S.L.Luck

November 30, 2020

The last few weeks have been wild. Since the unexpected early release of Redeemer, my self-publishing learning curve sped from a nice and slow incline to a rampant propulsion that I was not entirely prepared for. After many sleepless nights and a keen editing team, however, I’m comfortable with the changes that have been made post-release. One of the biggest benefits of self-publishing is that changes can be made quickly, whereas traditionally published authors have to contend with the molasses-slow pace of their publishing houses. Of course, because they already have an experienced team backing them, they generally have less to correct. But when they do, it can take years, if the changes ever get made at all. Such is life.

So far, Redeemer has been received quite well. I managed to outpace several best-selling authors during my first week, which is the best I could have hoped for. I had over 400 readers request my book on Goodreads last week, which is great for a first-timer like me, and I’ve had sales across the globe. I have this incredible network of people that are supporting me and for that I couldn’t be more thankful. Now, however, I’m still waiting on my first Amazon review. They are absolutely vital for authors and while I can’t expect everyone to read my work in a day, or two, or ten, I admit I am biting my nails a bit over this. Time will tell. I have also been approached by more than a few influencers who want to review my book … for a price. While I realize that this is the way of the world these days, I also feel that if I have to pay someone to review my book, that the feedback might be less accurate than if the review was given organically. I know these options are there. If I open my wallet, I can literally pay for reviews from small book clubs all the way up to powerhouse authorities and influencers with millions of followers. But I am new and I am only me with a limited budget. Though sales and reviews are necessary, my priority will always be the quality of my writing. Who would want to read my work if I’m terrible at it? My hope is that my reach will organically grow because my work is worthy of recommendation. Yes, I will eventually run ads. Who knows, I may eventually pay an influencer, but not now. I want my feedback to be natural and accurate.

In other news, I’m already a third into a new book I’m writing and this one is progressing even better than Redeemer. I find the more I write, the easier it gets and the more smooth my writing is. I suppose this is the same with all tasks. With the pace I’m at, this book, tentatively titled Interference, will be finished in March, with a publication in late summer. Stay tuned, Dear Readers, and thanks for sticking with me.