In late 2016, I made an extraordinary decision: I would hit the writing pause button. Obviously, this was not an easy decision to reach. I made it for a number of reasons:
- By working simultaneously on both writing and marketing, I felt I wasn’t doing justice to either. My sales were stagnating at a time when I needed them to take off.
- I wanted to spend more time with the wee one and enjoy her nutty antics before I missed out on all her toddler silliness.
- And after 4 consecutive years of non-stop writing, during which I published 16 titles, I was feeling burnt out. Even turning my ideas for short stories into fully fleshed-out stories felt like a chore. This was a new feeling–I had turned to writing as an escape from my day job–and one that scared me. A lot.
So, I decided to spend a whole year focusing on book marketing and reevaluate the situation at the end of 2017.
I.e., now.
Which means, it’s time for a reckoning: how has this year shaped up?
My Failures
Well, a year with almost no writing feels by definition like a failure to a writer.
But there’s more. Like many of us, I grew up watching my parents build a life through sheer determination, hard work, and personal sacrifice. They brought me up with the belief that, standing on the shoulders of these small giants, I could do anything I wanted. They started with nothing and built up so much. How much more could I do, given all the help I had?
Which is why it pains me to admit to an occasional feeling of failure, as I’m still unable to make a living solely from writing. It’s a nice side-earner, amounting to roughly one-third of my income nowadays, but, throughout 2017, my day job(s) remained my main source of income. And it’s definitely unimpressive for the amount of work I’ve put into my writing and promoting. It was always unrealistic to expect that I would go from minnow to whale in 12 short months (unless you’re talking about my waistline), but… you know, hard work, sheer determination, and personal sacrifice. What if I had to work not one but two jobs (three after June)? Surely I could do it, right?
Wrong.
And it’s good to acknowledge that, as it keeps me grounded, preventing my small wins from inflating my ego to the point of my head taking off like a balloon.
My Successes
For yes, through a lot of hard work and even harder praying, there have been successes as well:
- You may remember how Azure Fire Publishing has both hired me to be their Editor-in-chief and asked me to publish my fantasy/sci-fi books with them. Although things are moving at a relatively slow speed, we are already preparing our first Junior writing challenge. We have met some amazing writers, some as young as 12. And we’ve successfully run one writing challenge (and are in the middle of the second one). Watch this space for more!
- Following the success of Runaway Smile and Musiville worldwide, Patakis, the largest Greek publishing house, has bought in advance my next 3 children’s books and will publish them next year in Greece. Which means I am officially a hybrid author, as they also offered me a cash advance (a small one, but it’s the principle, right?)
- After 4 years of daily slog and countless trials-and-errors, my book sales have increased dramatically this year. Starting from an average monthly income of under $100 in 2016, I expect to make ten times as much this December alone, with expected sales of over 500 books and 20,000 KENP reads.
- I have met some amazing fellow authors, both in Greece (hi Marina, Kosta) and abroad. Several have hired me to help out with their projects and book promotions. One even asked me to ghost-write a book for them (I’m currently waiting for their detailed feedback on the first draft).
- Istomedia has published a medical book on HPV, meaning it’s officially taken its first step into the world of publishing.
- And I’ve been growing my social media presence. For the first time, my blog visits exceeded 100,000 (yes, that’s thanks to you wonderful people who tune in every other day to read my posts). My overall followers are over 20,000. I love and cherish each and every one of you (OK, some even more. You know who you are!)
What’s Next?
As an Indie author, I find myself in a weird place. All of my previous work has been (or is in the process of being) bought off by various publishers. Azure Fire Publishers already has asked to publish any future fantasy/SF works of mine; Patakis has dibs on my children’s books. For an Indie author, that’s remarkably few Indie books.
I did all this so I could get back some of my writing mojo. Ironically enough, after a year not writing, I’m even more exhausted than before (did I mention my day jobs?). I have several ideas for future projects but always seem to lack the time to work on them.
What, then, should I focus on in 2018? Part of me says, “you’ve done so much while only working part-time on your writing career. Imagine how much more you can achieve if you do it full-time. Just take the plunge. Focus on your writing this year, and all will be well.”
And another, more realistic, part scoffs. “What a splendid idea. So, what’s for supper? I hear great things about mashed pine cones and stewed dirt” (yes, the more realistic part of me is a bit of a jerk).
One idea I’ve had that may be of interest to you is to write down everything I’ve found out about book marketing in a new book. But there are so many of them around nowadays, I wonder if it’s worth it. Another idea is offering an online course on the subject. And a third one is taking on authors as clients. Starting at something like $30 per book per month, I could handle their Amazon ads, as I believe I can now replicate my own success with other people’s books.
Thoughts?
Writing your first novel-Some things you should know said:
I plan on spending the next year trying to get an agent and my book published through the traditional route. If that doesn’t work, I plan to revisit the e-book. Not my first choice, however, I know it doesn’t carry the stigma that it use to. I would love a book from someone who has actually walked the walk to steer me in the right direction and help me to avoid speed bumps. That’s one of the themes of my blog. Writing your first novel-some things you should know. I want to help others to avoid some of the mistakes I have made.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you for your vote, then 🙂
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annabellefranklinauthor said:
I think you may need to focus on your writing again. Taking a break is good, but you don’t want to get too rusty!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
You know, I think you’re right. God, I’ve missed it!
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annabellefranklinauthor said:
I need to do this as well!
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Sue Vincent said:
Whatever makes you look back on 2018 and smile will be the right thing. But what you have achieved this year should not be underestimated! It should rank as a superb year 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Sue 🙂
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Sue Vincent said:
🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
You’ve done a lot in a short time, but on the other hand it’s nice to have a break. I’ve not written anything much except blogs this year.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
We all need some time off every now and then 🙂
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coldhandboyack said:
You offer some interesting choices. I might be interested in pawning the advertising off on someone else for a change. Bears some deeper thought.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
If it gives you more time for writing, it may be worth considering.
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rijanjks said:
The thing about a marketing book is that there are thousands of them out there. And, personally, I don’t have time to read any of them. Mainly because that isn’t where my interest lies. I understand it’s a necessary evil. But, I would love to learn how to market better through ads.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
So… is that a yes on me writing one? Because I have already shared everything here, as part of my “open house” policy.
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rijanjks said:
Of course, Nicholas. You do whatever your heart leads you to!
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fanofthefiction said:
Congratulations on your accomplishments! I promote one of my books every day through social media; I know how exhausting book promotion can be. I tip my hat to you sir!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much! A tip of the hat right back to you 🙂
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The Story Reading Ape said:
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Betty Albert Chronicles said:
Nicholas: Your amazing progress is very impressive, and writing to you, I think is presumptuous at best. I’m a struggling writer doing what she wanted to do at a much earlier age. Now trying to fit into the social media landscape is overwhelmingly time consuming due to the learning curve I must conquer. Have you thought of helping us struggling writers market their blogs, get more of a following and have more time to write? I’ve hired local folks who seem to know much more than I about social media cityscapes. My time is taken up with them again and again as I try and communicate and end up learning the tricks of the trade with them, instead of having more time for writing. I’m spending huge blocks of time on the internet with word press, but unable to understand most of the language in their instructions such as the webmaster tools/Google search console.Whatever you can advise would be much appreciated!Betty
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol- not presumptuous at all, Betty! I’m thrilled that you left a comment. You’re right; not only is there a learning curve involved, but it also feels like it all changes every 6 months, then it’s back to square one! I have written a number of posts on how to improve and market your blog. Just search my blog for the word, well, blog, and you should get quite a few results. As for WordPress mechanics, Chris (aka https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com ) has some great posts on the subject, aimed at novices. Sounds like just the thing for you!
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Darlene said:
I think this has been a very successful year for you. I would go back to writing though as a year off is great but it looks like you have some writing commitments! (which is amazing!) I keep thinking I should spend more time on marketing but I can’t seem to stop writing.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Darlene! In a way, I envy you–I, too, wish I couldn’t stop writing 🙂
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Darlene said:
Sometimes it feels like an exercise in futility! Have a great Christmas.
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Sarah Ferguson and Choppy said:
I’m not sure I could even make myself take a year off of writing. It feels like such a part of who I am. Then again, there are days when it sounds like it would be a great idea!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol- I know what you mean 😀
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Rae Longest said:
YOU ACCOMPLISHED MORE THAN I EVEN ATTEMPTED! Congrats are in order. May 2018 bring you and yours only good things and great accomplishments in the areas of sales and commissions.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Rae, you’re too kind! May 2018 bring everything you wish for yourself 🙂
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kimwrtr said:
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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mike2all said:
I truly enjoyed this. Enjoy mine.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thanks!
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Bette A. Stevens said:
Hi, Nicholas. I am interested in having you handle my Amazon advertising. I’ve read your articles on the subject and still know nothing. Tried to set one up, but it was beyond my skills to figure out HOW. My books are on KDP Select. ❤ Glad to hear you've been spending quality time with your wee girl. Wishing you and your family A Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Bette! Please contact me through my contact form and I’d be happy to organize that. Merry Christmas to you too 🙂
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Tina Frisco said:
My achievements aren’t anywhere near yours, Nick, and I’m ready for a break. You’re so good at paying attention to the details. I get lost in them. But one thing I do know is that burning out achieves nothing. Get quiet, relax, and listen to your inner voice. It will guide you to the right path. And one last thing… Congratulations on… oh, so many things! Merry Christmas, my friend ❤
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Tina! You’re right, I do need to ground myself again. Merry Christmas to you too 🙂
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Marina Costa said:
Polla sinharitiria! ❤ Kai tou hronou, perissotera! 🙂
Don't mind my vote, because I didn't understand what you were aiming at when I voted "I'd let you handle my Amazon ads" ;). (For me it was both a honest appreciation for your marketing skills and a joke because I have no e-books, therefore no Amazon ads – Amazon doesn't even deliver here and in Bulgaria either…). I understood only later that you were gauging the votes for a sort of carreer switch, and therefore I am saying that I am not the one whose vote you should base your decision on.
Seriously, I think you should focus more on writing, because there is no advertising without writing first and having what to advertise.
I have great plans for 2018 too: to publish more books (4, namely: one, in two volumes, will appear around March, it is in final editing stages. One, hopefully to appear in May or June, still needs about 7 more chapters written, and I'll apply on it to finish it until March. Two, written a century or two ago, need heavy editing and will appear later in summer/ autumn). In between, I have to complete the novel started at NaNoWriMo 2016 (and the two subsequent volumes). Those are planned for 2019…
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Wow, that’s one heck of a busy schedule! I wish you every success! No worries about the career switch vote, it’s more like testing the waters than a leap from a cliff 🙂
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Anna Dobritt said:
Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Annette Rochelle Aben said:
This post gives me such hope. I celebrate your every success and I DO believe it is only the beginning. Cheers to you.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Annette! Merry Christmas 🙂
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OIKOS™-Redaktion said:
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Chuck said:
HI Nicolas,
I tried twice yesterday to post something, but it wouldn’t let me. So let me try again.
Over the last year, I have learned so much from you. I would hate to lose you as a resource. Yet, in my opinion, if you should choose to write or to consult, you need to do what gives you the satisfaction. I might be wrong, but I suspect your heart tells you to write. I recommend listening to your heart. Who knows, that bestseller might be looming in the future and you can retire from the other job. Merry Christmas my friend.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Chuck! You’re right, my heart does urge me to write. I just need to do so in a way that also allows me to take care of the family. So, here’s to best-sellers! Merry Christmas 🙂
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tracikenworth said:
I’m already changing some things myself. I think that writing is the key. I read Kristine Kathyrn Rusch’s blog. When I was a young writer of eighteen, she rejected me and gave me kind advice. When I started writing again about 2009, I’ve been trying to learn everything I can to make better books. That’s what I’ve focused on these past couple years: putting it all together. Anyway, her advice is to always keep writing the next story. She says that’s how to have a future. In her last blog, in fact, she advised to ignore the “celebrity-side” of things and just keep writing. Nora Roberts who is a romance author I love was used as an example: she doesn’t do interviews, signings, conferences with the exception of RWA. She just writes book after book. Congrats on the publishers!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thanks for that, Traci! It’s tempting, for sure. I just wonder if people can do that nowadays, or if the plethora of Indies means we’re doomed to fail without book marketing, no matter how many books we write (or how well written they are).
Merry Christmas 🙂
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tracikenworth said:
To be honest, Nicholas, I worry the same. There are SO many books, it’s hard to find the time. It helps when I know the author, I try harder to follow them but I’m sure I’m missing out on some good reads. I’m thinking of reaching out to publishers with my books just because there’s more exposure. And for me, it’s a matter of finances as well.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Believe me, it’s a matter of finances for most of us! May 2018 finally solve that riddle 🙂
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Michelle Morrison said:
Writing posts for a blog might be different from writing a book, but it’s still a form of writing. There is a lot of good information on how the publishing industry works on your blog. You can only do your best, and you do have to be able to pay your bills. I think that is the most common problem I hear about from writers, it’s not steady enough work to cover living expenses. Haha, my problem is there are too many good books and not enough hours in the day to read them all. 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol-I suffer from both 😀
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T. R. Robinson said:
An interesting resume Nicholas. Hope your realistic approach and hard work bring you increased success in 2018.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you! May it bring you nothing but joy 🙂
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jjspina said:
Congratulations on your successes, Nicholas! Your books are wonderful and you deserve all the good things that are coming your way.
I would buy a book on marketing but I think (this is only my opinion, what do I know?) is that you should concentrate on your books with these publishing companies after you. You don’t want to get exhausted and stressed out with deadlines. Put your energies in one direction and that will leave you more time to spend with the lovely wife and sweet little daughter. They are your most precious possessions.
We writers get so wrapped up in our books, successes, failures, etc. that we tend to zone out and forget everything else. We live in our own worlds of make believe.
I look up to you for all that you have accomplished and hope one day to follow you with my own success. Fingers crossed! It is long and tough road but I enjoy it especially when I see readers buying and enjoying my work.
Wishing you much more success in the New Year!
We will be traveling to the Greek Isle in two years for our 20th anniversary! I will check back then with you about places to see. Blessings & hugs! 😘
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Aw, thank you so much, Janice, you’re too kind. I’m penciling in your trip to Greece. Looking forward to catching up in person 🙂
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jjspina said:
We will be taking a cruise to the Greek Isles and hopefully we will have a free day that I can contact you maybe to meet for lunch. Don’t know what the itinerary will be yet. 🤗
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Sounds fantastic!
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Pingback: 2017: A Year Without Writing | Campbells World
aurorajeanalexander said:
Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
Nicholas C. Rossis informs us about his year without writing. Thanks for this interesting post.
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Robert Kirkendall said:
My last year with no writing was 1974, the year before I began going to school. 😀
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Oh my, that’s quite the record 😀
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jenanita01 said:
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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