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IWSG March 2026

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This month’s question is about book launches. Right now, I’m focusing more on getting books out there, first. Then I’ll start some marketing stuff when I’ve got a few titles out there.

I’m a one-body shop, so it gets a little challenging to coordinate all the things. Right now, I’m finalizing my first fantasy book (Heralds of Change–April 15!). I’m using my son and his sibling to review my book cover design. No, they aren’t professional graphic artists, but they are honest about whether or not something artistic I make works for them (I’m not entirely sure that it’s a good thing, because it seems I failed on the “tact” part of delivering critiques, so we still have to work on that).

I am still working out the process and order of operations for self-pubbing. I will probably need to document instructions like an office admin for each step, down to how to access what on each website. BECAUSE EVERY MISTAKE AND TECHNICAL ERROR POSSIBLE, I HAVE DONE WITH THIS MANUSCRIPT!!!!

But I’m not upset. No. I’m fine.

Really.

Check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group to see what other writers are thinking about!

4 responses to “IWSG March 2026”

  1. jlennidorner Avatar
    jlennidorner

    Self publishing is definitely hard work. Ever see a gratitude page at the end of a “big 5” published author, where they thank a dozen editors, marketing people, designers, agent, support staff… and now you’re doing all those jobs. Gotta appreciate yourself.

    “What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore.” — Neil Gaiman

    J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge international blog hop

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  2. Ronel Janse van Vuuren Avatar
    Ronel Janse van Vuuren

    Being an indie author is the greatest job I’ve ever had — and the hardest. People don’t see all the work that goes on behind the scenes of getting a book published. As J said above: appreciate yourself. Create a document with a list of everything that needs to be done and how it needs to be done so you can check off tasks as you’ve completed them.

    Publishing tip: use Draft 2 Digital to publish your books. One dashboard, all the stores, and libraries! It’s easy to use and they don’t take a huge cut of your royalties. They also do print on demand for various places, including Bookshop.org which means your book can be in a local indie store.

    Good luck!

    Ronel visiting for IWSG day Like Herding Cats

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  3. Charlotte(MotherOwl) Avatar
    Charlotte(MotherOwl)

    Family is the toughest, best, most honest, but not always most tactful critics we’ve got. I don’t know anything on self-publishing, so no advice but good luck from me.

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  4. Cara Hartley Avatar
    Cara Hartley

    It’s tough to do the indie author thing, which is why I’m a hybrid author. Not sure I’m pulling that one off very well either.

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