Let's begin with a direct statement - "Always be true to your creative work".
I had a publicist who actually sought after me - from reading my book. She worked with mostly musicians and reality television stars. I became ecstatic and was "Thankful," I was chosen by her. Well at first it seemed like I had made it. A magazine interview, book signing in another state. Then it was that one moment that changed everything. A known magazine editor read my book. Loved the book. Although, she felt that I needed to change the cover. If I change my cover; I could be featured in the magazine. My publicist wanted me to compromise my integrity and change the cover. I thought to myself, what next, rewrite the story to appease some individuals. She told me that it's okay, "Look at the bigger picture". I was totally shocked. I wouldn't be a true authentic "Writer"; I would have become a puppet.
I totally understand about rewrites and edits and accepting feedback on unfinished work. I can receive constructive criticism. If I was working in a setting with other writers or a under a publishing company; most definitely theirs an entirely different approach to making changes.
My book I self-published through CreateSpace. I worked on the design myself and then worked outside of CreateSpace with a professional book designer. I researched for years about how to promote and market my book. I patent my logo and copyright all of literary work and cover designs. I have my book in the Library of Congress and in the West Oakland Library in Oakland, California. I was selected by the Branch Manager of Barnes and Noble to have a reading and book signing; and requested that I bring thirty books before the event - because a few readers wanted to purchase my book. I know due to the subject matter of my book may not be to everyone liking; thus far I was doing well on my own. Now that the publicist who did not help me until she read my book; it was outlandish how "Greed", can happen in a blink of an eye.
In explaining to the Magazine Editor, the meaning of the cover and that the story is meant to bring awareness and discuss a topic that is considered taboo in some cultures - I wanted to illustrate in written words of how life can be tragic, but there's a lot of valuable lessons that can be derived from the story - "Caustic". I have a diverse group of readers and they all have their own personal connection with the story, and I will not change a book cover or the genre category that I have published to be in your Magazine.
Besides this one little hiccup - I am constantly learning and evolving. I want to write openly and wholeheartedly - that's the joy of self-publishing. I know that I can use many platforms to get my stories read. I like reading the book reviews. Mostly, if I do see a book review that's not favorable -it's mainly due to the subject matter of the book. It can be quite a lot, for some individuals to read and digest mentally.
One surprise that I love to share with readers. "I received this story and design of the cover in a dream in 2002; the next day, I wrote a script from the dream. That same night of the dream; earlier in that day, I went to the library and read two books on how to write a script. Checked the books out from the library and later that night dreamed of the story in color. This story cannot be changed. It was a gift that was given to me. A blessing. I was young and was constantly rejected from trying to get my script to be reviewed. One production company wanted to work with me. The only problem is that I asked if they could sign a confidentiality agreement in regard to the outline of my script and I was then asked for my agent, and I did not have an agent. I was then told, that if I wanted to work with their company; I would need to submit my work without the agreement. I decided that this is not for me and just do what most individuals do - "I placed my script in the drawer". Then years later, I decided to write the script into a trilogy story.
Remember, self-publishing is fun. Own your work and always be true to yourself. There are wonderful people that want to help you. Most of all, you're helping yourself. I have learned a lot and I am still learning. That's why I am here at Stage32 to learn and share my experiences.
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I understand that you have integrity and that the function should be enjoyable. But with respect, honestly... what's the cover got to do with it? That would be the publisher's call, not the author's traditionally, and has to do with marketing. If you want to be a professional writer, self published or otherwise, you need to get paid and you need to get your words in front of people. That means the cover should facilitate that. If you have anything worth saying in print, you should have the wish that people read it. If a magazine editor, whose job it is to know how her readers might react to the cover, has difficulty with it, you should probably assume that you are losing potential readers because of the issue. Now that's another issue than budget for the requested changes, which you didn't address at all - if they want a change, perhaps they would finance it or part of it and that's also a professional thing to propose.
I totally respect your opinion and thank you for your insight. At that given time, I did not want to change my cover design. This is exactly why I am here to receive other individuals' perspectives. Again, thank you.
I didn't know about CreateSpace - thanks for the tip! I love that you became your own publicist. It's hard to advocate for yourself, but you seem to have that in spades! Seriously, congratulations on finding your own way!
I'm more curious what the cover looks like and what they wanted to change, but at the end of the day, the content is yours and you deserve to have a say in how it is presented to the world. I don't see the problem, but I'm sure I would if I saw the cover and read the notes they were giving you.
On the subject of a confidentiality agreement, there's a difficulty with it for production companies - they have to talk with other people about the project in order for it to get made. So, sometimes the reason they push back on signing one is that they would sign it in order to read it and then would be legally bound to never talk to anyone else about it, preventing them from doing the work they need to to get it greenlit. Once it's greenlit, you can absolutely have your cast & crew sign an NDA because you already have all the funding set up and ready to go.
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CreateSpace services were discontinued in 2018; is now Kindle Direct Publishing. All books were moved to KDP. I liked the services that CreateSpace offered.
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Hi Tamesha: Great story, I am glad that you were true to you. It’s a big call to walk your own path. Perhaps one day you’ll find a publisher who is more supportive of you vision. I am sure by following your heart you have grown and expanded your knowledge, way more than if you’d had people come on board. I guess at the end of the day every experience is benificial and we learn a lot about ourselves! Good luck! Bec
Thank you, Rebecca. I am going to keep writing independently. After a few twists and turns, I have the pleasure to meet a lot of wonder readers and other writers. My goal is to find a literary agent and agent believe in my literary work and turn my book into film. I have always been a storyteller that love to write stories. Sweet blessings to you, on all of your endeavors.
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Tamesha Edwards I published a few books through CreateSpace/KDP, too. While the templates are okay, what is better is having control of your book. If you're good at marketing, or learn to be good at marketing and PR, you will make W-A-Y more money on a self-published book than a trad. The trad does not market, the author does. I had a trad on three books, that I haven't received a dime on for years, yet, they have the option to not revert the copyright. Therefore, I no longer market those books. Meanwhile, I get notifications every month about books that sold through KDP. It's not enough to make me rich, but it's a hellova lot more than the trad.
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Hi Debbie,
I totally understand. Yes, I sell pretty good on KDP and Barnes and Noble. I make more sells on my website and consignment. I actually, like marketing my book. It's been really good for me. Currently, I am writing two children's books and the follow-up to the second book for the trilogy series. I like creating storyboards for my book trailers.