Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing...

The feeling I got when I first saw my book on Amazon.com was euphoric. I was thrilled to see what I had created on a worldwide website. And the knowledge that it was available for readers to buy.

That feeling is still there with each subsequent story published, but not nearly as strong as that first one. I have learned, over time, that self-publishing has it's ups and downs. It is such a simple thing. You write a story, get cover art if you can, and with a few clicks, it's there for all to see and purchase. It is instant gratification. Certainly an American trait.

But that satisfaction soon wains when sales are not what you thought they would be, or you have only the one avenue for buyers to link to. You learn, as you work hard to establish yourself as an author, that self-publishing might be easy, but isn't as satisfying as you first thought.

There are distinct advantages to going through a publisher. One is a much wider array of avenues for readers to access. I have learned this the hard way, by lower sales, and surprisingly comments from future readers. To read a comment that suggests my books were hard to find is difficult.

As an author, I want my books to be easy to find and available. Self-publishing doesn't allow that.

So, my new goal is to make my books as available as possible in many different venues. I take the ones already published and add them to different websites, and will now be submitting my many WIP's to publishers with the hope that they are acceptable and will soon be all over the place for readers to enjoy.

Accidental Alpha #28

After everyone sat down, Fenris asked again. “Mom, where’s Peter? He never called his stepfather anything but by his first name. The two never really bonded even if the man did help raise him. Wolves went by scent and to Fenris, Peter had never smelled quite right.

“I left him.” His mother’s voice had a hardness he’d never heard before.

“But why?”

“I found out he was cheating on me.”

“I’ll kill him,” Fenris’ father growled. “How dare he cheat on my mate!”

Stanley leaned over and whispered in Fenris’ ear. “You’re family is strange.”

Fenris nodded.

His mother sat down next to his father. They exchanged smiles but it was more the smile of old friends than hot spark between mates. His father patted his mother’s hand as if united towards a common enemy.

“He said he wanted someone who cared for him. I’ve washed that man’s underwear for ten years. If that doesn’t say love what does?”

Fenris’ father shook his head. “You can come and stay with me, pet. I’ll gut him if he comes around.”

His mother laughed. “Thanks Van. I kicked that no good jerk to the curb. I think I can handle him.”

“Hmm. Did Fenris tell you his mate is a Prime.”

“No!” Fenris’ mother gasped as she examined Stanley closer.

“Yeah, he knocked me on my ass.”

“Serves you right playing alpha games with the boy. You’re lucky he didn’t kill you.”

His father shrugged. “He’s new. I figured he’d be weak.”

“My son has never been weak,” the Overseer snarled.

“Well since he’s yours….” His father let the insult linger.

If Millie hadn’t placed a restraining hand on her husband he probably would’ve come across the table to try and kick Fenris’ father’s butt.

“I believe we’re here to celebrate our mating,” Fenris interjected.

The fathers grunted and exchanged glares.

Yep, this was going to be fun.

“What’s a Prime Alpha?” Stanley asked.

Fenris turned his attention back to the only person who deserved it, his mate.

“A Prime Alpha is like the alphas alpha. You’re stronger than most alphas and you have bigger fangs. Let’s just say I’m not worried about Sebastian’s possible battle with you. You’ll be able to handle him without problem. Because you’re so strong you’ll probably end up taking over more territory.”

“Huh, weird.”

Poor Stanley had done so well until now, but Fenris could feel the edges of his mate’s control starting to unravel.

He slid his hand beneath the table to entangle with Fenris. His mother gave him a concerned look. “Is it a mutual bond?”

Fenris nodded.

Stanley said, “Yes.”

“Good,” she said with satisfaction.

The one-way bond with his parents was always a source of battle between them with his father trying to take control, and his mother fighting back.

“Once you settle into your alpha territory we can talk about boundaries. Your territory butts against mine. I’m going to give you two months to settle in before we need to talk.”

Stanley bristled at the older man’s tone. A low growl built in his throat.

Oooh, not good. Fenris tried to calm his mate but his father just had to push. “I was never happy that Fenris joined another pack I think with your bonding we should think about merging the two packs and forming one. I can be there to lead it since you’re new to the entire alpha thing.”

Damn Stanley was fast.

Fenris’ father dangled from Stanley’s grip, pinned against the wall by one hand. The Prime Alpha’s power rolled across Fenris like a tidal wave. Gasping he held his human form almost certain it was only their bond that kept him from shifting.

“I’ll tell you this once. I will hold my territory. It is mine. I’m not merging my pack with anyone.”

“Stanley drop my father.” Fenris tried to infuse as much command in the statement as possible. The only one an enraged alpha will listen to is his mate.

His father hit the ground with a thud.

Desperation

As usual, I write with no audiance. Ah well. I read so many blogs and books and comments. See the bond between the writers of my favorite books, knowing full well they probably haven't read any of mine. *sighs*

I'm trying really hard to become one of them. Don't know if I am succeeding. At times, it seems pointless, and then I work on one of my books, or see that Lost and Found, though minimal, is actually selling and only two days after release.

I know that if I can get cover art, it would make a difference, though probably with readers, not with my fellow authors. I'm working on it.

I know for a fact, I write well. I know my stories are good, and yet, I get no reviews, no feedback. That is such an ego buster. I haven't quite figured out how to promote, though I try to get tips from the many authors I have befriended on FB and Blogs.

Am I desperate? Yes. Do I care about extreme recognition? No. I just want to write and feel good about other people enjoying my stories.

So, I will say to the many people who have actually bought and read my books, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, my stories would fester and fall to the wayside. Something I would never want to happen to my many and varied characters. Characters that have become family. Characters that invade and consume my thoughts.

*Hugs to all*

C R Guilaino

Your Daily Male: Monday pick up

Your Daily Male: Monday pick up: Found here

One of the best sayings ever...

Ben: "That could be interesting. Fellatio lessons; sounds like fun to me."

Eric: "We'd have to set a stiff schedule. It would be pretty hard, and it might blow up in your face."

From Forgotten Song by Ally Blue

God, that's so funny!!