I have started working on finalizing THE SOUND OF MADNESS to be self-published. I originally wanted to have it self-published in January, but it didn’t feel right so I kind of pushed it aside.
When I self-published BARFLY in December 2014, it was for me. It was me conquering my fear of putting “my baby” out there for the world. I knew I could handle rejection from the rejection letters received, but taking a step to self-published was 100 times scarier than hitting send on an email to an agent. I did it. It didn’t hurt that bad. I made a few sales, thank you friends, you know who you are.
I learned a lot.
I knew what I wanted to do differently and better for THE SOUND OF MADNESS.
1-I wanted to have someone read the novel with an eagle eye and critique it. Luckily, I have a dear friend, AMY, who is a reading fiend. If my book could make it through her critique, editing, and proofreading, then I knew I would be all right as I consider her a superior in opinion on books and an elitist. She will be given editor credit when I publish it.
2-I wanted to have a real book cover. Not one I pieced together in a photo editing program. Enter the picture, JONATHAN ABERNATHY, who I have known since we worked together in radio. I’ve always liked how Jonathan’s mind has worked in coming up with designs. He knows when to throw it all out there and knows when to say when.
3-I want to market the book properly. Marketing plan set, marketing budget set, and ready to go!
If I’m honest, I had very little or none of the above for BARFLY and I don’t regret it because it taught me what I wanted for THE SOUND OF MADNESS.
As I discussed ideas of the cover designs with Jonathan, I wrote: Nadia has been my favorite character to write. I want to do her justice and self publish this book the right way. I feel like I owe it to her.
It was at that exact moment that I knew that I am on the right path and timeline for this book. If I had self-published this in January when it didn’t feel right, THE SOUND OF MADNESS would have been an epic fail and perhaps one of my biggest regrets.
I’m glad it’s happening now and not then. I do owe Nadia a proper introduction to the world and soon, she’ll be ready to meet you all.