After years of writing to complete my manuscript, I had no
idea what I was in for. Trying to figure out the right path for your work is a
complicated task. Other
writers out there are probably saying, “Amen!” There are many different options these days including
traditional publishing, independent publishing, and self-publishing to name a
few. The key is deciding which is
right for you. I have been lucky
to have someone that is much better at business than me on my side to help me
make the best decision. We decided
to go with Brown Books on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at the reasons why. As the Pointer Sisters put it, “I’m so excited!” (Cue a magical 80’s dance video)
First of all, as a writer I respect other writers and the
craft. I am one of those people
who believe everyone has a voice and should write. It reminds me of a quote from Johnny Depp that goes like
this, “Everybody’s nuts.” Well, I
agree Johnny. Especially me. If nothing else writing is therapeutic
and keeps us from having to annoy friends and family with all our self-absorbed
baggage. Instead, why not
word-vomit on a page or computer screen so you can look back on it later to
realize how amazing art can be when you actually let yourself feel? Sure a large portion of the things we
write will be embarrassing or just plain bad, but sometimes we will look back
and think, did I really write that? I realized that after writing for about
5 years. When everything’s great
in your life writing is fun, but when everything is bad, writing saves
you.
Now back to the full-time job of publishing. As most writers respect the notoriety
of the traditional publishing route, so do I. Every published writer knows the tedious process of finding
the right representation for your genre, submitting query letters to agents,
attending writer’s conferences to learn and schmooze, as well as negotiating
contracts. We all know that
Penguin, Harper’s Collins, and MacMillan don’t just show up at your door one
day as a first time writer and say, “Whatcha workin’ on bro?” So out of sheer respect, I think all
writer’s can appreciate those that have worked this angle and weighed out the
options.
Let me tell you why we decided to go with Brown Books. First and foremost, we wanted a quality
product. Without that what is the
point, right? Well, we believe we
have it and I can’t wait to share it with everyone! I was very lucky compared to other writers in the fact that
the closest person to me in this world not only owns and operates the best web
design company in Dallas, but also shares the same vision with where we are
going with these books. He
automatically brought design work, websites, finances, business savvy, and
creative genius to the table. (He
just so happens to be my brother and yes he’s talented, but I have much better
dance moves) Most writers don’t
have the negotiation tools on their side that Travis brought me, so I am very
lucky. After weighing the
contracts as well as percentage rights we would own, and all things considered
we finally made a decision and although it is an uphill battle from here on
out, I am riding up that hill in a Batmobile made of pizza with nothing but
smiles.