simplydilsa

Hello Everyone,

I am retiring the Blog.  I realized my schedule is too consuming, so blogging is not for me.  However, keep simplydilsa.com in your favorites.  I will be launching a new website to showcase Dreams Thrown Away, its sequels and other publications.  Next month I will be announcing its release and giving you the opportunity to pre-order.

It has been fun…but, I am looking forward to a more exciting website coming soon…Thank you for your patronage!  Please come back and buy this new novel featuring a young woman thrown into a world of wealth, sex and domineering men.  Dive into her world as she learns to how land on her feet with her dreams still in tact.

Love ya,

Dilsa Saunders Bailey

Yes, I have been delinquent in updating my blog. But, I have very good reasons. I am making headway toward seeing my book, “Dreams Thrown Away“, placed in my eager hands. I was so excited to see my galleys, the book cover (front and back), the manuscript in the format it will appear in my book, and my written word. The self-publisher I chose has been very responsive and very professional. I have no qualms or complaints.

However, when I saw my galleys I became infected with that “gotta make it better” bug. I re-edited my manuscript one more time. That means my manuscript has gone through eleven edits. After forty years of the proverbial trip around the same mountain to get to this point, I had no idea of the hard work it takes to bring a book to life. Nor did I realize how much fun it would be. I wish I had done this a long time ago, instead of letting all of my manuscripts gather dust. But, I am not mad at me. I know that I am a much better writer now and am ready to release my stories to the world.

I used to have a negative view of the self-publishing world. My knowledge of it was limited to vanity press. But then, I received an announcement from a friend who had just self-published her second book. That struck a chord. Not taking anything away from her talent, but I thought that if she could I could. So I began to research what was available. I found limitless possibilities.

To help me determine which company and which package deal was best for me, I started a spreadsheet comparing self-publishing companies and their print-on-demand packages. There were many that were similar, but there were a few that were ahead of the game. Even with my research, I made a few mistakes. My first mistake was that I chose cheap over quality and was disappointed before I got out of the starting gate. The staff at this self-publisher was non-responsive and made promises they did not keep. They had asked for the money upfront promising a certificate that took weeks to receive, even when I complained to its chief executive. So my advice to you, avoid that route. I did get my money back though not when it was promised.

My second mistake was submitting my manuscript, the description, and excerpt before I was completely satisfied, thus the eleventh edit. I have this habit of rushing, need to learn a little patience. When I became infected with the bug to publish, I should have taken a breather and let everything sit for at least a couple of days.

And my last mistake, I am making up for every chance I get. I need to keep you updated and get my website on track before passing out any more business cards. Hope sharing this will help the next author out there, who wants to see a book in print without going through the traditional publisher, surpass these hurdles.

Look for my book “Dreams Thrown Away”, a romantic mystery, by Dilsa Saunders Bailey real soon.

Of course, it is copyright. That is, if you are interested in protecting your work from unauthorized use. One of the steps an author should take is to register one’s work, though it is not necessary under current laws. Since January 1, 1978, under the United States copyright laws, your work is protected as soon as it is created and placed in a fixed, tangible form. If you don’t wish to register, add the notice of copyright using the © symbol or placing the word “copyright”, the date, and your name (Copyright 2009 John Smith) on your work.

What does copyright cover? The list includes literary works, music, visual arts, dramatic works and more. For details, the United States Copyright Office offers a .pdf file with detailed information on what is covered and what isn’t. Copyrighting your creation gives you the rights to do what you will and the ability to authorize others to reproduce, copy, distribute, perform or display.

It is best to copyright after you have published for the most current date to appear, starting the clock at that moment. Since you own your work seventy years past your death, pass on the copyright to your heirs in a will so that the benefits of your legacy can continue.

To obtain your copy of Copyright Basics, go to http://www.copyright.gov/ and learn more about your right to copyright.

I picked a self publisher. I won’t say which one until I have gone through the process. Step one, my book has been evaluated and accepted. The evaluator gave me kudos for its condition. She said it flowed smoothly and the characters were well rounded and developed. What the evaluator didn’t know was that my submission had gone through seven edits. I have lived with these characters for so long though, I am happy to know someone well else thinks they are well rounded and developed.

My eight family and friends thought it was a blockbuster, so imagine my relief to hear a perfect stranger’s opinion. Of course, the evaluator may have been using her marketing skills to sway me, but after reading her email several times I honestly don’t believe it was a canned response. Not only that, I had been told to expect a response in one to two weeks from the evaluator. I submitted my manuscript on a Saturday evening and received the evaluator’s response early Tuesday morning. Either, she had nothing better to do or she read it in one sitting. From my friends’ reactions and her prompt response, I believe the evaluator was truly impressed with my work.

I am publishing a novel (you probably figured that out from the “characters” reference). I know, most people would send it out to the traditional publishing houses, but I am an impatient one. This is something I have always wanted since I was thirteen years old. I have been around Moses’ proverbial mountain for the last forty years and have decided its time to put wishes into actions.

Another reason why I have chosen self publishing is for complete control over my own work.

Here are other reasons for self-publishing that may interest you:

1) You retain the rights.
2) Many of the self-publishing organizations offer print-on-demand, so no inventory is required.
3) Widespread availability. Your work gets pushed out to the giants like Amazon.com, Borders.com, and Barnes and Nobles just to name a few. And, over 25,000 retail outlets can order your book.
4) You get to pick or customize your own cover.
5) In many cases, you get to set your own retail price and your own royalties.
6) You get to have FUN.

Let me hear about your self-publishing experiences.

Hello World, I am finally following my dream to become a published writer by foregoing submissions to the traditional publishing houses. I am striking out in the print-on-demand world. I would love to hear from anyone who is doing the same or has already gone that route. What is your experience? Any tips?

I did a lot of research and I am now choosing between AuthorHouse and Outskirts Press. I realize there are so many from which to choose , but I thought their final products were the best, along with their package prices and options. What do you think?