Thanks to author (and WWW team member) Jacqueline Gum for this guest post, timely on the heels of our look at author scams and scoundrels…
Somebody has to show you how to walk before you do, but eventually you walk and then run. Independence needs direction. Never was this truer than today, particularly when it comes to marketing a book of any kind.
When I published my first book I was convinced that I’d done my due diligence… hell I even drove to Bloomington, Indiana to visit the publisher’s facility and meet my author rep face to face. Then I signed the check. It was a big one. Ultimately, it was a big mistake.
Turns out I’d exchanged a way too big bundle of cash for a small bundle of author services, like book cover design and interior formatting, a listing on Amazon and Barnes & Noble… but little else. In most cases, a baby is a rewarding thing, yet in a world full of beautiful new babies, no one had shown me how to get mine the proper attention it deserved. Looking back, I realize now that my “publisher” was not an author advocate nor did they have any desire or impetus to partner with me for a successful project. My check had cleared.
So I embarked on a journey to find someone who was willing to show me – just show me – so I could do it myself. That trip turned out to be a long arduous one; a maze the likes of which I’ve never seen before. Man oh man… it’s the mother of all carnivals with a mile long midway full of hawkers. I’ll admit to throwing the ring around the bottle, but I wasn’t rewarded the giant stuffed animal I was shown… just a goldfish in a bag. (I’ve never heard of one thriving, have you?)
I was dejected and leaving for the parking lot, but somewhere, outside the fairground, I met Shari Stauch, founder of WWW. She took my arm and said, “Let me show you.” I looked around and saw that there wasn’t a stuffed animal in sight, much less a goldfish, so I bought a ticket on that ride…. one last one, I thought.
I’ve spent less money and seen more results. But most of all I’ve shed the shame of being scammed. Because let’s face it, in the end that’s more to bear than the hole in your pocket. The process of putting me back in control redeemed my dignity… and a whole lot more.
In the interest of full disclosure, somewhere in this process, she invited me on board and I am now a proud member of the WWW team. We discovered that we were united in our resolve to be a part of the solution. We’d like to foster the independent spirit and give fair warning of approaching hazard, so that writers become authors and authors deliver what they want to whom they want. Our dream is to help create win-win partnerships between writers and readers, authors and reviewers, book clubs, bookstores and most important, between each other.
So I hope you’ll join us, because even independence needs direction. I speak from experience when I tell you that when you enter The Winner Circle, it becomes a dignified process… as it should be. And if you’re looking for redemption like me? You’ll find it here, I promise.
Jacqueline Gum is the author of Confessions of a Corporate Slut and has recently completed another novel, The Accuser’s Burden. Her writing reflects contemporary questions of social injustice, which she also blogs about each week in her “Where’s the Justice?” themed blog. Jacquie is a member of the WWW team, heading research for legitimate author resources, including vetted book reviewers and book club contacts for our newly launched Winner Circle.
What a great pitch (ha) Jacquie and Shari. I’ve had to pleasure to know, learn and from each of you outside of Where Writers Win. This brings together so many wonderful safety nets to give an indie writer the best resources to use time, talent and those that have walked before us to make sure the work is stellar. BQB is an amazing team that has streamlined my project and listened to my voice in the process. I hope another stuffed animal isn’t left at my door stop! Just leave amusing comments after you read my book!
The question I have after reading this is what did you learn, aside from the perils of vanity publishers and the advantage of being a part of the WWW Team? I understand the benefits, I think, but what are the features? And what would you recommend to a great writer of literary/women’s fiction who Indie publishes?
Good question! The features would include access to indie book stores, indie and hybrid publishers, vetted book blog review sites, book clubs who are open to an author approach, and discounts on a variety of goods and services. AND more! So, true indie that you are, it would be up to you to use these features to your benefit. Many indies want to have more control. Our features provide you detailed information so that you can get reviewed by reviewers who want to read your genre (literary/women’s fiction) or book clubs who like to read your genre. We continue to work diligently to shrink the world wide web into a condensed directory so that YOU can develop a marketing strategy that best fits your needs both in terms of your audience and your time. I sincerely hope that you take advantage of our introductory offer of $29.95/year and join us! It’s a friendly bunch (Our private LinkedIn group) and we love to share
To Julie… thanks for reading my story 🙂 I feel compelled to let everyone know when a genuine, authentic person/service comes into the arena! So very proud to be a part of all this 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, Jacqueline! It’s such a shame that so many authors have to go through the same struggles before finding teams of people that genuinely want to help them succeed. I was proud to join BQB Publishing for that reason: considerate and heartfelt business practices. I am also happy to recommend Where Writers Win, which offers valuable marketing design and education. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the SC Book Festival this weekend!
We can vouch for BQB wholeheartedly as well – Terri, Julie and the whole team there have done stellar work with many of our authors; each of them have grown and prospered as a result – YAY!
Okay, you all – what is BQB? Retarded in Ridgeway!
Hilarious, Billie! BQB is Boutique of Quality Books – they’re a hybrid publisher (listed on our Indie Publishers page in the Winner Circle). We have several clients who are BQB authors; thus the free association with the initials. You can check ’em out at http://www.bqbpublishing.com – I’ve personally been impressed with the level of service they’ve given authors and the way they’re putting both themselves AND their authors front and center with booths at writer events, etc. Classy bunch, they are 🙂