One step forward, two steps…somewhere?

The last time I posted here, I shared some of the struggles I’ve been having with my writing and the publishing world recently. It’s tough coming up with new material when setbacks, well, set you back. But I’ve been determined to muddle through and write something, write anything, quite frankly.

You may notice my Handymen series is no longer available. This has been the source of my disappointment. I can’t go into the reasons why it is no longer available, but suffice to say it was a huge blow to me. I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of a book as I was of A Good Man, and as you may recall, it won the Northern Hearts Contest in Contemporary Romance 2018.

However, when the brakes were put on that series, I had book 2 all ready to go, and was already plotting book 3. So, in effect, I have a series in limbo, and there are days when it simply eats away at me.

I know some of you will say, “Hey, just self-publish the series!” And I promise I have considered this option many times, but given the amount of time and energy I have to spend elsewhere on the day job and family commitments, I’ve come to the conclusion that self-publishing is not for me. It would be a tremendous learning curve first of all, and I just don’t think it’s something I can take on at this time.

So I’ve been submitting A Good Man again. It hasn’t been easy. There are only so many publishers who will touch a previously-published book, and I get that. Still, I’m hoping there is a good one out there who will recognize this award-winning book and series, and take a chance on me. In the meantime, I’ve been writing book 3 in the series, so that if a publisher does show interest, I can offer them a complete series.

It’s been hard. There are days when I struggle to find joy in the publishing world, and as happy as I am for friends who receive good book news, I am also ready for some of my own. Last year this time, I felt like I was on top of the world. Now? Not so much. I want readers to find my books, and especially this series. It’s warm and full of love and passionate HEAs. I’m still seeing good reviews coming in for A Good Man, even though it no longer has a platform. That tells me the story meant something to other people too.

At least the writing has been going better than it did for a long time. Thus, my one step forward. I just wish I didn’t have to write under the shadow of an uncertain publishing future.

 

 

4 thoughts on “One step forward, two steps…somewhere?

  1. Rosanna, I hear you. The title of my publishing history is “One Step Forward, Ten Steps Back.” 🙂 But I refuse to give up. I’m sure you won’t either. Did you try submitting your previously pubbed work to Wild Rose Press? They do re-release previously pubbed work if they are sufficiently enthusiastic. Keep going. Hugs.

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    • Thanks, Barbara. I won’t give up, although it’s been tempting at times. LOL I was thinking of Wild Rose, but am not too familiar with them. I will definitely have to look into them.

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  2. I hope you find a home for the series soon! You know I loved A Good Man and I’m looking forward to reading about the other two. I hear you on the self publishing. I do it, but it’s not easy and takes time and effort. If you ever change your mind, feel free to hit me up with questions.

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