Saturday, February 12, 2011

Annette Snyder--Being a Writer is So Much More

My friend told me I should try and publish a story I wrote for her.  Not wanting to disappoint, I looked into it.
I was stupid.  That’s all there was to it.
I did my research.  I learned that only the top 10% of any author ever makes any money doing it.  Those high advances are for the likes of high profile writers and celebs like King, Roland and Palin.  I knew, only with luck, would I be a breakout author like Sparks. 
Still, I wrote and reworked until I thought my first story was ready.  I investigated publishing houses and avenues through watchdog sites like Predators and Editors and the BBB.
I submitted and was rejected, submitted and was rejected…on and on and on and….you get the drift. 
When my first novel got accepted, my actual education of the publishing industry began.
Even with my extensive delve into writers markets, I didn’t know about formal editing and set up.  I had no clue about marketing.  After my story was accepted, my publisher informed me I was required to have a website.  A what?  How in the ….do I do that?  And what are online groups?  An internet presence with facebook and twitter?  Whatywhody?  I WAS STUPID. 
But I learned and, my publisher, editors, and artists, bless their hearts, were patient enough to help.

My aunt took on the task of my website—for a mere bottle of wine per update, thank you!
My mom and friends distributed bookmark business cards wherever they traveled.
And I got involved with a producers cooperative for my state which taught me about advertizing dollars and coverage. 
Slowly, my knowledge about the writing industry expanded and now I have a website http://annettesnyder.atspace.com  a FaceBook account:  Annette Snyder-Novelist  and a blog http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com  I’m involved in GROW Nebraska, a cooperative that supports small business entrepreneurs  www.growne.com which helps get my work all over the state and beyond and has opened up other avenues like the Archway National Monument in Kearney, Nebraska and soon, a new store in Omaha that opens March 4th.  I approached several local booksellers about my work and, for a small cut, they stock my novels.  I occasionally advertise in magazines related to my field and state like Romantic Times and Nebraska Life.  I keep an eye open for article call-outs in the newspaper and submit when I’ve got something of interest. That’s good for extending my writing base and free publicity because the newspaper will usually post a byline.
I might not be the top 10% just yet but I’m working on it and learning at the same time.  I wouldn’t have done it had I not taken that first step by writing a book and having my friend say, “You should try and publish this.”  And if my butt can learn, anyone can and that’s all there is to it.  

10 comments:

Unknown said...

We all learn everyday. It just takes some longer then others. I am one of the slow learners.

lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

Di said...

thank you for sharing how much work goes into getting a book out there even after the writing is completed. Good luck with all your enterprises.

sallans d at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Love the way you pay for your web updates - need to find someone who will pay me like that!

The Scarf Princess said...

I too am a Nebraskan Annette and applaud all the ways you're getting your name out there. Keep up the great work and I'll definitely be on the lookout for your books.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Caffey said...

Hi Annette! I so enjoyed the historicals of yours from Travis Pass. I must see if anymore since. I love to chat books and often others asked me if I wanted to write and its always been 'No'. I love reading! I do say because if I did, I'd have no time to read all that I love reading! But too, its never been in me to want to or the skills anyways. But over the years reading, especially reading from various ebook publishers, I kind of learned alot of what you all do and its so much! Thats why I often say thanks for 'all you do', its alot. Congrats Annette.

cathiecaffey @ gmail.com

desitheblonde said...

i like the book and i now it can be pain for
all and when it come out you dance with joy

Annette Snyder said...

Joder, you can pick up my novels in Seward, or at most GROW Nebraska events (the holiday stores in Westfield)--there's a new store opening in Omaha on March 4th or so in the Old Market and year round GROW stores in Kearney and Grand Island...or if you visit the Kearney Arch, some of my books are there. Or, online...or, I live in Brainard (about and hour from you) and my books are stocked at the Husker Bar II there. plus the foods fantastic!

writermama said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. I wrote and contracted my first novel, but the social networking is killing me. I have no idea what to blog about, let alone on a regular basis. Sometimes I think this part is harder than writing the book. Go figure.

SherryGLoag said...

I am so full of awe at your enery and skill at 'getting out there' with your promotions. I admit like Virginia my slowness to adapt to new learning curves, frustrates the socks off me, and like mysticmother the networking is a very stressful part of the writing process. But... hopefully I am getting there.
Thank you for showing that there is hope for me yet:-)
Thanks for sharing.

Chicks of Characterization said...

I feel your pain Anette! So many people think its soooooo easy to become published. Its NOT! I should NO, I've been trying for ten years!!! congratulations on your books! Love the covers.

Andrea
atsnider@verizon.net