What's Next?

The virtual tour for Brimstone and Water with Pump Up Your Book (http://pumpupyourbook.com) is complete and it is time to move forward – but forward to what is the question.  While the next novel is completed, the road to publishing is filled with twists and turns on a bump filled roadway to dollars flowing in instead of out to see Return to Nineveh in print. My mind is in turmoil concerning which route to pursue as I seek out a publisher willing to take on this World War II historical-fiction sequel to They All Fall Down.

Two contracts are offered that require investment to see the project completed.  Familiarity with the first publishing contract offer is tempting, but the dollars are difficult to justify after two published novels with the publishing firm and other outside investment to further publicize as my learning curve about marketing increases.  Each investment is a risk as well as that of a publisher willing to take on the new project. 

Since Brimstone and Water was released in a time of turmoil I have sought out venues to sell my wares.  Yes, I did say sell my wares because that is what a book is, wares for purchase to the public.  There are many places to sell, but also considerations about location, cost to participate, appropriate theme of the event to name a few.  The other issue is being accepted as a presenter at social clubs, church socials, book clubs, book stores or libraries.  The list is quite endless when one travels throughout the year and lives the RV lifestyle.

Each of these events is a means to raise funding to move on to the next project, the next way to sell; the next way to see my name and titles before the reading public.  Investment in self is essential, but how much is too much to see the dream become reality and when is it time to re-evaluate the dollar investment.   

I am please with the virtual tour through the month of August with the reviews of Brimstone and Water coming in with four and five stars and good comments about the story.  I am also pleased that I was a featured author and guest blogger on several web sites throughout the month.  I believe the exposure was good and a great many people that love to read saw the book and read the blogs and reviews.  A few may have even purchased the book because of this tour in cyber space. 

So, back to what to do – continue to seek out that publisher willing to invest in my work, or pay the price and go with the familiar and see where it leads me next.  Time will tell the story as I pray on this decision to see what new horizons lay ahead.

Happy reading to all and success in marketing your wares.