#Lauren Ranalli

[nanowrimo]

Which Publishing Option is Best for You?

Now that our NaNoWriMo marathon is over and our adrenaline may be wearing off, what’s next? We have NaNo Guest Lauren Ranalli sharing her wisdom about publishing.

Do you have an idea for a book that has been rolling around in your mind? Is there a story that keeps popping into your head when you take a walk, drive your car, or get in the shower? So many of us have great ideas for writing a book! And most of us don’t know where to start… I sat of my first book idea for almost 8 years because I didn’t know where to begin. 

If you’re looking to publish a book, there are typically 2 routes you can take: Traditional Publishing and Self-Publishing. 

Benefits of Traditional Publishing. 

Becoming a published author through a traditional publishing house has its benefits. Your book can show up in every Barnes and Noble around the country. You may get a paid advance for your work. And you might have someone coordinate your book tour. All good things!

It’s a great option for many talented writers, especially if you are willing to put in 3 or more years of effort to see your book on the shelf. Traditional publishing may involve 1-2 years to find an agent and a publisher, and then another 2 years before the final book is released. 

Here’s a little secret about me: I am not a patient person. 

Benefits of Self-Publishing:  

First, let’s clear up a misconception: Self-publishing is not the default for authors who could not find a publisher. Far from it! Self-publishing is an active, creative decision. And it’s the decision that was best for me. If you are an author considering your publishing options, here are a few benefits that I have found from the indie publishing or self-publishing world.

1. You set the timeline. 

I love that I can sketch out an idea in my notebook and, within the year, there will be a final book in print to have, hold, and read aloud! Now, don’t get me wrong, there are about 200 steps that happen between the notebook and the final product, but it’s on my own timeline. And with some determination, I can make it happen. My last book, “Let’s Meet on the Moon” went from concept to final print in 8 months. And I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

2. You choose your costs.

Every author needs a budget. As a self-published author, you do need to put in some up-front costs, which can be challenging. But you can also choose where and how to allocate those costs. For example, I chose not to hire an agent. And I was able to do a review swap with an editor, eliminating that initial expense. I researched the printer that is the best fit for my work and gives me a price point that allows me to make a profit on each sale. I can then re-purpose those funds into strategic marketing options that engage readers across the country. And all those choices allowed me to do $10,000 in sales during the first 3 months of my very first book launch.

3. If you are a children’s book author, you choose the illustrator. 

When I was first researching publishing options, it became clear that, as a newer author, a traditional publisher would pair me with one of their own illustrators. That could have been a great option! But it was also clear that in the traditional setup, authors and illustrators work mostly independently, and there is not always an opportunity for true collaboration. I knew that I wanted to work with Emily Siwek, an amazing local illustrator. And so I got to make that decision and am happy that I did. 

4. Good news! 

As an indie author, you can still get your book into Barnes and Noble, go on a book tour, and have readers across the country fall in love with your work. It may just take a little more elbow grease on your part, but it’s definitely doable- and can be incredibly exciting!

Lauren Ranalli is an award-winning self-published children’s book author, the Director of Marketing and Communications for an international non-profit, and the mom of two high-spirited children. Visit her on Instagram at @lauren.ranalli_author or at www.laurenranalli.com to receive 2 FREE resources, Finding Social Media Success, and Daily Marketing Strategies for Authors. 

Top Photo by Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash  

#nanowrimo #nano #writing #publishing #Lauren Ranalli #nano guest #author

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How to write a PB webinar (with Lauren Ranalli) from Impact Animated Videos on Vimeo.

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[rabbittstewcomics]

Episode 272

Comics Reviews:

Sweet Tooth: The Return 1 by Jeff Lemire, Jose Villarrubia

Tales From the Dark Multiverse: Batman - Hush by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dexter Soy, Sergio Fernando Davila, Matt Santorelli, Ivan Plascencia

Victor and Nora: A Gotham Love Story by Lauren Myracle, Isaac Goodhart

USAgent 1 by Christopher Priest, Georges Jeanty, Karl Story, Matt Milla

Web of Venom: Empyre's End by Clay McLeod Chapman, Guiu Villanova, Frank D'Armata

Wolverine: Black, White, and Blood 1 by Gerry Duggan, Matthew Rosenberg, Declan Shalvey, Joshua Cassara, Adam Kubert, Frank Martin

Crossover 1 by Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe, John J. Hill

Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons 1 by Jody Houser, Jim Zub, Diego Galindo, MSASSYK, Nate Piekos

Red Atlantis 1 by Stephanie Phillips, Robert Carey, Rosh Kurichiyanil

Origins 1 by Clay McLeod Chapman, Jakub Rebelka, Patricio Delpeche, Lee Krieger, Joseph Oxford, Arash Amel

Mighty Morphin 1 by Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Walter Baiamonte, Katia Ranalli

Happy Hour 1 by Peter Milligan, Michael Montenat, Felipe Sobreiro

Year Zero Volume 2 1 by Benjamin Percy, Juan Jose Ryp, Frank Martin

Angela Della Morte Volume 2 1 by Salvador Sanz

TMNT: Jennika II 1 by Brahm Revel

Star Wars Adventures: Shadow of Vader's Castle 1 by Cavan Scott, Francesco Francavilla, Derek Charm, Nicoletta Baldari, Nick Brokenshire

Additional Reviews: Swamp Thing TV, Walking Dead, Negan Lives, Walking Dead: The Alien, Onward

Ray Asks a Question, greatest mystery in Star Trek history, collection dilemma

News: Omninews, Depp out of Fantastic Beasts, Last Stories of DC Universe creative teams, Waid on Superman

Trailer: Star Wars Holiday Special

Comics Countdown:

Thor 9 by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matt Wilson

Hellblazer: Rise and Fall 2 by Tom Taylor, Darick Robertson, Diego Rodriguez

Sweet Tooth: The Return 1 by Jeff Lemire, Jose Villarrubia

Crossover 1 by Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe, John J. Hill

Black Widow 3 by Kelly Thompson, Elena Casagrande, Jordie Bellaire

Goddamned: Virgin Brides 4 by Jason Aaron, R.M. Guera, Giulia Brusco

Money Shot 10 by Tim Seeley, Sarah Beattie, Rebekah Isaacs, Kurt Michael Russell

DCeased: Dead Planet 5 by Tom Taylor, Trevor Hairsine, Gigi Baldassini, Rain Beredo

Avengers 38 by Jason Aaron, Ed McGuinness, Mark Morales, Jason Keith

Batman 102 by James Tynion IV, Carlo Pagulayan, Carlos D'Anda, Danny Miki, David Baron

Check out this episode!

#comics #podcast #podernfamily #rabbittstew