So, I did it.
Over the last several weeks I’ve had my head buried in all things indie publishing. I’ve read ’til my eyeballs ached. And ultimately, given the state of transition the publishing industry is in, and given the fact that I am not Kathy Griffen’s mom(don’t get me wrong, I love her), Chelsea Handler, or God help us, Flava Flav, I came to the decision self-publishing is the way to go for me. From here on out I am going to call it indie publishing though, because it sounds better. Like an indie film. No one thinks you’re pathetic if you make indie films, now do they? No. They think you are cool.
Then there was figuring out the process on a technical level. Formatting issues. Do it myself? Or pay someone. Making a cover. Buying rights to photos. More research. More eyeball ache. It’s been fascinating and so worth it. I’ve loved the learning.
Soooooo. Daughter of the Drunk at the Bar is now available as an e-book on Smashwords. Smashwords, if you don’t know, is a site where authors can publish their own material in ebook format. Readers can buy the book on Smashwords using a credit card or Paypal. Smashwords formatting allows you to view it on-line on your computer, on your Kindle, and using most other e-reading apps.
My book will also be available on Amazon in the near future. If it matters to you, I get more royalties if you buy it on Smashwords. I apologize for telling you that, but thought you might want to know.
Oh…and I made a little webpage, just for the book.
Much, much, more to come on this. Just wanted to put it out there. Dip my toe in. Get used to people knowing. That kind of thing. I’m going off to pretend I didn’t just post this, because basically I am terrified.
La, la, la, la, la…..
Nice day today, isn’t it? A little hot here in Cleveland but it’s supposed to cool off in a few days. Any vacation plans coming up? Really? You do? Awesome! I have the perfect thing for you to read on your trip. TTFN.
Lovingly yours,
MO’N
Congratulations! You are so brave! And I can’t wait to read it. But because I like to have a book in my hands (and I don’t have an e-reader), I’ll have to wait for the Amazon version. Sorry about the lower royalties.
So proud of you! And let me just tell all of you readers out there, it’s AWESOME!
Holding onto a corner of the net to catch you as you take this HUGE leap! Do you see us all out here, committed to catching you safely and softly? I’m so honored to witness your bravery and courage – go mama! I know those feelings of trepidation and that inner critic “tsk”ing you in the back of your head – let it go, let it all go. Be here. Bask in this, this is good, SO good, so perfectly perfect for where you are RIGHT NOW. Be in it. Don’t diminish it, don’t apologize for ANYTHING. May love and light wash over you. I can’t wait to read it (like Jan I’m a ‘book in your hands’ kinda girl, but I may have to make the exception for you 🙂
Echoing Carrie! Brilliant!
Congratulations and bunches of marigolds and a wind tunnel of cooling breezes and a shower of life-giving raindrops! At some point I’ll have the thingamajig that will enable me to read e-books. Yours will be the first I order. From Smashwords of course.
The last line of Robert Frost’s poem “Riders” is “We have ideas yet that we haven’t tried.” You had an idea for an indie book and you had the courage to hold onto your dream. May you ride the winds of success and enjoy, deep down and everlasting, this new and exciting venture.
Hi, Michelle!
You won’t remember me (from Jennifer Lauck’s writing seminar a few years ago), but I just wanted you to know that I’ve been lurking all this time, AND I JUST BOUGHT YOUR BOOK. I’m so happy this day finally came!
Thanks for being so brave, thanks for forcing me to learn how to move a .mobi file onto my Kindle…teehee.
Love and best wishes from the West Side of CleveO,
GretchenZ.
just bought it for my kindle! SOOOOO happy and proud to be your friend. Congratulations!!!!!!!!! wishing you oodles of success and joy! thank you for your courage. thank you for sharing your life and your gifts with us!
long time lurker, just bought it for my kindle. congratulations! can’t wait to read it and thank you for sharing.
This could be the BEST excuse to get me a kindle….
Thank you everyone for the supportive comments! Amanda, you don’t have to purchase a Kindle, you can read it on-line, on your computer. Kindle just makes it more portable. After purchasing you scroll down the page to “Available Ebook reading formats” and click on one to download.
Yay!!!!!!!! I’m so000 excited to finally get to read it. And I lOVE the title and cover…those two pieces alone will speak to so many people. You are one of the most amazing, brave, strong women I know and I’m proud to be your friend. Gotta go….have a book to buy!
Woohoo! Yay! Icant wait to read it!!
So excited for you! And I’m a little astonished at your enthusiasm for learning all about indie publishing. Just thinking about formatting, book covers, and photo rights gives me hives. I think that’s why I’m looking for an agent – so I can give some of that over.
But, I’ll happily promote this book and help get the word out. I’m getting it today and will write a review on smashwords and my blog when I’ve read it.
Congratulations, Michelle. Revel in this moment. You’ve worked for it!
EEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!
ENJOY!!!! YOU HAVE EARNED IT!!!!!!
You are so brave!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations, Michelle! You go, girl. Love the title, by the way.
Michelle, I want to thank you for recommending to me in a comment on my blog the book about the Poor Clares in Cleveland. (Staking the Divine) I got the book at the library today and started reading it this evening. It’s totally engrossing for a woman like myself who was once in the convent and has traveled so far from those Catholic days and beliefs. I feel deep admiration for Kris in her journey and for that group of women who have dedicated themselves to praying for all of us. Thank you so much for recommending this book. And once again, great good fortune with your own.
Hey Michelle-
Congrats on the publication of your book.
Will read it pronto!
Take care,
Suzy
WOW! So impressed! Congratulations and hope you can rest easier on your laurels.
Congratulations Michelle! I am so looking forward to reading and recommending your book. I remember you posted a blurb a while ago and I remember wanting to read the rest! I am very happy for you. Again, thank you for your blog. It is something I always look forward to reading.
Michelle, I am SO happy for your efforts and rewards…in writing this book
You.Are.A.Star!
All the best,
Claire (NZ)