I've led a busy life of working, raising a family and community and church volunteer work. My love of writing was always pushed onto a back burner for when I "retire". No-one ever retires if they are involved in community and family.
One story I was determined to write was the biography of my parents who survived World War 2 and immigrated to Australia in 1950. Life was very, very different then. Finally Covid-19, specifically the numerous Melbourne lock downs, made me realise if I didn't begin immediately, I might run out of time. Mum was in her nineties and her memory was beginning to falter. So I shut myself up from my daily social and family activities and wrote three books which burst out of my inner being, one after another. I also wrote a couple of short stories just to check if I was merely fooling myself. Two short stories have been included into two separate anthologies.
"A Home Somewhere" was written first and rushed through so mum could see and read the finished manuscript. The book's original purpose was to inform my children, grandchildren and great grand children of the price paid for their often self-indulgent lives. When I'd finished I realised the story represented thousands of similar W.W.2 migrant stories and should be told to a broader audience. Time was erasing many truths.
Then I got cold feet and wrote a second shorter book "Grace To You" (the story of my spiritual awakening) to test the self publishing waters. The book was written initially for distribution to my family upon my death, so they might understand what made me tick. I hoped it would bring them solace at my parting and it was never meant for public distribution until friends at church began to show an interest in reading the book also. I have sold about fifty copies and not had an official "launch" yet. Yes, it took me by surprise too.
In the meantime I sent "A Home Somewhere", everywhere claiming to accept manuscripts. Soon I learnt most manuscripts were never even read. My manuscript did not fit the criteria of what would sell in the current market. I discovered traditional publishers also dabbled with sidelines known as 'Vanity Press', operating under different names of course. Some publishing companies dangle carrots. "Pay our hefty fees, take a course or publish through us and you never know, the traditional publisher with whom we are affiliated, might consider your work."
I was inundated with Vanity Press 'great special offers' and the new Hybrid Press varieties. I learnt I needed an Agent and that was a whole new kettle of fish I had never considered necessary. I have not yet approached an agent as the process is just as complicated as finding a publisher.
Nevertheless, I completed my third book "Pilgrimage" in homage to my two deceased sisters.
Then I came across Tablo Publishing, bit the bullet and published "Grace To You" and "A Home Somewhere" and now I'm struggling through the mire of learning to self promote. All three books are available on Amazon books and Booktopia etc but if no-one knows the books exist, no-one will buy the books and having come this far I may as well make an effort now or regret it later.
I would be interested in hearing of newbie writer's experiences with marketing. What works and what is a waste of time?