Self-Publishing – Don’t be Afraid…by Julie Haiselden – Guest Post
Self-Publishing – Don’t be Afraid…by Julie Haiselden – Guest Post
Today on the blog we welcome author Julie Haiselden, with her guest post ‘Self-Publishing – Don’t be Afraid…‘ in which she gives her account of self-publishing her third upcoming novel, Reasonable Doubt?, which will be released on 15th April 2019. Post contains affiliate links.
In 2015, my debut novel, Long Shadows was published. My second offering is a Victorian thriller, Evil Echoes and my third, a contemporary soon-to-be-published sequel to Long Shadows, although all three books stand alone.
In a past life, I used to tread the boards and shout the odd stage direction. Currently, I work as a church verger and when I’m not writing, reviewing or blogging, I give talks to local groups and am a volunteer room guide for the National Trust. I am blessed with a marvellous home life as a wife, mother and grandmother.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me in this wonderfully crazy self-indulgent adventure.
Self-Publishing – Don’t be Afraid
If you’ve been following my novel news posts, you’ll know this has been the year of positive thinking and productive action!
My latest offering, Reasonable Doubt? is now available to pre-order in eBook form from Amazon and the paperback is being published on 15 April.
The Story to Date…
After a lot of tantrums and tears, I’ve finally finished writing/amending the book.
It’s been proofread and a professional cover design added. Huge thanks to Nia and Jo, respectively.
With the phenomenal of help and support of Stacey, from WHISPERINGSTORIES, I’ve reached the publication stage. I am still trying to persuade her that there are loads of authors around who really need the expertise and guidance of someone with her talents. She’s currently hiding her light under a bushel, so I’m suggesting she should offer a reasonably-priced discreet bespoke service to begin with.
Watch this space; if she decides to go ahead, she could be doing this for you soon…
Now For the Next Stage …
Marketing the Book
If you’re particularly adept at media promotion, then you’ll have no difficulty in doing this yourself. If, like me, you’re decidedly challenged in this regard, you’re going to need a lot of help. Otherwise your book, no matter how great it is, will sink without trace.
Networking
Stacey arranged for an incredible number of fabulous bloggers to host a cover reveal blog. Publicity from others in the writing community is invaluable. As I only dabble tentatively in social media, I wouldn’t have known where to start.
Contacts
I meet many people in the course of my daily life, so am unashamedly spreading the word to friends, friends of friends and acquaintances. In addition I will give out business cards to help readers find my Amazon page easily.
An open house day in the summer, for readers to come along for a glass of wine and the odd nibble to get their book signed, never goes amiss!
Make it Easy
I’ve received several requests from people who don’t have access to the internet, so I’m going to place a bulk order with Amazon and deliver them locally.
Never Turn Down An Opportunity
I don’t relish the thought of giving interviews and presentations but I never turn down an opportunity. If I’m asked to speak at an event, be it anything from a school to senior citizens’ club, I try to make it interesting and varied and slant it towards the audience of the day.
Mr JH sometimes helps me in delivering a short extract but I limit his appearances as he usually gets a ridiculously loud round of applause and it’s difficult to get his ego through the door at home time.
Countdown Has Begun to 15th April.
Now my next panic is… how will my book be received by the reading world?
If you read my latest book, please let me know what you think by leaving a review on Amazon. Only has to be a couple of words as every post counts!
Pages – 238
Release Date – 15th April 2019
ISBN 13 – 978-1090488992
Format – ebook, paperback
One rural village; so many secrets…
Blenthorne nestles in a quiet corner of Cumbria and is home to local entrepreneur, Lizzie Lockwood. Lizzie has returned to the home she loves after an unpleasant hiatus. She is determined to put the past behind her as she concentrates on her thriving business interests and a fledgling relationship.
Her happy bubble is soon burst by the arrival of tainted newcomer, Helen Anderson who is intent on inveigling herself into Lizzie’s life. Hot on her heels is investigative journalist, Percival Lynton Whitaker. As he garners gossip for his impending ‘Reasonable Doubt?’ exposé on Helen, a chance encounter takes him back to a macabre event from yesteryear. Has he inadvertently stumbled across someone who was implicated in a notorious unsolved multiple murder?
Lizzie is far from pleased that the journalist’s focus appears to have shifted. As events play out, she starts to wonder how well she knows her community. Maybe Helen is the least of her worries? Is it possible that among her friends or neighbours lurks a murderer? For all its tranquil appearance, is Blenthorne harbouring a child-killer?
Nice work Julie. Stacey you really should go for it and help authors.
If authors want me to help them I’m more than happy to.
Great post. I wish Julie the best of luck with her books!
Thanks Allie. X