Writing Competition Scams

We would all love to enter a writing competition and win, especially if there is a great cash prize at the end or even better...a contract with a literary agent!


However, with so many wannabe writers out there, it was only a matter of time for people to start cashing in on other's desperation and exploit this.

There are ten rules I live by before I think about entering any writing contests and these rules have been devised by past experiences with these competitions and researching other writers experiences.

My top ten rules before entering a writing competition are:

1. Who is hosting the competition?
2. Do they charge a fee?
3. Does this fee include a subscription?
4. What is the prize? (is there more than one?)
5. Have you heard any complaints about the judging process?
6. What about residencies, Grants and Fellowships?
7. Does everyone get published?
8. Is the contest a ploy to get writers to use a service?
9. Are there any typos in their promotional material?
10. Final Thoughts?

Who is Hosting the Competition?
Many of these competitions charge a fee, however they are usually quite evasive about where the money is going?

Do they charge a fee?

We all love free contests, however there are not many of them around! Usually, all free contests gets a thumbs up for myself, unless something about the competition or the competition website is unsuitable for younger readers.

Does this fee include a subscription?

If I was entering a free contest I wouldn't expect a huge prize at the end as for a free competition, you should be using it for a little publicity as this will be ample award. But if you are paying to enter, some of that money should go to the winner in the form of an advance or monetary prize. 

With regard to book contests especially, authors will have spent years of their lives on their manuscripts: they deserve some monetary compensation.

What is the prize? (is there more than one?)

If I was entering a free contest I wouldn’t expect a huge prize at the end as for a free competition, you should be using it for a little publicity as this will be ample award. But if you are paying to enter, some of that money should go to the winner in the form of an advance or monetary prize. 

With regard to book contests especially, authors will have spent years of their lives on their manuscripts: they deserve some monetary compensation.

Have you heard any complaints about the judging process?

Do your own research of the contest providers to see if they have done any contests in the past and what the feedback is from those who have entered. Do not look at reviews on their website as they will obviously favour the provider. Look on independent websites to see the truth.

What about residencies, Grants and Fellowships?

It's easy to check to see whether or not the contest is affiliated with a non-profit organization. Again, check on there websites to see if they mention or have other organisations logo’s on their pages and if they do, take note and look into this association.

Does everyone get published?

This is a funny one as some people think if they read that, ‘everyone gets published’ they should enter as it’s a win – win situation, however this is just a marketing strategy to get you interested and to pay the fee. 

Also, if that was the case, what would be the point of entering a contest as you would not be published based on your talent as everyone would be getting published anyway. Also, what would the quality of contract be like? What would the quality of your books be like when there published?

Is the contest a ploy to get writers to use a service?

Some contests offer writers criticism and then when they have completely ripped your work apart they work on these negative points to pitch opportunities to receive more for a price. Also, never pay a literary agent to read your work, through a contest or otherwise.

Are there any typos in their promotional material?

When you are researching a good writing contest to enter, read all the materials, including the website, carefully. If they're in the business of publishing writers, they should have impeccable English. 

Misspelled words, grammatical mistakes, and sloppy design can signal scams, as it shows how quick they have set up the organisation for quick money. These sloppy mistakes are also a good indication of how your own work will be treated. Even if the organization is perfectly legitimate, you can still feel embarrassed, rather than proud, when you see your work in print. 

Do you trust this association to care for your work? Do you like how they've presented themselves? If not, then think twice about being represented by them!

Final Thoughts?

Remember it is not just your money you are parting with, but also your work so think carefully before parting with your money. Consider how the organization might be manipulating your desire to see your work recognized. 

Do some research and post queries in forums to see if others have experience with a contest. A little time spent with questions like these will save you disappointment later.

So you've published your first book...how do you get people to buy it?

In one of my Facebook groups, this question came up and although I answered it with a brief answer, I was a little shocked at her following comments.


She had spent all her time and effort into creating this fantastic novel, however, that's all she did!

If she was going to give the book away for free I could understand her relaxed approach to advertising the book but she actually expected to sell it without doing any marketing along the way.


I explained that before she even published the book, she needed to have people interested and eager for the release of the book by making sure she had done the following:

• created a great website which didn't overload the visitor but was eye catching, informative (without giving too much away) and the navigation would be easy to get round the website, even for the most novice computer user,

• take advantage of all the popular social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and make sure your profile picture advertises your book and directs people to your website,

• use different types of media to make people aware of your work (e.g. video's, audio of chapter one, give chapter one away as a 'freebie' on your website to entice readers to come back for the rest of the book),

• be known in a few writers forums not to spam users with your work but to get involved in discussions, and;

• have a blog which does not just advertise your work but to keep people updated with your highs and lows and link with other popular blogs to, again, make yourself known and to learn more about the self publishing world.

After she has published the book, all she needs to do is:

• inform her followers that the book is ready for purchase, 

• make sure your website is updated on where people can buy the book from,

• occasionally mention her new book in the forums if others ask to be recommended some books in that particular genre and; 

• continue to promote yourself in the social networking sites and on your blog to attract new customers.

Unfortunately, I think it was information overload and although she thanked everyone for there advice, I think she still expected people to find the book by chance and it would be an over night success, however, there is a great quote I love when thinking about self publishing, which is, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” Thomas Edison 

LinkedIn Continued...

Well, after being told numerous times to persist with this networking site, I agreed and realised my initial thoughts seemed to be wrong.


At first, I didn't really see the point of LinkedIn, mainly due to the user format not being to my liking but after I updated my profile, created a group for 'Authors of Women's Fiction' only and started to get connections, I could see it was the more professional version to 'Facebook's Branchout' app.

Like Twitter, it felt great to get my first view connections and after that it felt especially rewarding as they were all people with the same passion as myself and with their hints, tips and experiences, were able to help me with problems I didn't even think about occurring.


What I also like about this site is that it can link all messages with your Twitter account automatically and although other social networking sites do this, LinkedIn seems to do this easier because as soon as you put your Twitter username on your profile, it doesn't need to keep asking you for your details and at the moment it seems to link all your messages and not leave some out (like Facebook has been doing on my fan page which is very annoying!).


All - in -all, if you are on Branchout or want to connect to more influential people in the writing world, I would recommend this website as it is (now) easy to use, gives you many ways to promote yourself and your work and it's reputation proceeds the others at the moment.

Making the most of your Facebook Groups

Anything you do, which relates to your book should be done professionally, constantly updated and you should try to interact with those who have taken the time to look at your work or join your ventures as this will only enhance your followers and increase your networking chances.

As a self publisher, if you are like me, everyday you are constantly thinking about what you need to do for your book!


Whether it's finishing a chapter, trying to keep up with your Tweets, updating your Facebook account or thinking of new ways to improve your marketing chances, it can get overwhelming.


I always wondered how people, who made these Facebook groups, got so many members and unlike Twitter (where it has been known that some individuals will go to the extend of buying people to ensure the 'Trends' they have created succeed!) it's quite simple:

• You need to post messages everyday, 

• Be interested in your group members and there work, 

• Make it slightly more personal by posting pictures and telling them about your highs and lows about your writing experiences, 

• Post helpful hints and tips you have come across, 

• If a member is posting something which offends or is going against the tone of your group then removed them, then post a message to ensure your group members understand what will not be acceptable in your group and;

• Make your group look professional by taking a few minutes to create a 'Cover Picture'. This picture should be in tone with the theme of your group, be eye catching and attract potential new group members and make the name of the group clear.

I created some cover photo's for my Facebook groups and although I will probably update them every few months, it shows that you are taking the effort to make your group succeed.

In Macromedia Fireworks, I created my cover picture by getting a nice background image and using a good font generator to create the title and this is the finished product:

This is my first group I started on Facebook. It allows authors to discuss there experiences of self publishing and offers the members a place to offer advice and helpful hints and tips based on there own experiences.


The Self Publish or Wait in Hope Group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/219185778188759/

This is the second group I created on Facebook. This group allows authors to have their say on how they have found these groups and give hints and tips on how to successfully use these websites to enhance your chances of success with the work you are publishing.


The CreateSpace? Lulu? Kindle? Group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/333302013385928/

This is the last group I created on Facebook and is probably the most dearest to me as it allows the members to discuss all things 'Chick Lit' and all there women's fiction experiences. This group has recently been revamped as I found myself spending more time on the other two groups as more members began to join.


The Chick Lit Group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/156066371136923/


All groups also allow authors to promote their own work as well as speaking to other members who maybe in the same genre as themselves.

It does take time out of your day to compete with similar groups as you are constantly updating the groups, replying to messages and doing the general up keep but just like most self publishing tasks, you have to put in the work yourself at first as you don't have an agent to do it all for you just yet!

Good luck xoxo

Twitter Hashtags

As I am now an official Twitter addict, I have researched a few of the techniques that will help me not only have fun on the social networking site but also, how will it help me promote my books?


Along with my battle of getting followers (the right followers), I have also had a battle of what to write and where to write it?


Of course, I could just write messages and post them but then they would just be going to my current followers and I want more.

So, I recently learnt about 'hashtags' and I must admit, they have helped me steadily get more followers from similar literary backgrounds.


The whole point in using Twitter (along with the other social networking sites) is to promote my work.


Now that doesn't mean my every post is about a book I have just written (as I don't want to use my account to spam my followers) but my profile picture is promoting my work and the 'hashtags' I use, in my messages, make sure my posts are being seen in the right circles and by the people I need to see them.


Twitter 'hashtags' are symbols you put before a word to make sure your message is seen in a certain message group.


For example, if you are a budding artist and you are using Twitter to promote your work, you would look for people who are interest in the type of art you produce.


Once you have found these people, you would research where they post there messages and follow their lead, e.g. you may have a particular piece of art you would like people to few on your website so you may post the following message, '#artlovers I love Damien Hurst's recent piece of work and have taken inspiration from this for my own design'.


Now without spam or over publising your work, you have made yourself known in the right circle, you are discussing a topic they are already talking about and you have spoken about your work without shoving it down there throats.


For my fellow self publishers, I would urge you to research essential Twitter 'hashtags' for writers and start posting some messages, such as your progress with your current written piece, the highs, the lows, ask questions in these circles, discuss books you are reading at the moment and reply to other tweets in the circles, as this will surely get you noticed.


Here are a few 'hashtags' I am using at the moment, which have not only helped me gain new followers but answered some questions about self publishing which really baffled me:

• #selfpub
• #indiepub
• #authors
• #amwriting
• #editing

Hope this helps and keep checking this blog for more helpful information on all aspects of Twitter, other social networking sites and self publishing.

How important Twitter is to your book?

I was never a fan of Twitter (mainly because I didn't understand the point of it and...I didn't really understand how to use it effectively!), however, I am now addicted.


Any social networking medium is going to be beneficial to anyone wanting to market themselves but what I have found out is, the way you fail is not understanding how to use it to it's maximum potential.

I used to dabble with Twitter but never really knew what to write and always wonder why some people had over 5k followers and some only had 50?


Then I started to do my research.


I was happy and comfortable marketing my books through YouTube and Facebook but realised I needed to 'up my game' and get on board with Twitter so I started following fellow authors and looked at how they conducted there accounts.


Without overloading their followers with information about their work, instead, they posted quotes, got involved in trends and set up automated messages, which would allow new followers to feel special as it sent them a personal message thanking them for taking the time to follow the individual.


Feeling confident with my first stage of research, I amended my account, started following some fellow authors, published messages in the trends which were primarily about writing and authors and took full advantage of the trends in influential countries (e.g. UK, USA, India, etc).


Now my followers are rising steadily but I'm also (finally) having fun with my messages as I'm not bombarding anyone with my work or trying to sell myself constantly, I am building up a contact base to learn from my fellow authors and to get my name out there by taking an interest in my followers and what they have to say, instead of forcing my marketing down there throats!


More to come about my Twitter experiences!

Book Cover Tips For Your Self Published Book

I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but if your book cover isn't eye catching and stands out from the competition, then you may as well wave goodbye to any profits you hoped you'd make.

Here are some DIY tips that all self published authors should think about when planning a fantastic book cover for their masterpieces:

1. Create a concept cover

A concept cover will speak your message in volumes. Choose one main concept that explains, in a very short story, what your book is about. It is a well known designing principle to choose one element to build your entire design around. For example, one of my favourite books has the key word hysteria in its core message. To express the hysteria the book was explaining, a suburban American neighbour with people screaming and aliens invading the calm, robotic nature of the neighbour was pictured in cover design.

2. Learn the basics of design 

Learn the basics of good design. It always good to know the basics as you can always develop your knowledge if you need to. When creating your book cover, always use the theory that less is more. Do not overload your book cover as it may make it look messy and put potential readers off wanting to go further and actually read your book. Also, you may dilute the expression of your message if you try to put too may elements on your cover. Even too many different fonts or colour will dilute your message.

3. Consider a book cover template 

I love templates. I enjoy getting a jumpstart on all my writing projects, if possible. Many self publishing websites and specialised websites have book cover templates and I urge you to research some to save yourself some time. I am going to be using one with the self publishing website I have chosen to publish my book through as I have looked at the templates and have a handful of a few for my short-list. 

4. Consider book cover design software 

There are lots of design software on the market. But for me, I can only recommend two Adobe Photoshop and Book Cover Pro software (as a cheaper option). With Photoshop the price is not the only thing that’s high. You need to have a few lessons at using this software as it can be a little difficult to try to work it in just one attempt. If you have the patience, interest, time and money to invest, I encourage you to take a class to get started. For the DIY people on a budget, you can teach yourself. Look for good online tutorials and courses to learn from. Also, start a sample file. Every good design that I see, I take notes and try to examine the techniques and elements involved. Then practice and practice some more to develop your skills.

5. Invest in quality photos 

If you are not an illustrator or can’t afford to hire one, you can start with a high quality photo to help speak your book’s core message. Sometimes, if this is matched well, the photo can carry the whole design in expressing your message. If done well, all other elements like font, colour design become secondary or complementary. One of my favourite photo depositories is Shutterstock.com 

6. Use complementary fonts 

Invest in a good quality font. You will discover even if you manage to do all the other parts of your cover design well and do not concentrate on your fonts (type) your design will fall short. Research what fonts are considered display and even good cover fonts. There are lots of free options to start with. 

7. Use your highest talents and haggle the rest 

As a self publisher, you might be tempted to do every thing yourself to save every penny. If you’re there, that’s o.k. too. But I encourage you to not stay there. If cover design is truly not your interest or you are ready to outsource to a cover artist, take the leap. Use your gifts and talents at their highest capacity and outsource the rest. You will discover success much faster than trying to go it alone. One strategy is to save and when you’re ready invest in your cover design. Or use one of my consistent shoe-string budget tips of going to a community college and looking for a budding artist anxious to practice their considerable skills at a bargain.

Now what to do? 

Now, go ahead and make that eye catching book cover for your novel! Don’t delay any longer. Covers still sell books, even self published ones. Give your self published book the greatest chance for success in the marketplace with a beautiful cover. Take the DIY book cover design tips above and give your book a selling chance. Good luck Publishing!

Why Pay for Advice?

Unless you have a 60% + guarantee that the advice you are paying for is going to be worth it then why would you part with your cash?

When I first looked into, 'Self Publishing Help', many of the search results came back with website's that gave an encouraging introduction and then when you find the section you really need, you are hit with the price.


However, as I have done my research I have realised, 'self publishing' is mainly to do with common sense and doing your research.


Firstly, I asked myself, 'why should I publish my book myself instead of waiting for an agent' and came back with the following answers:

• Sending my work off to agents was getting expense and soul destroying so instead of wasting that time, I could do it myself and see what happens,

• Publishing contracts can take years to sign and then once you've signed, new books are usually put on the waiting list and aren't published for one to three years,

• I didn't want to give large percentage of my profits to a literary agent as it was all my hard work and although, they would publicize it more than I could, due to me being a new writer, with hardly any experience, I don't think they would put in as much effort as they would with an already established writer as they would be risking too much time and money, which is probably why they rarely take on new, unknown writers,

• When you sign with a publisher they pay you an advance on sales. This means if your sales aren't high enough, that money is NOT yours to keep. Then, you receive royalties on book sales, once sales levels pass your advance payment. Royalties are, at the very MOST, 10% of the price of the book. Ten percent?? For all your hard work, can you imagine only earning ten percent? Now even though many self publishing website's take a percentage of the sale, none I have researched take more than 60% (and over 20% would make me think twice about allowing my book to be sold through a website that could take that much profit!), and;

• When I finished my book and designed the front and back cover, I was elated. It was a personal achievement for me to actually finish the book, and to create the front and back cover myself (getting glowing reviews from friends and family who saw my accomplishments) gave me even more pride. Now, although it would be great to get a literary agent to take on my book, along with the contract taking a long time to sort out and them taking a large chunk of the profits, I also didn't want them to change anything about the book, which they would. They can change it all if they are not happy or they do not understand the concept of your book and you cannot do anything about it as you have signed the contract.

Secondly, I looked at my marketing options and then lastly, I looked at the reviews from the 'self publishing' websites to check what the users and writers who have had actual experience with them said about their services.

In my next post, I will list all the things you should start thinking about when you are ready and have decided to publish your book...this will be FREE advice and help which I have learnt from my own research.

LinkedIn Initial Review

Looking at other ways to market my book, I was told about a networking site called, 'Linkedin'.

Now, I have signed up but haven't explored all it's features yet but another networking website couldn't harm any promotion you want to do for your books.


From the outset, (for myself) the layout is not fantastic as when I signed up, I didn't really know where to go or what to do.


I joined a few groups but at the moment all but one are still pending my request.


I have not gone into the group that has accepted me yet, however, when I do, due to it specialising in, 'New Writers', I plan on taking full advantage of all the help and support from other users by asking lots of questions and promoting my work in a discrete manner.


My sister in law is launching, 'Designer Chocolates' and was the one to refer me to the website as she is just starting her business and wanted to see what it was all about.


She has now received help, advice, referrals to alcohol distribution companies, meetings with directors and managers of some of the most prestigious restaurants in the UK and has been able to market her chocolates on the website and direct others to her website from Linkedin, which shows if you keep at it, it can be beneficial for your type of work.

Book Cover Design Packages

Before I go and stuff myself with Easter Eggs and feel guilty when I go on the scales next week pretending that I really don't know where them extra pounds came from...I thought I would quickly write about a topic that has always baffled me with the self publishing world.

Ok, so I have some experience with graphic design (but only a little) but when researching the best self publishing website to publish my book with, I have noticed that most (if not all) offer a, 'Book Cover Design' service for a fee.


Looking into these packages, I didn't see many examples of how different they make the front cover look compared to one that had been made by an author.


Many of the packages I researched ranged from $130 - £500, and in all honesty I could not see how these prices justified the lack of time it would have taken them to create this piece of work.


I have decided to create my own front cover by using Photoshop, making sure I have checked the dimensions required from the site I will be selling my book from, using Shutterstock to get the images I need and using family and friends to check each design draft to make improvements if needed.


It seems like the cheaper and more rewarding way of making sure I have the front cover which reflects my book and myself.

Advertising Techniques for your Book

Researching different ways of a new writer trying to get attention to their first book has been interesting!

I have read writers giving advice from making use of YouTube to leaving a copy of your book in popular coffee shops in the hope that someone would read it and not throw it in the bin!


The methods I have used are:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blogs
• Forums

And will be meeting with the local newspaper at the end of this month for some free publicity.

Networking and going to new writer events in your city, would be a great way to get yourself (and your work) out there and to mingle with those who could help your work go from selling 100s to selling 1000s.

I always have a set of business cards in my bag as you never know who you will meet and I would suggest that if you do get a chance to meet someone who could help your book go further, always have the following to tell them:

• The synopsis
• Will there any sequels?
• Where are the books currently being sold?
• How many have you sold?
• What is your marketing plan?
• Have you had anyone interested in helping you take the book further? And if so, what are there plans to do this?

But, even if you meet a literary agent and they ask you all these questions, don't forget this is YOUR masterpiece and even if you are desperate to say yes to their offer straight away, weigh up the pro's and con's and always think about their offer and don't accept it straight away!

Exchange business cards with them and let them know you are very interested in their offer but will need to think about it over night (to give you time to think clearly and not just seeing the advantages of the offer which is all they will tell you, until you get to the paperwork part).

Finding Support within your City

Writing has now become my passion, however, I have realised it can be a little lonely.

Trying to express your highs and lows to friends and family, who don't understand or do not see the relevance of the topic (until you show them the profits as that's how most of society deems success!) is difficult and even though using the forums is great to network and get your questions answered, wouldn't it be even better to have like-minded people face-to-face with you, so you could meet new friends in the same field as yourself? Network? Organise outings? etc.

Speaking to one of my massage therapists (for those of you who never take time out and go for a massage or just to a mini spa to pamper yourself...I suggest you do so! It is worth the money and you leave feeling like a new person! I will touch on this again in a future post which has some relevance to helping new writers!), I didn't realise she also enjoyed writing and was speaking to a journalist from the BBC.

Through this we spoke about all aspects of writing and we got to thinking, why don't we set up a monthly support group?

This support group helps all writers (especially new writers) come together and just socialise, have fun, speak about any new updates or just have a coffee and a laugh.

We are thinking of publicising our new monthly group on:

• Meetup
• Facebook Groups
• Writing Forums

We are still in the process of finding a location but even if only handful of people turn up, it is better than being alone, tapping at your keyboard and the only communication you get, regarding this topic, is from a stranger in a forum.

The Best Web Hosting Sites to Create a Website to Publicize your Book

Having a website to advertise your work is essential!


You should be able to tell the visitor the following:


1) About Yourself (who are you? what inspired you to write? your writing experiences? etc.)
2) About the Book (e.g. like the description you would put on the back cover of the book)
3) Maybe a sample of a chapter
4) A Forum (to get reviews on your sample chapter)
5) Where the customer can buy the book?
6) A Contact Form


However, if you are not a web designer or feel confident making your own website from scratch, which are the best website's to help you make your website?


Remember your website represents you, your work and the image you want to sell to your readers!


I have seen so many website's which overload the visitor with:

• Too much information on each page
• Jargon
• Cluttered and too many images

These three things above are what you need to avoid (I have experience in web design and I have also looked at a few author's web pages and am just giving my opinions not trying to say I am an expert in this department).

Even though I have experience in web design, I chose to go with a web hosting company for a number of my ventures and found the pro's and con's very quickly.

YOU DON'T GET ANYTHING FOR FEEL IN THIS WORLD SO IF YOUR EXPECTING A FREE, FANTASTIC LOOKING, FLASH WEBSITE...GOOD LUCK!

I have had experience with the following three websites and will tell you my experiences with each:

• 123 Reg
• 350 Pages
• Mr Site

123 Reg

The Pro's: 

1. It is easy to register, 
2. Finding a domain name and; 
3. Linking it to your website is easy and they offer a email hosting service.

The Con's: 

1. In 2011, there were not that many templates for me to choose from (even though they advertise they have a vast selection), 
2. Placing your text, headings and images are restricted (e.g. if the template you have chosen shows that you can place an image in the top left hand corner of the page then you cannot move it) and;
3. Transferring a domain name away from 123 Reg took weeks for me to do (even with my constant emails checking for updates more than three times a week and checking with my new web hosting company).

350 Pages

The Pro's: 

1. Simple layout (you can find everything you need easily), 
2. Easy to add HTML code into (e.g. if you want to gain extra money from your website and advertise 'Affiliate companies' on your site); 
3. You can edit the templates quickly and easily (although if you need help their customer support is fantastic and reply to your 'contact us' forms and emails within a day.

The Con's:

1. There could be a wider choice of templates on the Standard Package, 
2. The e-commerce facility is limited for the paying packages and;
3. They do not include a web hosting facility

Mr Site

The Pro's: 

1. It provides a blank canvas for you, 
2. They provide a nice range of additional products included in the price for your website (e.g. blogs, forums, guestbooks, etc.) and; 
3. A decent range of gallery photographs to choose from.

The Con's:

1. The templates are too basic and you need to invest a bit more time into editing and creating your own unique looking website as the templates do not offer enough, 
2. In 2010, they could not provide me with 'Sub menu's' from the navigation bar which I found strange as the basic package is not cheap and; 
3. I found it difficult to get support within a reasonable amount of time (a maximum of a week is long enough to wait for an answer to a simple enough question).

Conclusion

Obviously, these are my ideas and experiences, so please do not be put off or rule out any of these websites.

Please leave your own comments if you agree or have had different experiences with these three sites and I hope the 'website promoting your book' is helpful to you!

xoxo

Literary Agent's Contradiction!

As a new writer, I find it unbelievable that every literary agency only advertises for experienced writers!


Like I was 15 yrs old looking for my first Saturday job, I got more and more frustrated being knocked back from each retailer due to having no experience.
However, when and how do you get the break? 

After many knock backs, I realised I needed a new approach and was advised to go down the 'Self Publishing' route.


Obviously, I would be much happier having an agent as I would receive a lot more publicity, the marketing would be taken away from me and I would be free, in general, to just concentrate on what I love...writing!


Researching a few 'Self Publishing Website's' I agree, these are great options for new writers to get their work published and out to the world, however, the free services compared to the 'small fee' services differ greatly.


I have realised that unless you have your own proof reader, a decent cover designer and have created a basics, marketing plan yourself (a website, blog, advertising in forums for your genre of book, on social networking site, etc.), these 'small fees' will add up to be huge fees and you need to think objectively to judge whether you think your work will make this money back in the time frame you want.