It has been a while since my last post about publishing my SciFi manuscript Heaven’s Ant Farm. But what with COVID, relocating and other such things, I’ve had to sideline that effort. And, to be truthful, I needed to reassess my strategy for publishing the manuscript. A strategy that, till now, was heavily focused on finding an agent to guide me through the process. Well, as most of you know, finding an agent is like trying to find a wooden tooth pick in a haystack.
I’m not going to rant on about agents or even discuss the value they provide beyond their electronic rolodex of publishing and entertainment contacts. Suffice it to say, the Internet, and Social Media in particular, has changed the value proposition of those traditional gatekeepers to literary success. And let’s face it, agents are so overwhelmed with queries from everyone with a word processor that they don’t have much energy to pick through all that email. That means your query has about 10 seconds to secure the agent’s interest before the delete key is pushed. So, it’s time to move on and leverage the new tools and partnerships brought on by the Internet of Everything! For me, like so many others, that means self publishing Heaven’s Ant Farm.
Well, self publishing is not exactly right. It’s not like I’m doing this by my lonesome. Rather, I’ve discover new partners willing and able to guide me through the ePublishing process. That activity includes the technical work converting the manuscript into the proper format for distribution, the eBook supply chain experts to get the finished product to the right distribution portals. Let’s not forget the literary (grammar engineering) expertise to ensure that all of the manuscript’s “i”s are dotted, the “t”s crossed and the dangling participles have found their proper subjects. Then, there’s the graphic illustrators and social media experts to coat the eBook in an attractive package and get the word out about Heaven’s Ant Farm to readers and the entertainment industry. This is not a one person job but rather a coordinated effort by a virtual team. In my case, I’ve assembled a multinational team with members from the US and UK.
So in the next few months, I’m going to share with you my experience and results in working with this team of experts that I feel honored to call friends. Friends who have a love for what they do and willing to share their expertise without breaking my bank. Shortly, you’ll see some timelines and samples of illustrations for use in the book. And along the way, I’ll share some thoughts about Heaven’s Ant Farm and solicit your comments.
This journey will have some twists and surprises. I may have to back track to the main road having discovered that a short cut turned into a dead-end. But, when you think about it, the fun is not at the end of the road but the journey itself. It’s like finally getting there . . . only to discover that you can’t wait to get back on the road.
So, come with me on this new adventure and take what you can to help discover your way to publishing independence. Oh yea, and remember to hit that follow/like button.
Jim! Go for it!! Doug