Decisions, decisions!

Time flies when you’re juggling bills, trips, and fun literary projects that take up every waking moment of your free time! I’ve loved the book writing, making, and marketing journey that I’ve found myself on. To that end, I wanted to share a quick note on where things are!

I sent my typesetter the final draft mid-June and he gave me back a beautifully typeset copy a few days later. I’m so excited for this version. I received so many good notes from a bunch of my beta readers and I lovingly incorporated that feedback into this version. I learned a lot about what I love (and more importantly, what I hate) about my own writing!

I’ve asked a close friend to do a final proofread pass of the book so I can start the book-registering and printing process.

SO — what does that mean? I’ve got to make a decision. Well, spoiler alert, I’ve already made the decision, but bear with me for dramatic effect.

The publishing industry is so interesting — you either try your absolute hardest to find traditional representation (an agent) that would have a proven track record with publishing houses and hope that you land the perfect partner for your vision. OR, you can start on the fun, but arguably scary and risky, path of self publication. There’s a lot you can’t do if you’re seeking representation, and honestly, it all makes sense. Why would an agent take a risk on an unproven manuscript if they were actively seeking non-trad routes? I spent a lot of time considering whether traditional publishing was something I was interested in, and, while the prospects of an established agent with an established publishing house are really tempting, I also have to be realistic about what I want to accomplish in the short term.

Finding an agent isn’t as simple as “pick John Smith and work with them.” It’s a full-time job to research each agent, understand what they represent, and what they want to spend time on. So each person is unique and I don’t want to disrespect agents’ time by spraying and praying (aka sending a query to hundreds of agents regardless of whether I’m a fit for their wish list or not.)

To that end, I’ve decided to try self-publication! However, it won’t just be “Luis printed this at Fed Ex and bound it with construction paper!” I’ve been hard at work figuring out all the hoops, red-tape, and bureaucratic steps I need to take to start up my own legal publishing imprint!

So, insert dramatic fanfare, may I introduce you to: Pleroma Press — An imprint devoted to the enduring word.

Look! My very own imprint so I can publish this and other work!

I am so excited to be able to continue my journey to get my book into people’s hands! I’ve already met with a local indie bookshop and the owner has agreed to showcase my book in their Local Authors shelf. I've also begun the process to apply for and assign ISBNs so my book can be listed and discoverable through Ingram, KDP, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets.

When the time comes, I’ll share my own shop link where I can get the most support, but am grateful just to get this story out there.

I think that’s why I came to this conclusion—I realized I was closing the door on traditional representation, on the dream of a Tor or Orbit imprint someday, but what I wanted more than prestige was getting this story out there. I’ve gotten such good feedback from folks and can’t wait for others to go on this journey with me.

Thanks all for all your love and support this past year. I’m so close and can’t wait to let you guys know when it’s ready to go.

Stay safe all, much love.

-LFR