What have I learnt so far...

So its been nearly a month since I released my first ever solo book 'Last to Survive' on Amazon, available as a paperback or e-book. So what have I learnt so far being a solo Author.

It's a slow start and the first thing I have learnt is that I have to give away a little in order to get my name around as currently I am a unknown author. Not many people know my book is there so I have to give away a few copies before my name is even out there. Yes it means I am spending the money before I earn it however only paying for the postage of my own book is a lot less then paying thousands to a publishing house to do what I am already doing myself, but that for the next paragraph for its the next point I have learnt.

So the other big thing I have learnt is about the different types of publishers out there and not all of them are actually interested in your book, just the money it can make and some will try and get money out of you before they even do anything with your manuscript. So I learnt this because a few days ago I got offered a publishing contract and as you could imagine I was beyond exited and jumping up and down when I read the email, I said that i would love to see the contract.... that's when I came back down to earth with a massive bang. I was offered what was called a hybrid contract. Now this meant that they will publish my book but these are the red flags:

I was only offered 25% of royalties with this company

They wouldn't publish my book until they has had all the money they wanted from me.

They wanted money from me full stop, Publishers would be offering the Author money as they are buying the rights to be able to publish your book, its not the other way round. If a publisher offers you money dont take it because you can do it yourself for practically free on Amazon just like me and get 3x the royalties. Sure it would be slow at first but doesn't slow and steady win the race. Its your work you can do what ever you like with it, no can tell you what to do with it, they can simply give advice its up to you if you take it.

So is being an Author a learning curve... A massive one! But I knew this wasn't going to be easy and I have done to things this year during the coronavirus pandemic that i have always wanted to do and that is being interview for a place at the Bristol old Vic theatre school and publish a book. So as far as I'm aware I have met my personal long terms goals now its time to set some new ones.