I consider writing to be the most important thing I do. Since I went Indie in 2014, I’ve written more than ever before. I used to write about 100,000 words per year. In 2015 I wrote 264,918 words and produced seven new books. In the first six months of this year, I produced four new ebooks, a new audio book, and just finished writing a 15K short story for anthology to be released in the fall.
When I’m not writing, I revise and edit. Between writing and editing, I squeeze in promo: blogging, sending out books for review, posting on Facebook, sending out newsletters, participating in special events, and advertising. For about the first two weeks of a book’s release, I’m too busy with promo to write, but then I jump right in and begin writing the next book. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
What I haven’t had time for is re-releasing backlisted titles–and they are piling up. As publishing rights have reverted to me, the books have been removed from publication. I have seven previously published stories that need to be re-released–plus the rights to another book will revert to me in the fall, adding up to eight. In addition, I have a collection of short stories I wrote years ago I would love to publish.
Re-releasing means getting a cover, reading the story again, writing a new blurb, planning a promotion campaign — and scheduling/spacing out the release so that it doesn’t interfere with new books.
How do I work in the backlisted books when I produce a new book every other month?
Short answer: I can’t. The hours in the day do not exist.
So I’m taking the summer off from writing and producing new works to re-introduce some backlisted titles. It also will give my brain a rest from plotting and writing and editing. And it will allow me to maybe blog just for fun.
The first “new old book” to be released will be Destiny’s Chance, a paranormal spanking romance first released in 2013. It’s not paranormal like shifters and vamps, but like psychic phenomenon and reincarnation. Contemporary with a woo-woo twist — and hot sex and spanking. You can check out the cover and blurb here.
Do you ever take a break from writing? What are your summer plans?
I know what you mean about not enough hours in the day! Rereleasing will take up all of the hours as is, especially reading old stuff I imagine. Hey, enjoy the summer ‘off’ and you will likely come back to writing new stuff with a fresh look!
I have a lot of stories swirling around in my head that I could write, but the backlisted books are piling up. I have to get some of them out there!
Good for you! I know what it’s like. I’m trying to get a story I have the rights back to ready to release, but I have to add more to it before I will let it back out into the world. Plus, I’m plotting the next book in my new series. Taking the summer off to do that is a great idea. Doesn’t work for me, but it’s great you can do it. 🙂
It means I probably won’t release the next Cy-Ops Sci-fi Romance until January.
Agreed, the change of pace will do you good. I’m a couple years away from being able to re-release previously published books. Have to say, I’m already looking forward to it.
It all sort of happened at once. I would recommend that as the time gets close, you get your ducks lined up. You don’t need to wait until the rights revert to you to have a cover done or book a tour — you just can’t release it until after you have your publishing rights back.
Yes. This. Great advice. Thanks, Cara.
Sometimes you just have to take a break, even if it really isn’t the break you need. Enjoy your summer Cara you certainly deserve it 🙂
Thanks, Connie.
Good idea to take a break! You’ll come back with a ton of new material.
Happy summer.
🙂
Happy summer to you, Kate!
I have exactly the same problem. There’s always something “more important” than the back catalog. But they’re not really unimportant. Smart of you to recognize that and schedule the time to make magic new happen with the older stuff. Good luck.
It’s also lost revenue. The backlist isn’t making any money sitting in my computer — and the biggest expense (editing) has been paid for. For an indie, a re-release is an inexpensive release.
I’ve also half-expected someone to question where all the missing books are –that I’ve said I’ve published x number, but only y are available. It’s because z is “out of print.”
I read most of your older books. Some were no longer available. I’m happy that your re-releasing the old ones, they are great. Destiny’s Chance was wonderful. I’ll review when it’s released. Taking a sort of summer off is a good idea. Sometimes you just need breathing space so you’ll come back with a clear head. Everyone needs some time off. Have a great relaxing summer. Hugs
I’m glad you liked Destiny’s Chance. The month it first released, I had three books by two publishers come out at the same time. Poor Destiny never got the attention it deserved. Now it’s her turn to shine!