Monday, March 12, 2012

Why I Chose a Small Press

Hey guys! Happy Monday! Not really... All three of my kids are sick with horrible coughs, so we'll be kickin' it at home all day. At least they'll be relaxing and not running around, right? ;)

Anyway, today I wanted to talk about why I chose to go with a small press. A few of you have asked, so here is my answer. There are actually several factors that made my decision.

1. My book had already been on sub to some of the big publishing houses, and when that happens, you can't send it out again for a very long time.
2. I didn't have an agent anymore to send my book out to the big houses.
3. I've heard great things about small presses, (some) and thought my book would fit well with one.
4. I wasn't going to settle and face the fact that my fairy tale book wouldn't sell. I don't know why, but I knew it was good enough. Which is weird, because I usually have no problem setting a book aside.
5. I wanted a little more freedom in my writing. I want to try a few different genres. And markets. :)

So, that's basically my reasoning. There are a few other things, like the fact that I have small children and a baby due this year that I really thought it would be hard to go on a big book tour or something with a bigger press. AND, small presses are great at listening to their authors thoughts on book covers, edits, etc.

I've also gotten this question a lot. Will I try to get an agent again? Yes. Would I like to publish in one of the big 6? Of course. But for now, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And it's kind of nice having the freedom to do what I want right now. Who knows. I may stick with small presses for a while. My experience so far has been nothing but professional. The ladies at Crescent Moon Press are awesome. I couldn't ask for anything more in my writing career at the moment. :)

Also, I'm on Goodreads! WOOT! I can't believe it! I've seriously been freaking out all day. It's so awesome to see my book on there. Add it if you'd like. ;)  Also, here is the link to Crescent Moon's website. My book and bio are on there as well! :D I still can't believe this is really happening. It all seems like a dream.

21 comments:

Angie Sandro said...

I'm so happy for you. I have a friend with Crescent Moon Press, and she only has wonderful things to say about her experience. Congrats!

Emily R. King said...

There's nothing wrong with a small press. Each publishing option has good and bad, but that's true of life in general.
I'm so excited for you!

Meredith said...

I think those are wonderful reasons! When you believe in your book, you need to give it its best shot. And yay for being on Goodreads!!! I hope your kids feel better soon!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I think that's awesome. There are certainly advantages to going with a small publisher. I'm going to go check out your book on their site right now. :)

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Okay, I'm back. Sorry, but I just had to come back and say that looks great! I can't wait to read it. :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I am signed with small press. And so far? I LOVE it. I am treated like a person, might I go so far as to say an asset? I think for a first time author with all my questions and insecurities...this is the most perfect fit.

Jenny S. Morris said...

I'm so happy you found what fits for you! I'm also glad that you feel more free, that's awesome. I have become a FAN and marked it as TO-READ. I can't wait.

Kelley Lynn said...

Thanks so much for this post. I am in the query trenches right now. Made some good progress in the agent realm but I do think I will also try pitching it to smaller presses. I've only heard good things.


Going to check out your book now! :)

Katie Dodge said...

Yahooo!!! So excited for you! You deserve this 100 fold! :D

Carrie Butler said...

That's so awesome, Chantele! :)

Amanda Olivieri said...

SO happy for you, Chantele! Crescent Moon sounds like a perfect fit. Also, I totally just added your book on Goodreads! The description sounds AWESOME! Can't wait! :)

Jessie Humphries said...

Crescent Moon is lucky to have you. They got a steal! Still so happy for you.

Donna K. Weaver said...

How fun! And I love the look of their website.

i'm erin. said...

I think you chose well! I'm excited to see your book in print and to buy a copy. If you need an author pic, I know a girl with a fatty-arse camera. Um...Have I mentioned that before? If I'm annoying just tell me to shut it.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I love hearing people's logic behind choices and that there are so many choices now for authors. Congrats - off to add you to my goodreads :)

Leigh Covington said...

YAY! Chan this is so exciting! Beyond awesome! I love it! I'm excited to be able to follow along this journey with you. Congrats girl! You deserve it. :)

Maggie said...

Wow! I haven't been here in awhile and I have really missed a lot! Congrats on your pregnancy. Congrats on your book deal. Yay yay yay Chantelle!

Sarah Tokeley said...

I'm so happy for you, you're obviously doing exactly what is right for you and your book right now.

Hope the little ones are feeling better.

Ru said...

Congratulations! I think I said it before, but it really is thrilling news :)

Shallee said...

I'm still so excited for you, Chantele. :) I love hearing your reasons for going with the small press. There are so many options in the publishing world, which is great for all of us! I'm so glad you found a great path that works for your life right now.

Nicole said...

Huge congrats to you! That's got to be such an amazing, uplifting feeling to see it actually out there. :)

Also thanks for your comments on small presses. You seem to have a great (and realistic) attitude toward the publishing process overall, and that's heartening to hear.