Author of Middle Grade novels about friendship, family, and figuring out where you fit in.

Monday, April 14, 2014

So... I Have A Book Coming Out!

Yup, you read the title right!

I unofficially announced this on Twitter last week, but here's the official post:

My debut middle grade novel, WISHING FOR WASHINGTON, will be released this summer through my small business, Frolloway Press.

Woo hoo!!

I know it's all pretty vague right now, but trust me, more details will be coming soon, including the actual release date and a summary. I'm working on a whole bunch of things at once right now. And you know what? I love it.

My decision to self-publish was one I made over the course of many months. Actually, close to a year. I wasn't necessarily set on self-publishing this particular book from the start, but I became quietly interested in the idea of going indie a while ago. A few factors contributed to this:

1) The biggest reason is that, as regular/long-time readers know, I'm chronically ill. I have been on a sickening rollercoaster the past two years, going from doctor to doctor, hospital to hospital, taking a year off work and then finally cautiously returning to a part time job.

I'm sure there are traditionally published writers who are also chronically ill who still manage to do everything just fine. I, personally, felt like I couldn't make a promise to meet deadlines and carry out responsibilities, not knowing if I'd suddenly get hit with a few weeks or months of daily pain. I wanted the freedom of being my own boss. I still have self-made deadlines that I've been meeting so far, but it's a lot less pressure for me this way.

2) I like to be in control. I guess this goes along with the feeling of not having control when your health stinks, but I'm okay with giving up some pretty "big" things, like having my book on store shelves, if it means I can decide things that are more important to me. The exact day my book releases. What exactly my cover looks like. How soon to release a second book.

I have a business plan (including a marketing plan) and a calendar filled out for the next eight to ten months. And it feels awesome to plan all that out!

I can't wait to share more with you all as it unfolds. I appreciate the support I've receive so far, too. You guys are great!

ONE LAST THING: My book isn't the only one to release in 2014, obviously. So, instead of making this all about me, me, me... feel free to share any other 2014 releases you're excited about!

11 comments:

Nick Wilford said...

Congrats! Sorry about your health, but it's great to take control where you can. I look forward to more details of your book and I'd love to help out if I can (not back to blogging yet, but hope to be soon!)

Anne Gallagher said...

Congratulations Shelley! That is fantastic news. I'm so glad you've found a way to work through your illness and continue to write, and now publish! Woo-hoo!

As you know, I've been self-published for several years now and I couldn't be happier. Like you said, the control over deadlines and responsibilities is what made me decide it was the way to go for me.

I'm so excited for you. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you. If you have any questions.

Tiana Smith said...

So exciting! I'm sure it'll be awesome!

Jemi Fraser said...

Wahoooooo!!!!! So happy for you! I think you've made a great decision. Although planning out that much detail terrifies me!!!! :)

kristi d.wientge said...

You're amazing, Shelley! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear all about his amazing and brave journey! x

kristi d.wientge said...

I read this article right after reading your post... Very fitting... http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2014/04/self-publishing-vs-traditional-some.html

Anonymous said...

I am sorry you haven't been feeling well, but I'm thrilled about this great news.

Tara Tyler said...

congratulations!
what a big undertaking!
i wish you great success and few headaches through the publishing process.
way to go!

Tara Tyler said...

ps - my mg fantasy comes out in june
yay for MG!

Cynthia said...

Congratulations about your book! I'm sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well, and I wish you relief and comfort.

Romance Reader said...

Congratulations! So happy and excited for you!

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