So things are settling down as I find my rhythm, and I thought it would be a good time to talk about the changes I’m making. I’ve been fielding a lot of questions, and while I don’t have all the answers, I’m learning lot more each day. Going indie as an author throws a definite learning curve, but I’m a quick study and I’m spending a lot of time reading and listening. I found a number of talented mentors and frankly, I may be a little scared, but I’m also excited about this new venture.
I’m going to answer some basic questions in a series of blog posts here. So, to get started:
Q: Why did you decide to go indie?
A: There is no one right answer for this. But here are some of the biggest reasons, pared down to basics to avoid long, detailed explanations:
- I write paranormal. Most traditional publishers aren’t buying much of it, and what they are buying, they aren’t paying a lot for (with a few exceptions). I was not given the option of continuing Whisper Hollow, Fly By Night, or Otherworld with Berkley and I really want to continue those worlds, as well as starting new ones—all paranormal. And Berkley is changing its format to focus on trade and hardcover, and I don’t fit in that category.
- I want the freedom to introduce my readers to worlds I’ve been dreaming of but have had no outlet for—like the Fury Unbound series. I want the freedom to write and publish what I want, when I want to. Indie is the only way to do this.
- I want lower e-book prices on my books, and higher earnings for me. I can potentially make so much more publishing indie (and to continue my career, I need to increase my readership), while still pricing the books lower, which means a win-win situation for both my readers and me.
B: You always pushed pre-orders, why aren’t you doing so on your indie work?
For several reasons, but it has to do with ranking and the fact that I’ve just started in on this and I know that there can be glitches and I don’t want to incur any glitches (or as few as I can), so instead of hoping you will all pre-order, I’m just hoping you’ll buy the books when they come out. There’s a lot more to it than that, but for now, leave it at: I don’t want to suddenly realize the internet went out when I needed to upload a book and oh crap, it’s not going to be up there in time. *grins*
C: You said you’re going to be putting out more releases. How will we know when they come out?
- Well, the top best ways to stay in the loop are:
- My newsletter. (And read it! And since sometimes it goes into people’s spam filters, make certain you check there).
- You can sign up to follow me on Bookbub—when I have a new release, I’ll post it there and for anything novella size or over, they will send out a new release announcement. Unfortunately, for short stories, that won’t happen (but my newsletter will).
- Follow me here on the blog—I’ll post when I have new releases. I also plan on blogging more so you’ll get to read other things.
- My website—will always have all releases/books listed.
So there’s part one in a multi-part blog I’m calling Yasmine Goes Indie…later on, I’ll write more about my new writing schedule, about books I’ll be putting out (including the upcoming Fury Unbound series—one I’ve wanted to write for awhile), and so forth.
Until then, have a happy week, and here’s a gratuitous kitty picture!
Apple looks exactly like my Stinky ( named so because when she came home she was SOOOOOOO Stinky!!) Anyway, as it is a huge change for you it is for us as well.. I will do my best to stay up to date, but I really do prefer your books ( I always ordered them signed from SMB ).. That being said, if you do offer the rest of the Otherworld series in paperback I will order it, even if pricier. Will you also offer those signed?
Thank you Yasmine for keeping us in the loop, your works means a lot to us 🙂
Wishing you all the best in this new journey!!!
It’s awesome that you’re going e-books. Yes, I will admit that I like having that paper book, but I don’t care that much when I get to continue reading books from an awesome author. So, still looking forward to your books. I own all of the e-books so far and can’t wait for Fury Unbound and Lily Bound either. So, thank you for continuing with the writing and you can guarantee I’ll keep buying them.
I respect your decision and the thought and courage it took you to reach it. Your readers will find you because you are still the same amazing writer and storyteller you always have been. The only difference is your the matter in which you’re releasing your work. Wishing you many blessings, always.
I agree, Otherworld rocks! Just got Earthbound. Can’t wait for more. Congrat, for not letting them get you down.
I just bought some of your ebooks as I said I was gonna do before and I’m reading Etched in Silver. So far, I love it! And yes, I continue to support you as you’re my role model of writing. I really want to start with indie, but I’m not so sure.
Fabulous! Cannot wait for more incredible writing from you.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on the new move to indie. I hope all goes as planned.
I am blessed to have found your books brings me joy . I am glad you can continue to do what you like to write and your fans love to read Thank you
I know you will be successful with this venture. I’m really looking forward to the new books.
Fluffy kitty!
I am really looking forward to your new books especially the new series. Sounds like lots of wonderful books are coming from you. 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading your new indie series and continuing especially Otherworld. To me it seems unfathomable that the publisher didn’t want to continue with that series. Their loss though. 🙂
Love you & love learning about your writing process.