Behind the pages: My team and goals

Hello, readers, and welcome back to my corner of the web!

For this second post, I'm launching a new, recurring segment called "Behind the Pages." As I’m sure you’re all aware, I am a novice writer intending to self-publish. So, please take into consideration that what I detail in these posts is simply an account of my experiences failing and succeeding in the many trials that will encompass my writing career. Perhaps this may be of some benefit to those of you who aspire to publish your own work.

This will not be a writing advice blog. There are plenty of professionals with plenty of professional advice.

So, why then read about my stumbling first steps? Well, sometimes it’s refreshing—necessary, even—to learn from someone a little more on your level, warts and all. Imagine picking up a guitar for the first time. Your instructor shows you the finger placements for a few basic chords and then proceeds to play the solo to “Tornado of Souls.” A killer solo, but undoubtedly also a killer of motivation for a newbie.

What I've learned thus far in these early stages is that a successful literary career requires more than merely words on a page. Therefore, I first want to stress that this is a team effort. If I am to accomplish anything as a writer, it will not have been in solitude.

Sure, writing is, at its core, inherently isolative. When I write, I do so in the isolation of my basement with, at most, a cat by my side. However, the act of writing is only a small facet of the business of writing. And if there is one thing of which I have become increasingly aware, it is that writing is indeed a business, one which requires many more skills and minds than any one person can reasonably wield.

My Team, My Support

No one becomes a published author alone. Well, no one should publish alone. At the very least, a written work should have one extra set of eyes distinct from the writer before being considered publishable. And I would be remiss if I did not first acknowledge the team that is helping me on this journey.

My wonderful wife, Amy, is my biggest support. She is both my foundation and many a load-bearing beam. She is also a true partner in this project, as she is the brilliant mind behind the cover design and the illustrations for The Wishing Well. Additionally, she is one of my top beta readers.

Amy is a lifelong book nerd, who has had lifelong aspirations of becoming a book cover designer and illustrator. So, we get to realize two dreams with the publication of this book! She brings an artist’s mind to all our discussions.

I am also incredibly grateful to have a close friend who is acting as my business consultant. Experienced with her own small business, she has aided me in expense-tracking and business outlining, which is covering everything from revenue goals to book pricing and tax information. She has also been a fantastic beta reader, providing invaluable feedback. She has a sharp mind for business, which she brings to all our discussions.

Equally important, these two share my love for horror, which is essential in being a part of the team. Success will take more than simply a basic understanding of the genre; it requires knowledge of the fan base’s wants and needs, both in storytelling and in marketing.

My Goals

Now for the business side of things. My first of hopefully many business goals in this field is to make $2000 in sales and royalties in the first two years of The Wishing Well’s publication. This goal was structured around the Horror Writers Association’s (HWA) membership requirements, which will allow for “Active Pro Writer” status. There are a few categories of membership, each with their own perks, which can be reviewed on the HWA’s site here.

$2000 is more than just a number to me; it's an objective, one that will push me to approach the craft with a professional mindset.

What's Next?

Future posts in this segment will delve into more detail on lessons I learn along the way. I'm excited to share these behind-the-scenes insights with you. The creative side of writing is great, but the business side is what turns a hobby into a career.

Stay tuned, and remember to keep those doors locked and curtains drawn, for the horror is yet to come … and it’s coming soon.

CCR