My book is for sale! |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.gsp.bellsouth.net)
Date: 07-15-08 19:06
Some of you may remember me from last year, and I just wanted to let you know that I finished my book and self-published it. It was completed because of a promise I made to the Chinese children that I worked with-- and a promise to adoptive parents to tell their stories.
It went live last Thursday and I've sold "almost" 100, which is pretty good considering I only expected to sell a few. I know some of you may laugh at that number but it sure made me smile to know that even one person felt it worthy of their money. It is listed on Amazon.com and Target.com- I really hope it raises awareness of the upside-down social welfare system of China.
I just wanted those of you that helped me to know that I appreciate it so much. I don't have time for forums any longer, but wanted to drop a quick line.
(for those that want to know why I don't pursue a traditional publisher, there is just not enough time for me any longer. I am no longer a lounging writer/expat wife but back in the workforce. Though last year I did get two partial requests from two very good agents! They ultimately declined and I moved on.)
Love to all,
K
Book is titled, "Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage" by Kay Bratt
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Wonky (192.250.49.---)
Date: 07-15-08 19:59
Kay, I thought your book idea was great. Why in the world did you self-publish it? I must say, I am very disappointed.
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.gsp.bellsouth.net)
Date: 07-15-08 20:32
Wonky,
I'm glad you thought my book was great. That's a plus. ;0)
Why self-publish? Well, returning to the states after five years away has been more than tough. I work long hours each day now and the process of pursuing publishers just takes up more time than I have available. This story was not one that could wait forever.
I don't have any regrets. I was never out to be rich and famous, (good thing, huh?)--I only wanted to tell my story.
Cheers,
K
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Finnley Wren (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date: 07-15-08 21:13
It was always clear to me you had a fascinating story to tell, Kay. Best of luck with it!
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Kitty Foyle (---.dsl.scrm01.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 07-15-08 21:33
Congratulations, Kay! Just getting a book cranked out and on paper is an accomplishment in itself.
Maybe you should update your WN profile.
*_*
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Wonky (192.250.49.---)
Date: 07-15-08 21:42
Kay
I self-published a book a few years back...I thought I was doing the right thing at first (I had a nice market) but the problem was getting the book to readers. It was a lot of work. I had to bring the book to stores (or mail in one case) to sell on consignement...so even though the book was selling, I was losing $ with each sale...so unless I wanted to jack up the price to at least $25 (for a trade paperback) it just wasn't worth it. Since there was no way I'd expect readers to pay that much, I just said screw it.
In the end I sold about 100 copies and it's still for sale on Amazon...though I haven't sold a copy in ages. Funny thing is I recently saw one on sale used on Amazon that says "signed by author" on it, LOL. I signed all the books before I brought them to the stores.
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Re: My book is for sale! |
Author: Lily (---.net)
Date: 07-15-08 23:29
Congratulations, Kay. You've done the right thing.
The smart writer today self-publishes for free with Lulu, etc. and then hires a damned good publicist. Traditional publishing is a lost cause. It's finished, but hasn't quite rolled over and acknowledged it, yet. (LOL)
The smart money is on ditching the agent and all that crap, and keeping in total control, (no edits to do over your own better judgement, etc.) and get your work out there in a *TIMELY* fashion, RIGHT NOW! NOT ten years from now. This is worse than legal matters that drag on and on. It's totally off the wall and unacceptable.
Best of luck to you, it looks like a great story. And do look into getting a publicist, there are a lot of good ones around.
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wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.254.220.136.Dial1.Denver1.Level3.net)
Date: 07-16-08 03:29
Ok, i'm new at this too, but i thought the best way, if you have a novel that REALLY sells well, was to get it to one of the biggest publishers.... It's my understanding that a good agent can take it to a publisher that knows the agent and will look at it sooner than just sending it there and having it thrown in the slush pile...
Can't a good publisher get your novel out faster and in a larger volume? I haven't published mine yet, but as i'm writing my first, i'm trying my best to learn. then Lily says, "the smart writer today self-publishes for free"
It's my understanding that you should give no money to an agent, an editor, or publisher, that they will get their pay day when the book sells and they will take a commission. You see, i have not a dime to self-publish, but i really believe in my novel. What's the truth, or what's the truth as you believe it to be?
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: leslee (---.lsl-la.com)
Date: 07-16-08 10:43
Congrats, Kay. I hope it surpasses your expectations and catches fire. It would be great to see that happen for you.
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Jena Grace (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date: 07-16-08 10:48
Best of luck to you, Kay. Good to see you back!
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: leslee (---.lsl-la.com)
Date: 07-16-08 10:49
Kay - what publisher did you go with? I can't tell by looking at the book cover.
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Beautiful Loser (---.dllstx.fios.verizon.net)
Date: 07-16-08 11:46
Kudos to Kay.
Not only has she cranked out a book, completing one chapter of her life, she has opened up our hearts revealing the truth of what it's like to be an orphaned child in China.
May you have many more successes, in the publishing business, and your life.
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.static.spbg.sc.charter.com)
Date: 07-16-08 12:17
Thank you everyone---
Leslee, I only used CreateSpace. It didn't cost anything and it went up on Amazon. I paid for a professional cover design from a talented Graphic Artist that I work with. A professionl editor and I worked together to smooth out all of the formatting and content issues. She was instrumental in helping me to guide my story along in the direction intended.
Today my inbox is overflowing with letters from adoptive parents that have bought/read the book and they have generously paid me many compliments on the writing.
That is my reward and all I need.
K
BL, thank you--you are such an awesome lady!
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Patrick Edwards (63.240.53.---)
Date: 07-16-08 12:19
Kay, congratulations! :) I'll go over and check it out.
In the meantime, I want to address the following:
I don't have time for forums any longer...
There's always time for the forums. Even if it's one post per month. Don't forget us. :)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.static.spbg.sc.charter.com)
Date: 07-16-08 12:22
Okay, Patrick. I'll put it on my Outlook to check in every 3rd Thursday.
(or something to that effect!)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: leslee (---.lsl-la.com)
Date: 07-16-08 12:23
"Today my inbox is overflowing with letters from adoptive parents . . ."
That is so wonderful. I'm excited for you!
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.static.spbg.sc.charter.com)
Date: 07-16-08 12:30
One more thing, I do want to address your comment,Linden.
In most circumstances, I believe it best to:
1. Pursue and find an agent.Query-Query-Query.
2. Let the agent that you so diligently find pursue a publisher.
Self-publishing is for those that are satisfied with the probable conclusion that their book may never make any money or be in a bookstore. (there are exceptions but it takes A LOT of work for a self-published book to be a success!!)
I will sell my book when I speak about my experiences in China-- and I wanted it available for those interested in the 3rd world institutional care issues. I am a person that has always stared reality right in the face and I do not fantasize about being on Oprah...(unless she is reading this and in that case, I'd be honored)
If I had other intentions, I would have pursued an agent until my fingers rotted off from exhaustion and could no longer touch a keyboard.....
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Sail Away (---.tampfl.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date: 07-16-08 12:34
I will sell my book when I speak about my experiences in China-- and I wanted it available for those interested in the 3rd world institutional care issues. I am a person that has always stared reality right in the face and I do not fantasize about being on Oprah...(unless she is reading this and in that case, I'd be honored)
Perfect reason to self-publish!
All the best, Kay.
-SA
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Patrick Edwards (63.240.53.---)
Date: 07-16-08 13:05
Agreed (with Sail Away jsut above me). Sometimes, it just needs to get out there.
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Beautiful Loser (---.dllstx.fios.verizon.net)
Date: 07-16-08 13:06
Aw, shucks, Kay, you made me blush.
Don't forget to cash in on my lunch offer; if you're ever in the DFW area, I owe you a dining experience at the Master Grill.
And, I agree with your reasons for self-publishing. :)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Wonky (192.250.49.---)
Date: 07-16-08 19:00
Today my inbox is overflowing with letters from adoptive parents that have bought/read the book and they have generously paid me many compliments on the writing.
Ah, there's your niche right there!
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Lily (---.208-100-43.static.steadfast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 19:54
"1. Pursue and find an agent.Query-Query-Query.
2. Let the agent that you so diligently find pursue a publisher."
If you don't mind waiting for years, and years and .... well you get the picture :-), sure, why not?
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Finnley Wren (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 22:21
If you don't mind waiting for years, and years and .... well you get the picture :-), sure, why not?
This guy waited for years and years, spent time learning the craft and honing his skills. Seems to have paid off.
Seems there are some things worth waiting for.:-)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Lily (---.208-100-43.static.steadfast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 22:37
"This guy waited for years and years, spent time learning the craft and honing his skills. Seems to have paid off.
Seems there are some things worth waiting for.:-)"
For every Cinderella story there are millions of disappointments. Not everyone wins the lottery. :-)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Finnley Wren (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 22:40
For every Cinderella story there are millions of disappointments. Not everyone wins the lottery. :-)
You forget that even Cinderella's story was one of tenacity. She put up with a lot of ****e before she won the prince.
I suppose she could have just self-published and been done with it.
But then, we'd never have heard of her.:-)
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Lily (---.208-100-43.static.steadfast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 22:53
"You forget that even Cinderella's story was one of tenacity. She put up with a lot of ****e before she won the prince."
(LOL) Yeah, so did Princess Diana!
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Lily (---.208-100-43.static.steadfast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 22:58
"I've sold "almost" 100"
Then you've beat the odds, Kay. Only 21 per cent of books, sell more than 99 copies. (regardless of the publisher) Congratulations. You too, Wonky. Well done.
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Lily (---.208-100-43.static.steadfast.net)
Date: 07-16-08 23:01
And only about .04 per cent sell more than 100,000 copies. The chances of an agent finding you a publisher--50 per cent. Not too encouraging, is it?
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Re: wait, wait, wait.... |
Author: Kay Bratt (---.static.spbg.sc.charter.com)
Date: 07-17-08 06:59
Lily,
You are right, it is not too encouraging. However, if it is a big enough dream for you- you won't give up. I hope that you find success. It is out there!
K
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