Publishing A Book Does Not Mean Instant Fame
By RK Finnell
@irishidid (8687)
United States
January 30, 2016 9:02pm CST
When I was publishing my first novel a friend asked if I would loan her money when I got rich from the sales-she's still waiting. At this point I've barely squeaked past breaking even on the book and have barely scratched the surface on the sequel. It isn't for a lack of trying.
The importance of reviews cannot be stressed enough. If you've read a book, whether or not you like it, give a review. State what you liked or didn't like about the book but be constructive with your criticism.
If you're a writer don't be afraid to mention your books whenever the opportunity comes up. I just found out the other day my boss read my first novel. Never hurts to try!
27 people like this
23 responses
@oneoveralpha (434)
• Brookville, Pennsylvania
31 Jan 16
I'm still working on breaking even.
4 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
That can be the hardest part of being an author for many of us.
3 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Same here, I need to sell a lot more books to break even.
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
The two I have published are Kickshaw Candies and The Plague Son.
3 people like this
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@irishidid thanks I will be looking them up.
2 people like this
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@irishidid I just found it when i get around to buying more books just know yours is on my list.
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Instead of saying "I'm trying" say "I am writing a book". Be positive about it!
It isn't easy but always worth it! Good luck!
3 people like this
@dodo19 (47317)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
31 Jan 16
@irishidid that's a good way of putting it. I am writing a book. I'm sure in the end it is worth it for you. I hope you write more. Thanks.
3 people like this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
31 Jan 16
Noo I've not written and I know it doesn't mean you will be rich and famous, that only happens to the few same with everything else in life.
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
The key is to write for yourself first. That's how I started my first book-because it was something I wanted to read.
3 people like this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
31 Jan 16
@irishidid So how many have you written. It must be an awesome feeling to have your first book published and other books too. Well done.
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@kevin1877uk I have two in a series written with the last one in the works and a book of short stories that I hope to have published in a few months. Thanks.
3 people like this
@yalul070 (1713)
• Manila, Philippines
31 Jan 16
it's amazing how with the advent of internet, it has become easy to write a novel (or a book) and actually get people to read it. if you want feedback, i think it's easy to get it, but if it's profit you want, then it's quite another matter.
3 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@Carmelanirel2 I kept meaning to get to your book but between writing and working I haven't found much time. I'll make an effort to read it this month.
3 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
31 Jan 16
I don't know, I don't have much feedback on my book
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Did all that years ago except the many revision part. I hate rough drafts and work to get it right without having to go through that phase, although there are times I do change things in the manuscript but not often.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@KristenH Every writer's experience is different and one must do what works for them. Are you planning on having it edited by an outside source? It costs but worth it because they see what we tend to miss as writers.
2 people like this
@KristenH (33385)
• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
31 Jan 16
@irishidid That's part of the writing process, TK. I'm still editing my mss from 7-8 years ago. So do I. Make sure it's polished and publish ready. Or you'll get rejected by agents and editors. Find betas and CPs and join a local crit group for free. Rewriting is writing. I've changed my opening for Venom five times over a year. And I have some agent interest in it. Make it shine!
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
I have two books in a series (working on the third one). Kickshaw Candies and The Plague Son.
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Hey, we never connected here, glad I found you. How about a relative saying how I am going to make all this money and I haven't even finished editing the manuscript or wrote the query and synopsis?
I do mention the short story I published and shared my author page as much as possible, but it seems people are not interested. I mean, it will be 2 years this June since I published and it was only recently that my sister liked my author page. (not the same relative talking about my millions above)
Reviews are also very important, whether good or bad (good is better, but we have to accept the bad too) becuase it means people are talking.
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
I hung around mostly in the politics section back when they had categories. They may still have them but I haven't looked for any! LOL
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@Carmelanirel2 Would make it easier to find subjects you want to read.
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@irishidid I loved the categories, would love to see them bring it back.
2 people like this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
31 Jan 16
Well that was a good thing it does help to do reviews.
2 people like this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
31 Jan 16
Did you count on providing for a family with the proceeds of your book?
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
No. Writing is a fickle business and I'd never put all my eggs in one basket. I enjoy writing, I'm good at it and publishing my books was a goal accomplished. If I do one day become rich from my writing I won't complain but it won't break me if that never happens.
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
@Morleyhunt I know a few myself. In retrospect I'd do it all again and plan on publishing another book soon. For me it was worth it. Writing strictly because one believes they'll get rich is not the way to go.
3 people like this
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
31 Jan 16
@irishidid smart. I know some who are counting on becoming self sufficient by writing a novel.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (44554)
• Staten Island, New York
31 Jan 16
I agree with you that publishing a book doesn't mean instant fame. Fame may not even come. Also you make a good point about mentioning our books every chance we get. That can help make a sale hopefully. Hard though. Don't want to annoy me. And enough times mentioning the books doesn't really result in any sales either.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
31 Jan 16
What is the name of your book? what is it about? I do give review of the books I read :) I read a lot.
2 people like this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Thanks for asking. The first of the series is Kickshaw Candies. A fantasy loosely based on Irish folklore. The second book is The Plague Son and the last book still in the writing stage.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
3 Feb 16
@1hopefulman They are on Amazon. You can search them by my name. Writing a book is not a get rich quick thing. In other words-don't quit your day job.
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
3 Feb 16
@irishidid Did you publish them on Amazon and if you did how is it working out?
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
1 Feb 16
@irishidid I have helped my son self publish two books and have published one myself. I now feel better for the experience.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
1 Feb 16
Thanks for this info. I have tried to write a book , but it is hard.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
1 Feb 16
No, it isn't easy but it is certainly worth the effort even if you just write it for yourself.
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25805)
• United States
1 Feb 16
I know exactly what you mean. I have self-published 4 novels and had one published by a small publishing house, but I haven't been able to give up the day job. Marketing is the most important thing about writing a book, after writing the book itself. And I want to reiterate what you said about reviews. Reviews are the life's blood of an author.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
1 Feb 16
The reviews do help although some I've read on my books are real head scratchers. Like the one that said my second novel is for all ages-it most definitely is NOT. LOl
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
1 Feb 16
@DWDavis Agreed! My worst was one where the person admitted they hadn't read the book, said it was "so-so" and gave it two stars!
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25805)
• United States
1 Feb 16
@irishidid I had one review that was two words long, not flattering either, by someone who used a handle instead of their name. I don't put much stake in reviews by people who hide their identity.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
31 Jan 16
Yes that does help but it can be expensive with the cost of marketing. I'm lucky to have readers who get the word out about my books.
