Rowena Redux
Getting over my fear and putting my heart out there for you all to read in the form of a romantasy novel 💚
It was a bumpy ride my friends. My plan to self-publish AND sell Rowena’s Song from my own storefront didn’t go as planned. But babies—even the book variety—insist on making their way into the world on their own terms, and this was no exception.
Long story short, collaborating with Book Funnel and Lemon Squeezy wasn’t meant to be. While I was disappointed, I had to keep going. Like water, I chose the path of least resistance. Using my Kindle Direct Publishing account was the easiest, quickest, and surest way to get Rowena’s Song into the hands of readers.
So that’s what I did.
I’m THRILLED to announce the updated second edition is out in the world, the first title from Romantasy Realms Publishing!!! It’s really official!!!
Can we all take a moment to say, YAY!!! Because a big part of me still can’t believe I wrote a book, let alone was brave enough to let anyone else read it.
Like any parent, I hope this book does well, that it goes places that I haven’t even dreamed up yet. While it’s true I haven’t really done anything much to market it, I don’t think that’s the right path for me. I’ve seen other authors plunk wads of cash into social media campaigns, book signings, and arcs. While it may have helped bump up their sales at the beginning, it’s really the authors that are consistent and prolific enough to have a backlist of titles that are able to quit their day jobs.
Note to my manager at the library: You know that I am not going anywhere. I’m too chatty to work at home alone.
But I will take a moment here to celebrate my success. It turns out that when you are open and honest, people resonate with that. I’ve gotten some lovely reviews from the wild! People I have never met took time out of their day to say kind things about my writing.
Thank you to each and every one of you!!!
Of course this is just the first step. I have big plans but a teeny, tiny budget. That’s just a fact of life if you’re an indie author, unless you are blessed with a sizeable trustfund.
The next step involves finishing up the hardcover dust jacket. Originally, I was going to use Ingram Spark as a part of having my own storefront. Now that Amazon also sells hardcovers, that is looking like a better option.
That will be followed by making both editions available at Saxo books in Denmark, Kobo and Kobo Kobo Plus (which is similar to Kindle Unlimited with fewer rules), Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, and all of the indie booksellers that will have me. If you don’t want to buy from Amazon, I totally get it. Don’t fret, I’m going wide. If you have a suggestion of where else I can sell Rowena’s Song, please leave a comment.
Once that is finished, I need to lean into marketing. Does that terrify me? You betcha! Investing in the idea that people are going to see me is terrifying to my Scorpio sun, though my Leo moon keeps whispering, “Just do it already girl!”
So yes, there is still much more to do, but I honestly prefer it that way.
Next week I’ll be back to my normal topics here at Romantasy Realms! I’ve got a spoiler-free review for The Halfling Saga by Melissa Blair, Part 2 of the Article, “You’ve Finished Writing Your Novel…Now What?”, Stoking the Flames of that Slow Burn, and the Romantasy Reader’s Starter Pack for those new to the genre.
Congrats, Ivy! Yeah as hard as it is to accept, Amazon is unbeatable when it comes to convenience and ease of use. :( That's why they're still running a monopoly. But there's no need to beat ourselves up over that. Might as well use Amazon's platform to do good things, and spread positive, affirming messages to readers! It's like a reclamation.
Congratulations!! 🎉🎊🍾🎈 That is so awesome!! I bet it feels good to finally take the leap!