Dispatches " after years of blogging. I love it! I like the serial idea - worked very well for Dickens. I'm an absolute pantser so don’t know that I could do it. And I love the idea of you sharing the nuts and bolts of a project.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thanks so much, Jan! I'll look you up on Substack. :)
@JosephLayden
@JosephLayden Месяц назад
I don't think most people would expect you to just "throw it out there." In just 6 months, my self-published reprint has done better than the traditionally published version that was available for 2 years. But again, it's not middle-grade and not dependent on school approval, and it doesn't require art.
@kevinonpaper
@kevinonpaper Месяц назад
Always appreciate your thoughts and insights. I did Wattpad for a while during its heyday. I also dipped into Kindle Vella. Honestly, the payout isn’t great. Like the rest of the industry, some genres get way more attention than others-especially romance. Most recommendations regarding indie is to focus on building your newsletter list and marketing to your readers. Btw I’m an indie and trad author (meaning I have an agent).
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yep, that makes sense - I've heard the same about Vella. Thank you Kevin!!
@Inksplatter1991
@Inksplatter1991 Месяц назад
I self-published 3 poetry books this year. Not one sell. Thinking about doing an actual novel. Think I missed the poetry train.
@SDHegyes
@SDHegyes Месяц назад
The middle grade project you're shopping around and not getting bites on really throws me off. Not on your part but editors and agents. It sounds similar to Dog Man or Diary of a Wimpy Kid books so it's crazy to me that it's not finding a footing since those are very popular still.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yeah, those titles are a tad younger than mine but still good comps - in fact, I think I said something about my book being a good "next level'" pick for readers of those books as they get older. MG is just a tough sell all around right now!
@SDHegyes
@SDHegyes Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor once I watched your video all the way through, IG and Threads both showed me random posts where other MG authors were dealing with the same thing, and it made me wonder what's going on. I wonder if it's in part due to the explosion of BookTok and romantasy books. I know fantasy and romance themselves have always been around, but I feel like their popularity has grown over the past couple of years, and I wonder if the increase of their exposure has led to the decrease in MG's. I have no real evidence to support this theory. Just a curiosity. I also wonder if it has anything to do, in part, to the fact that some schools aren't encouraging reading anymore. I remember, when I was in school, there were challenges and competitions in order to encourage reading. Class to read the most books in a year get a pizza/ice cream party. Accelerated Reader (AR) tests were required. School library visits were mandated once a week. I've noticed that my girls haven't had to do any of this at any of the three schools they've gone to. There's no incentive to read anymore, and library visits (at current schools) are made as possible in-between classes. It's wild to me, and I wonder how that effects MGs popularity as well. My parents bought me copies of library books I'd read from the school library and loved or sequels to books I'd read and loved from the library they didn't have.
@SDHegyes
@SDHegyes Месяц назад
The only kind of serialized fiction I do currently is a free chapter for newsletter subscribers. I put the first 500-ish words in the newsletter email and it has a link at the bottom to a password-protected blog post where they can read the rest. It's not the best way to do it but it works for now. I'm definitely a story writer over a serialized writer if that makes any sense, so I don't know if I'll ever do anything thats actually serialized in a monster-of-the-week kinda way, but I do love the concept.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
That sounds really cool!
@teasthesis
@teasthesis Месяц назад
My hands get clammy just thinking about plotting out a story.
@centurionstrengthandfitnes3694
@centurionstrengthandfitnes3694 Месяц назад
Genuine question with no judgement either way: Have you considered reworking it so that there are no 'graphic novel' parts? Rework that part into prose? Because I have a strong feeling that that's the main barrier... Just a hunch, but I'd look into it.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yep, definitely! It wouldn't be that difficult to do. But it also wouldn't change the project enough that I'd want to put it on submission again.
@jasminecousins386
@jasminecousins386 Месяц назад
I think serialization is a great idea. I, too, am very interested in seeing an in-depth look into an author's writing process. If you feel so inclined to do something like that and vlog your experience, I would definitely watch it. 🙂
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thanks so much, Jasmine!!!
@dirtyjerzy
@dirtyjerzy Месяц назад
Hey, just found your video (and, you) and found it interesting. I'm working on my debut novel, very similar to your horror concept novel idea you mentioned (also takes place in 96 in an analog of my home area, Dark Urban Fantasy). As of now, Im about 80k words in and am really cranking out words. It seems to be all downhill, honestly. I consider myself somewhere between a plotter and a panster (my outlines are loose and messy). This project has kind of become a kind of my midlife crisis. Writing books is sonething ive akwats wanted to do, are whereas I've never been published, i have a lot of unusual experience in writing for about 20 years. Anyway, Im unsure whether Im going to self publish or try my hand at an agent. My editor and the few Beta readers this far are really impressed with what Ive done but Im still unsure which path I want to take. I feel like I have aboyt 20 goid years left (more, maybe) abd I have 3 main ideas I'd like to complete before I die. Also some fun side stuff, maybe. I'd be interested in having a critique partner if you're interested? At the very least a new friend I can collab with because it seems we're kinda on similar journey's. Anyway, Im blathering on, but just wanted to say hi and look forward to more videos from you. 🤘😎
@rosieradcliffe5578
@rosieradcliffe5578 Месяц назад
Had the same problem - and knew I didn't have the skills to self-publish, so I went for partnership publishing with the Book Guild. They do all the things I can't and get the book out there, my job is to promote the heck out of it.
@Jacques.Smith_
@Jacques.Smith_ Месяц назад
I'm writing a fiction series. They are publishing one part every month. When the CEO called to discuss remuneration, I told him the series is free to gain exposure. Five months and five parts later, the CEO called me, offering me a book deal if I was willing to turn the series into a novel upon completion. He's just really enjoying the series. They are going to pay for every aspect of getting the novel ready for sale, even marketing after production. Sometimes, doing work for free will open a few doors to earn the big bucks later. Give it a try. It worked for me.
@JPGoggin
@JPGoggin Месяц назад
Very cool!
@marmantole
@marmantole Месяц назад
Congrats!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
That's awesome, congrats!!!!
@Jacques.Smith_
@Jacques.Smith_ Месяц назад
​@@marmantoleThank you.
@Jacques.Smith_
@Jacques.Smith_ Месяц назад
​@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Thx, that's kind of you.
@quinnsmusings
@quinnsmusings Месяц назад
If it hasn't been said, it could be worth doing a dual Ream/Substack release. Ream is a bit like an author specific patreon. I don't know if it's for you but worth checking out if it would suit.
@SDHegyes
@SDHegyes Месяц назад
Vella is one some are using to indie publish serials but another one similar to Patreon that I'm noticing a lot of people doing now is Ream. It has the serialized capability of Vella while also allowing users both free and tier settings as they produce work. Maybe one story is free to followers while another is only available to those at a specific tier. It was an option compared to Ko-Fi and Patreon and is specific to authors, which I find fascinating.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
You're the second commenter to mention Ream! I hadn't heard of them but will look it up. I'm glad there are so many options!
@SDHegyes
@SDHegyes Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Ream hasn't been around that long, less than a year I believe, and is only just starting to grow in popularity, but I hear lots of good things about it.
@maddieray5406
@maddieray5406 Месяц назад
Welcome to the dark side. We have cookies :)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
:D
@JoeyPaulOnline
@JoeyPaulOnline Месяц назад
It's kindle Vella that does serialised. I will just say that I think it's just the US who can do that/have access but not sure they may have expanded since then. Either way it sounds cool!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yes, Vella! Thanks Joey. I didn't realize it was US only...huh.
@JoeyPaulOnline
@JoeyPaulOnline Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor It might not be anymore, but when it first hit, it was US only and it kinda irked a lot of people because they wanted to take part, but outside of the US. It might have changed since then, but just thought I’d warn if you did choose to go that route!
@ljcarey011
@ljcarey011 Месяц назад
Mary Robinette Kowal shares a lot of her process and her pre-published editing with her Patreon supporters. That might be a good thing to take a look if you want to go the route of serializing how you work through a book. :)
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Oh thanks, I'll take a look!
@zanemarion7211
@zanemarion7211 Месяц назад
Mitchell I'm going traditional publishing. The odds of getting a contract are just ridiculously low. I write horror and most of my stories are falling too short of a novel or even a novella. Most are short stories or flash fiction.
@tyghe_bright
@tyghe_bright Месяц назад
Yes. Absolutely it's a business. And those who succeed at it not only manage all aspects of it, like a business--they produce new books frequently. Often putting out a new book a month or more. I work as a proposal writer. When I was between jobs, lots of people told me to freelance. But freelancing is a lot of work finding clients, maintaining client relationships, and managing the finances and marketing of the business, etc. I have zero interest in all of that. And yeah, only to be undercut by people living in other countries willing to work for far less money. Plus all the business stuff made me miserable. I just want to work for a big company and focus on my little piece of the world. I hope you find a good outlet for something you enjoy writing.
@kylawapshott460
@kylawapshott460 Месяц назад
The middle grade market is very disappointing atm. Both my kids are in that age range and finding things they like is hard, mostly because their tastes (and mine) are so specific. I don't want to fill their shelves with all the big franchise stuff and they want things that are funny, with lots of pictures! Your part-graphic novel sounds amazing 🥲My eldest loved the two Topsy books, I wish there were more!
@JPGoggin
@JPGoggin Месяц назад
Awesome vid, Michelle. The serialization thing sounds super cool. It's an intriguing logistical problem. I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide. A quick question: you said your fantasy manuscript is just "for you." Is this because it's still too early in development, or are you unsure about finding a market (or both)? Or is it something else? For my own writing, I've realized it might be useful to pay more attention to audience / market as opposed to just letting loose on an idea that I find cool, so I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Is this an issue you go through with many of your ideas, or just this one in particular?
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Thank you so much!! As for the fantasy, I think it's kind of all of the above. :) It started out MG, but now I think it's 'adult' but with a 14 year old protagonist...which feels unsalable in the US market. I'm trying to just play with it and let it be what it wants to be before I figure out what (if anything) to do with it. And yeah, it's really just this one idea. Usually I have a solid grasp of who my target reader is.
@carolsikes5069
@carolsikes5069 Месяц назад
Question: Just wondering, but why did you pick Substack instead of another one, like Ream? I have friends on both platforms and was just wondering why people pick a specific one.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Honestly? I hadn't heard of Ream! I can't even remember how I came upon Substack - I think a friend recommended a newsletter, which I followed, and from there I ended up downloading the Substack app and getting more into it.
@barbaradora
@barbaradora Месяц назад
Funny, I’m also traditionally published but thinking the same: serialized fiction on Substack. I’m new to the platform but trying to figure it out as we speak. My struggle is that I could never publish in actual real time, because I go back and forth in my manuscripts all the time. So, my plan is to finish the whole book and then release it piece by piece, if that makes sense. Of course, this eliminates the possibility of vlogging about plot holes. I’m very curious about how you will handle this! Good luck 🍀
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
That's so cool! Yeah, this would be really new for me - I'm with you on the going back and forth. But I also kind of like the idea of engaging with readers in real time and figuring it out as I go...
@barbaradora
@barbaradora Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor rooting for you!
@carolinajgovar
@carolinajgovar Месяц назад
at what point of submission did you decide to "shelve" or "it's not happening anymore" ??? that's very interesting to me! (I'm on sub rn with a MG as well, and would love to know more about your thought process in that sense!) thank you!
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Once my agent said the one editor who'd seemed interested had passed, and that he'd nudged the remaining editors and not heard back, I considered it shelved.
@samuelsonofhen
@samuelsonofhen Месяц назад
So. When it comes to self publishing. It comes down to who your audience is? Basically, if you are writing children's books, and to be in scholastic fairs and whatnot, you would want to publish with a publisher, not self- publish? But if it is just a novel, you can self-publish as long as you aren't expecting to sell in big bookstore like Barnes & Nobles?
@alwaysapirateroninace443
@alwaysapirateroninace443 Месяц назад
Serialized fiction + vlogging about is sounds great! I hope it works well for you! Maybe you could age up the book to YA? This all sounds so exciting! Thoughts on a new author using Substack for promotion & building an audience?
@cassie_hart
@cassie_hart Месяц назад
Lots of authors are using Ream for serialized fiction! I've heard it's good, though haven't dipped my toes in yet
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
I definitely need to check that out!
@BRUK998
@BRUK998 Месяц назад
10:33 I think you’re talking about vella
@jlolson53
@jlolson53 Месяц назад
A question I've wondered that you might be willing to add your 50 cents on (inflation), Michelle. Do agents evaluate a book proposal according to 1) their tastes - that is, what they find enticing, or 2) their idea of what readers might like. My guess is that you'll answer BOTH. :) However, my guess is that (1) is the strongest influence. I suspect most agents and editors see their tastes as reflecting popular commercial appeal. That might help explain why publishers aren't keen on your latest proposals despite your successful track record. They didn't find your idea sufficiently mind-blowing? I guess if I were an agent/editor, I'd feel the same way. I'll give you an example: THE MARTIAN. Did fabulously well. However, when I looked at the sequel idea, I thought it was garbage. I would be very wary of taking on that project...though some decent sales are pretty much guaranteed.
@tomgrant3893
@tomgrant3893 Месяц назад
I've heard other authors complain that publishers and editors are too stuck on agenda driven stories and don't acknowledge that their loosing business because of it. would you agree with that assessment. ?.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Not really. I think those authors are just watching what editors/agents who are super active on social media are talking about. That's a small fraction of editors/agents as a whole.
@nikkismith2858
@nikkismith2858 Месяц назад
It sounds like the structure of your middle grade fiction was too unusual/unique to find a comp to get an idea how well it would sell being both traditional and graphic novel in one book - so acquisitions didn’t want to take that chance or couldn’t place it in the current market.
@nikkismith2858
@nikkismith2858 Месяц назад
Another serialised fiction platform is Ream - it sounds a little like Patreon with an ability to create tiers I have no idea about the money side of it compared to kindle Vella etc
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
Yeah, I think that's true. Which is sad, given that Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dogman, etc have that format and are so incredibly popular. I'm definitely going to look into Ream! Thank you!
@davemcveigh3996
@davemcveigh3996 Месяц назад
Have you considered the possibility that that comment was slightly hyperbolic? I would imagine the intention behind that statement was put it out there yourself. Sometimes people “throw out” terms like throw out.
@JosephLayden
@JosephLayden Месяц назад
I agree that middle-grade is not great for self-publishing...but then you speak in general. When you say "just throwing it out there" it seems like you mean that anytime an agent rejects something, if you then decide to publish it anyway you are just "throwing it out there." Why do you think that an agent is superior to you? You have written best-selling books and the agent has not. Agents are the kind of people who gave us The Rings of Power, thinking it would be a big hit. I would have rejected 50 Shades like all the agents, and I would have been wrong like all the agents. Customers sometimes don't know what they want until they get it, which is why the current model being used by Hollywood and the Trad Publishing is losing money to RU-vid and self-publishing while the fashion world continues to flourish. If we did think-tanks and future profit analysis for fashion, people would still be wearing chinos and pompadours.
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor
@MichelleSchustermanAuthor Месяц назад
It wasn't me who used the term 'throwing it out there' though! I was quoting/paraphrasing multiple comments suggesting I do so. I don't think agents are superior to me, but the good ones do have their finger on the pulse of what editors are acquiring. The editors and marketing teams have their finger on the pulse of what the market is most interested in right now. The issue is that houses are increasingly unwilling to acquire titles that don't have the potential to be massive breakouts. It's why romantasy is such a huge sell right now. Readers (mostly on BookTok) demonstrated demand, editors responded, agents responded. Publishing is just missing the 'midlist' aspect at this point - there are 'small' readerships out there who want certain things, but they aren't deemed high enough potential moneymakers for pubs to take the chance. And my personal reason for not self-publishing as of yet is that I don't know how to actually reach that small readership without the help of a traditional publishing. I don't have marketing/publicity experience (most authors don't). Just because I put it up on Amazon doesn't mean it'll find its readers.
@JosephLayden
@JosephLayden Месяц назад
@@MichelleSchustermanAuthor It may well be that the only viable marketing for Middle Grade is scholastic involvement, and I get that. It's a genre where the parents have a say over what the consumer buys, and the school system and libraries are trusted. As far as YA and adult go, the only marketing my small press publisher did was to put the book on Netgalley and announce it on their site and social media. From what I have read, the big publishers don't do any more for their new authors. You can sign up for Netgalley as an indie, and there are actually better sites for attaining legitimate reviews that Amazon has approved. As far as a cover goes, you could use AI generated art and no one would have a problem with it except certain trad publishing booktok authors.
@johnglynhughes4239
@johnglynhughes4239 Месяц назад
Nothing other than self publishing makes sense to me.
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