Self-Publishing Is Teaching Me Patience and How To Be a Better Writer

Writing feels like this some days.

I am learning a lot just from the writing process in general.  For example, I am applying everything I know about writing that I teach my students. I am learning how to maximize the limited time I have for writing, and flex my schedule on days like today when it is hotter than a horse's asshole. 

But what self-publishing is teaching me is patience, with myself and the process of creating a beautiful book.  For example, I learned that it is OK to wait to see the printed proof before releasing it.  Shocker.  Now, that takes a great deal of patience, but seeing the hard copy will definitely diminish reposts of files.  At least that is the hope.  For the third book, I had my editor copy-edit it, but I had to go over Wolf Trek for a couple of hours, even after that and still found errors.  I know, I should hire a professional copy-editor, but I won't unless the books sell well enough to hire a professional.  The most ridiculous thing I realized is that my printed books needed a table of contents with page numbers; I didn't think about it until I ordered the hard copies of my books.  Why?  I was uber-focused on crafting Kindle books, and completely forgot about the table of contents in my first two paperback shorts.  Sigh.  Ironically, I am selling more printed books, even though the profits are way better on Kindle editions.  I have since then reposted The Long Walk and will repost La Bruja, once I get my own proof.

Now, the struggle is really getting margins down, so the printed text reaches the edges.  The templates Amazon offers aren't very useful for printed books, and no, I am not hiring someone to format my books.  NO! 

In short, I have to be compassionate and patient with myself when making all of these discoveries because I'm learning. 

That's all I've got.  I am about to put in 30 minutes into my novel draft The Harvest because I have to get my midterm grades done tonight.  You know, for that long novel, I definitely want to go through a traditional press.  I don't want to have to format it or copy edit it because I'll be 60 by the time I am done.  Revising it will give me enough gray hairs as is. 

In real life, after I am done teaching, I have a wonderful wedding to go to, and the pre-wedding festivities begin tomorrow.  I need to revise and practice the blessing and pack.  But, first, some much deserved writing time.

Be patient and compassionate with yourself.  Writing is hard enough as it is.  Anybody who says this life is easy is a horse's asshole.  #Resist