Newsletter: September 2024 Edition
Welcome to the September 2024 edition of my newsletter. I’ve moved it back to Substack from Mailchimp, a platform I didn’t really enjoy using. So, here I am again on Substack. Hello! Subscribe to get the newsletter in your email inbox. Never miss an update. Subscribe today!
Not long ago, I read a great post on Jane Friedman’s website by author Denise Massar about her decision to self-publish her memoir after it died on submission. She had a dream of landing a “Big 5” book deal and she couldn’t fathom that her “manuscript would reach 50 editor inboxes and not find a publisher.” And I certainly understand her frustration. You would think out of 50 editors that at least one would offer her a deal. It just didn’t happen for a number of reasons.
She was dejected, but also couldn’t imagine self-publishing her memoir. It just seemed like the wrong path for her book. But what she didn’t realize at first was that there are so many paths to publication and self-publishing can be just as successful as a “Big 5” deal. With self-publishing, an author can learn about not only writing and editing a book, but designing and publishing a book. An author can work with a graphic designer to create a cover for an eBook as well as a print book. An author can learn how to create book layouts or work with a book designer. And an author can work with a distributor like Ingram and release their book through IngramSpark, Ingram’s self-publishing platform.
I’ve self-published eight books through my imprint Mutt Press (with a new book out March 2025). I’ve won seven book awards including a gold medal in the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards, considered one of the most prestigious book awards in independent publishing. But get this, after self-publishing these eight books, I was able to traditionally publish my ninth book The Codger and the Sparrow and I also landed a literary agent. I’m now a hybrid author who both self-publishes and traditionally publishes. Pretty cool in my book! You can check out my latest novel The Codger and the Sparrow on Bookshop, BookPeople, and Amazon. It’s an audiobook too on Audible and Libro.FM.
Read about Denise Massar’s book journey here: https://janefriedman.com/how-i-went-from-big-5-or-die-to-ecstatic-self-published-author/
Upcoming Events
I will be at the Boerne Book Festival as part of the Writers’ League of Texas “Obsessed with Texas” Panel Discussion on Saturday, October 5th, at 10:00 a.m., at Main Plaza. Join us as novelists Amanda Churchill, James Wade, and myself will talk about our latest books. Executive Director of the WLT, Becka Oliver, will moderate the panel. It’s FREE and RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1031396938558977/
Also, I will be hosting Evan Rail at BookPeople in Austin, Texas to celebrate The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Dangerous Spirit! This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP for your FREE ticket(s): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bookpeople-presents-evan-rail-the-absinthe-forger-tickets-1000962424557
Recent Author Interview
Speaking of Amanda Churchill. One of my recent Austin Lit Limits interviews is with the amazing AMANDA CHURCHILL! Her book, THE TURTLE HOUSE, is a moving and beautifully written family saga about the relationship between a prickly 73-year-old grandmother, Mineko, and her 25-year-old granddaughter, Lia. The Dallas Morning News declared, “Written with a genuine, aching tenderness that brings both Mineko and her journey to vibrant life.” It’s available in hardcover right now so buy your copy today! Watch the interview here:
https://austinlitilimits.com/episodes/episode-56-amanda-churchill.html
Buy THE TURTLE HOUSE on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/152/9780063290518
The Austin Liti Limits team is making a concerted effort to grow our viewership now that we’ve released over 100 author interviews and readings. Please like our videos on YouTube and subscribe to our channel so we can bring more interviews to your inbox. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQibsX2zypXAl41Ci4EpNig
You can also watch interviews on our website, Vimeo, and Lone Star Literary Life.
My Latest Book
I can’t sign off without mentioning the book I have out now The Codger and the Sparrow (Paperback from TCU Press, Audiobook from Vibrance Press). It’s a humorous yet moving story about a 65-year-old widower’s unusual friendship with a 16-year-old troublemaker. You can buy your copy here: Bookshop, BookPeople, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo Books, and TCU Press (publisher). Audiobook here: Audible, Libro.FM, Apple Books, Amazon, Nook, and Vibrance Press (publisher).
Please consider supporting this newsletter by buying one of the books I mentioned or one of my own books. Until next time, read more books, support your local bookstores, be good to each other, and above all else: please vote this fall.
Sincerely,
Scott
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