OPTIONAL QUESTION: When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if the latter of the two, what does that look like?
What I mean by a working writer is someone who works persistently at their craft, even if they've had a few weeks or days, or even longer, where they've had a sulking cranky-pants fuss at their own inability to create awesomesauce, marketable writing every time they sit down. By "they" I mean me. I've had those bad days.
A working writer hones their craft, finishes their work (at least to publishing standards of 95% error-free), and sends it out into the world in some form or fashion. By sending out into the world, I mean a working writer can submit their work to magazines, anthologies, news outlets, traditional publishers, small press publishers; Or, the working writer can send their work into the world via blogging, social media, online forums, fan forums, and self-publishing platforms. This doesn't mean a working writer finds acceptance for every piece, or gets glowing reviews for every published item. A working writer keeps writing, finishing, and sending out work.
My insecurity these last few months: even though I've done it before, do I still know how to self-publish a book? And, can I do it "right?" That last question gets under my skin, but I am working at doing my best.
Today, I'm hosting my Cover Reveal for Liftoff: Book 1 of The Rayatana Series! This cover was brilliantly created by Carrie Butler, author and designer.
A spaceship in disguise, an Earth girl searching for a sense of home, and a Thousand Years’ War between alien races all collide one summer afternoon at the movies. #liftoffnovella
Girl meets alien boy at the movies in the middle of an
ancient conflict. #liftoffnovella
And add a photo of your choice from the cover image or these:
In a completely unrelated way, I'm hosting a challenge on social media sites: #101daysgratitude. If you'd like to join, you can join anytime and post as often as you would like. If you use the hashtag, I will be able to find your posts on Instagram and Twitter.
34 comments:
The cover looks good!
I agree about your definition of a working writer :-)
Ronel on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
Congrats on your cover! It's awesome. I understand your insecurity. I'd be worried about doing it right anytime I had a book published--self-published or traditionally. That's one reason I may stay a hobbyist.
Carrie is very talented. Good luck with your book! And thanks for co-hosting.
Ha ha ha! This is so me! - "What I mean by a working writer is someone who works persistently at their craft, even if they've had a few weeks or days, or even longer, where they've had a sulking cranky-pants fuss at their own inability to create awesomesauce, marketable writing every time they sit down." :)
Good luck with the new book!
Awesome Cover Reveal, Tyrean!! The blurb sounds intriguing!
Love the cover and I've preordered my copy!! Looking forward to it!
I tweeted! What a fantastic premise and great cover. The first thing it made me think was "cinema", so I guess Carrie did a good job.
The cover is great! Captures the story.
In spite of those insecurities, it seems as if you're doing a great job, Tyrean. Huge congratulations.
"Do I still know how to self-publish a book?" <---I so feel this. It takes me so long to finish a project that I feel like I have to relearn the entire process over and over again.
Congrats on the new cover! It looks great!
Congratulations on your cover and release. When I was a copywriter I wasn't insecure because I wouldn't have gotten the job if the client didn't like and trust my work. And got paid quickly But writing a novel..well that's a whole of insecurity there. And then there's the marketing. EH!
Woot! Great looking cover. I hope it's a smashing success!
That is a really fun cover.
Congrats! Looks like you remember enough. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
What a lovely cover for Liftoff! I so get your insecurity about getting the book right! Mine would be with the editing department!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
I like (and appreciate) your idea of a working writer. :)
Congratulations on the cover reveal for Liftoff. It's super clever. Carrie did a fabulous job.
Lovely cover, Tyrean.
I agree with your definition of a working writer.
The beauty of self publishing is that if you get it wrong, you can fix it.
The cover is awesome, Tyrean! And I love the concept of your book. Thanks for the 99 cents preorder offer. I preordered, But, I'll probably go for a print edition since I hate reading ebooks. Good luck with your book!
Awesome premise and great cover. Congrats. I too am a cranky pants. Great post. Happy IWSG!
This was such an encouraging post! By your definition, I am a working writer. It just sometimes seems like my day job takes over my life (and my brain)!
Congrats on your new release! It sounds amazing. I love YA Scifi. I preordered a copy.
Tyrean, I like your definition of working writer, especially your use of the word "craft" for I'm still at the stage when I'm working as much on the craft of writing as the actually writing itself!
Love the cover of your new book :)
I think I looked at working writer all wrong. LOL. I like your thinking way better.
Congratulations on the new book! Carrie did an awesome job with the cover. I haven't done much on social media lately, but I'll happily give you a shout out next blog post.
The cover looks wonderful! I also like the way you define a working writer. By working to get better at our craft, we are "working" no matter if no financial gain or income statements are required at this time.
Love the cover! Good luck with the launch. I'm sure you'll settle down into the swing of things again, re the whole self-publishing thing - like riding a bike, maybe? :-)
The cover looks really neat and the novella seems to have a good plot. Your definition of "working writer" is a really well thought one. Dedication in serious writing is one of the most important things in a writing career.
Nice cover! And I agree-- you write, you're a working writer.
And... of course you can do the self-publishing thing again. Though I keep asking myself why I don't make a detailed list of the steps. I managed to do that for conversions to Large Type, but not for the initial process.
Awesome cover! I've definitely had some sulky, cranky-pantsness going on lately.
That's an intriguing cover. Your definition of a working writer is ❤️
I'd like to go with it.
Good definition of a working writer. Love the cover & premise of your new book--made me pre-order it. :)
Those insecurities! Sigh. If only there were a cure. But I suppose the alternative would be narcissism?
I always wonder if I'm publishing correctly too. Sigh. Maybe there isn't any one right way. Congrats on your new release, it looks awesome!
Tweeted! One thing you're definitely doing right with self pubbing is to make it super easy for others to share about your book - I appreciate it. And CONGRATS on the upcoming publication. Sounds great.
I might be back for the 101 days of gratitude, too...once I feel I can legitimately probably commit to posting every day for 101 days.
Love the cover! Congrats!
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