Jax's Artistic Journey...

Contrary to the excitement of getting published, the true fun really begins afterwards. NOT!

Usually print releases are a year out, but in the world of ePublishing, it's expedited...most often ePublishers purchase only completed projects so besides the short turnaround on editing, you're going to have to be your own marketing and promotions department. That's not to say that print publishers don't require you to promote but if you want that extra push, the extra buzz to stay visible, you should do it anyway.

I spent a good part of the morning just emailing to review sites. Not all of them will review my book but that's the chance you take when you query. Promotions can be a number of things but in my experience, I've had better luck when I get reviewed. I think it's because some sites have a different readership and a new opportunity for visibility whether it's a good or bad rating. The readers will have a chance to decide for themselves if they want to read it for themselves based on your blurb and cover.

Of course, I always feel the added stress after I send out my books for review. Every author hopes a reviewer will love their stuff, but if they don't, you have to be prepared to take the negatives with the positives. It's a nail-biting wait but when you get that one reviewer who adores your writing, you get to walk on cloud nine for the rest of the week. Personally, I don't view smaller review sites any differently than larger ones. I try to pick sites that give constructive criticism. I avoid those sites that specialize in author bashing. Can I just say I LOATHE THEM? For one, if these sites proclaim their love of reading, why do they go out of their way to ridicule the authors who have poured so much love into their creation? Just between you and me, they don't do the publishing industry any favors nor do they help a romance author's cause. In the beginning of my publishing journey, I was reviewed by a very popular international romance review site. She proved that she didn't really read all her submissions. She gave a low rating but 50% of the facts were incorrect. When I sent her a nice email about her inaccuracies, she banned me from ever sending her a submission. Isn't that kind of her? Since then, I decided that my time could be better utilized sending books to sites who truly love romance and reading. I often like the reviewers take on the book and it helps me to understand how to improve in my storytelling. Believe it or not, a review has the ability to teach you or inspire you.

As a writer, one good review makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves. It also shows that people are excited about our work and they respect our storytelling--and that's all we could ever hope for. To me, readers and reviewers are precious. When I get an email from them, I feel as if they want to connect with my characters as much as I do and I never grow bored of discussing my works with them. In all honesty, it's the little things that has the biggest impact.

So this post is to THANK ALL MY READERS AND REVIEWERS...

Have you noticed that authors are always on a journey? A quest to learn, grow, and understand ourselves? Being an artist, I've always traveled this road and there are many times I've stumbled across heartbreak, anger and fear. I am always searching to understand and to explore, to discover the secrets that I think lies beyond that door that will make me a better writer. A better person.

The last few years have tested me in more ways than one. I've seen a lot, heard a lot about authors who, from the outside looks like they live a charmed life...but even those who were at the top of their game have lost contracts during this economic downturn. I've ran into several authors who have told me that their publishers dropped their series from low sells which translates to "find another publisher"...which means their career could virtually be dead in the water. Not a good bit of news for authors like myself who has worked so hard to get that stellar agent, yet be standing in the waiting line wondering if I will ever have a career. Even with all this, I realize I'm not doing this for fame or fortune (although it helps--hey, I'm not gonna lie).

Writing is personal for me....I've always loved doing it and it brings me joy when someone stops me at conference or sends me an email that says, "I really enjoyed your book." My words are out there and the knowing is what makes everything special. The knowing that I accomplished a complete manuscript and others have purchased it and read it. It does matter...I'm thankful that a reader took a chance on an unknown author. I'm thankful that there are books period. What would the world be without them? Lost. It's painful to even think about it.

That's why we need to buy books. Even if it's once a month, we need to keep this industry going. With electronic publishing making a rise, it does scare me, but my stories are getting wider distribution...but not for one second would I ever NOT buy a book. Nothing replaces the feeling of flipping through pages, seeing the spine visible on the shelf or being able to pass it on to someone with a recommendation. Personally, I make it a mission to purchase books even if I don't read them. Even if I'm on a strict budget, I'd forgo frivolous pampering to purchase books of friends and acquaintances. I want to do my part as an author and a reader. It's important to me as much as writing is.

Writers need readers for the livelihood of their careers. Readers need writers to escape a long, hard day...

This post is a big THANK YOU to all my readers for their support. I appreciate you buying my book!